Cajun Seasoning

Cajun Seasoning to Taste

The great thing about making your own homemade cajun seasoning is that you can control the heat and the sodium, simply by adjusting the cayenne pepper and the salt to taste. It’s also handy if you are ready to make a recipe but you are out of your go-to store-bought option. You will likely have most of the ingredients ready in your pantry! Plus, if you buy spices in bulk this is a great inexpensive option. You’ll find it has the perfect blend of sweet and vibrant spices and flavor-enhancing herbs for southern cuisines like Caribbean (hello, Jamaican Jerk Chicken!) and Creole. It’s easy enough it can be thrown together in minutes so you might as well try it out. Homemade spice blends are such a great way to go!

Cajun Seasoning Recipe Ingredients

2 Tbsp paprika 1 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder 1 Tbsp dried oregano 1 Tbsp onion powder 2 tsp dried thyme 2 tsp salt, or to taste 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 – 2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste for heat

How to Make Cajun Seasoning

Simply mix all spices in a bowl. Store in a jar or other airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 year.

Ways to Use Cajun Seasoning

Sprinkle over fish, shrimp, steak, pork, or chicken, and pan sear or grill to cook through. Use as Jamaican Jerk Seasoning as a marinade or dry rub. Toss with chopped vegetables and roast in the oven. Potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, and squash are great options. Stir into soups. Add to a seafood boil. Mix this seasoning blend with broth or olive oil and brown sugar to marinate meats (it’s a fantastic jerk marinade when you’re daydreaming about Jamaica).

Tips and Variations

If you like a smoky kick, you can use 1 tablespoon of the standard sweet Hungarian paprika and 1 Tbsp smoked paprika. For another layer of flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of chili powder, teaspoons worth of cinnamon, or a dash of ground nutmeg! If you want to use this for spicy Latin dishes, add a small amount of finely chopped habanero and lime juice.

How to Organize Spices

On a different note if you are looking to reorganize your spices I highly recommend a spice drawer. It’s super convenient and makes finding the specific spice that you need a breeze. I have these spice jars with labels, and these spice racks for the drawers.