This homemade Cajun Seasoning recipe is the perfect blend of zesty, spicy, savory flavors that are sure to kick any dish up a delicious notch.
Do you guys have a jar of Cajun seasoning in your spice drawer right now?
If not, grab your measuring spoons and let’s make a quick batch homemade! Cajun seasoning has long been one of my go-to faves for amping up everything from chicken to seafood, veggies to potatoes, soups to stir-frys, dips to dippers, roasting in the oven or on the grill — you name it. It’s one of those brilliant spice blends that works well with just about everything. And this particular bold, zesty, and homemade Cajun seasoning blend is my all-time fave.
It only takes a few minutes to make, and I bet you already have the ingredients in your spice drawer.
Let’s do it!
Cajun Seasoning Recipe | 1-Minute Video
What Is Cajun Seasoning?
Alright but first, let’s back up a sec. Exactly what is Cajun seasoning, you might ask? It’s a rustic seasoning blend that hails from Louisiana, the home of delicious Cajun cuisine. Everyone tends to have their own spin on it, but in general, it’s a spicy blend featuring lots of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper and oregano. Various other seasonings can be added to taste. I’ve also included salt in my blend, so that you can use the seasoning on its own. But you’re welcome to leave the salt out if you would prefer to add it separately to taste.
Cajun Seasoning Ingredients:
My homemade Cajun seasoning recipe calls for:
- paprika (I prefer using smoked paprika)
- kosher salt
- garlic powder
- ground black pepper
- ground white pepper
- onion powder
- dried oregano
- cayenne
- thyme
How To Make Cajun Seasoning:
To make Cajun seasoning, simply mix all of the spices up in a jar and cover with a lid. Then the seasoning blend should keep for up to 1 year.
How To Use Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
Stay tuned, because I have a yummy new Cajun recipe coming on the blog tomorrow, which would be a fantastic way to take this seasoning for a first test run. I also regularly use it to season everything from jambalaya to roasted sheet pan dinners to stir-frys, soups, kabobs and more. It especially pairs well with:
- Proteins: Chicken, fish, shellfish, pork, steak and tofu.
- Veggies: Especially roasted or in stir-fries. Also, Cajun seasoning is fantastic on all kinds of potatoes (baked, roasted, fries, etc
- Dips: It’s delicious stirred into everything from hummus, queso, spinach artichoke dip…even guacamole!
- Breads and crackers: It’s delicious sprinkled onto flatbread, pita chips, or various other kinds of breads.
A few particular recipes I would recommend include:
- Jambalaya
- Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Casserole
- Jambalaya Soup
- The BEST Stovetop Mac and Cheese (stir in an extra tablespoon or two!)
Have fun, play around with this seasoning, and I bet you’ll discover some new faves of your own! Enjoy!
Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika (I prefer smoked paprika)
- 2 tablespoons fine kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cayenne
- 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or spice jar until evenly combined.
- Use immediately, or store in a sealed container for up to 1 year.
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Can you turn this Cajun rub into a blacken rub for reddish or similar.
Since the blogger doesn’t appear to reply to questions or comments, I’ll try to help.
Blackened and Cajun seasonings are similar but different, bc blackened seasoning generally contains more herbs.
I’d suggest to Google blackened seasoning and then Cajun seasoning. Every interpretation is different, so you may find some recipes that are almost exactly the same, or only have a couple minor variations.
At the end of the day, I’m no chef, but blackened seasoning is specifically made for the end result, which is a deep coloring or char on the protein that you wouldn’t typically seek with another seasoning blend (Cajun included).
I know this response is a year late, but I’m just now reading your comment.
I hope you’ve figured it out by now and this reply helps someone else new to this site.
I’ve been making this spice blend for a few years now and it is above and beyond store bought Cajun seasoning! I double the recipe and jar it to use on not only Cajun/Jambalaya recipes but also as a spice rub for chicken thighs and pork chops. Yummmm
used it to make cajun chicken for chicken caesar wraps – whole family loved it! Thanks for the recipe.
Love this recipe
Thank you for posting, I used it in a recipe that required cajun seasoning and it did the trick.
Thank you so much for this recipe, I have used this a few times to keep in my pantry! I hate buying premade spice packets. Heaven knows how much longer have they been sitting around!
Very authentic
Great recipe, thank you !
I coated some pork tenderloins and seared them. They turned out great.
Some of my friends and family don’t like spicy (hot) food so I make the seasoning with just a pinch of cayenne then put a small bowl of cayenne on the side.
Do I HAVE to include white pepper? Can I skip that ingredient?