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Master the perfect Cajun Seasoning Recipe and bring New Orleans flavor right to your kitchen! This bold, spicy blend combines classic pantry staples into a versatile seasoning that transforms everything from chicken and shrimp to roasted vegetables. Ready in minutes and more flavorful than store-bought versions, this homemade mix lets you control the heat level while skipping the fillers and preservatives. Whether you're blackening fish, seasoning jambalaya, or spicing up your favorite proteins, this authentic Cajun blend delivers that signature Louisiana kick in every shake!
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In This Post
Why You'll Love This Cajun Seasoning Recipe
- Budget-Friendly and Better Than Store-Bought: Skip those expensive pre-made spice blends! Making your own Cajun seasoning costs just pennies per batch using spices you already have in your pantry. Plus, you'll avoid the fillers, anti-caking agents, and hidden carbs found in commercial blends while getting fresher, more vibrant flavor.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Control the heat level and adjust the flavors to your family's preferences! Whether you want to dial back the cayenne for milder palates or amp up the garlic for extra punch, this versatile blend lets you create your perfect seasoning mix. No more compromising between too hot and too bland.
- Quick Solution for Flavorful Meals: Transform simple ingredients into exciting dishes in seconds! Whether you're spicing up chicken breasts, roasting vegetables, or creating a quick blackened fish, this seasoning blend is your shortcut to restaurant-worthy flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need to add instant flavor to any dish.
Cajun Seasoning Recipe: Bring Louisiana Heat to Your Kitchen! 🌶️
Master the perfect Cajun Seasoning Recipe and transform your everyday meals into bold, flavorful dishes! This authentic blend combines classic pantry staples into a versatile seasoning that adds Louisiana flair to everything from blackened fish to roasted vegetables. Ready in minutes and more flavorful than store-bought versions, this money-saving mix lets you control the heat while skipping the fillers and preservatives.
For those of you navigating the low-carb lifestyle and wondering how to keep your meals exciting, homemade spice blends are about to become your new best friend! As someone who gets countless emails asking how to make keto-friendly meals the whole family will love, I can't stress enough how game-changing a good spice blend can be.
This Cajun seasoning blend, with its rich Louisiana heritage dating back to French-speaking Acadian settlers, brings together influences from African and Native American cuisines. While Cajun food is famous for its heat, making your own blend means you control the spice level - perfect for families with different heat preferences!
What makes this homemade version special? First, it's incredibly budget-friendly. Penny for penny, making your own spice blends saves serious money compared to store-bought versions. Plus, you know exactly what's in it - no hidden carbs, no mysterious ingredients you can't pronounce, just pure, clean flavors that are naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
It's my secret weapon for those nights when meal planning goes out the window. Got some chicken in the fridge? A piece of fish? Even plain vegetables? A sprinkle of this seasoning turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes. My husband loves it so much, he asks for it on literally everything!
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🥘Cajun Seasoning Ingredient Notes
Here, I explain the best ingredients for my Cajun Seasoning recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Paprika: Creates the foundation and signature color of Cajun seasoning. Substitution: Smoked paprika adds extra depth but will change the traditional flavor profile.
- Pink Salt: Enhances all the flavors while providing essential minerals. Substitution: Regular sea salt works but lacks the mineral benefits.
- Garlic Powder: Provides that essential savory base note. Substitution: Granulated garlic can be used but may need slight measurement adjustment.
- Black and White Pepper: Using both creates a complex, well-rounded heat. Substitution: Can use all black pepper if white isn't available, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Onion Powder: Adds depth and rounds out the garlic flavor. Substitution: Granulated onion works, too; adjust the amount accordingly.
- Dried Herbs (Oregano, Basil, Thyme): Brings traditional Louisiana flavor and aroma. Substitution: Use Italian seasoning in a pinch, but individual herbs give better control over flavor.
- Cayenne: Provides the signature Cajun heat. Substitution: Adjust the amount for the desired heat level or use ground chipotle for smoky heat.
The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.
Storing Your Cajun Seasoning
Storage Instructions:
- Container Selection:
- Use an airtight glass spice jar or container
- Dark-colored containers help protect spices from light
- Make sure the container is completely clean and dry
- Avoid plastic containers, which can retain odors
- Optimal Storage Conditions:
- Keep in a cool, dry place
- Away from direct sunlight
- Away from heat sources (stove, oven, microwave)
- Away from steam or moisture
- Avoid refrigeration (can cause condensation)
- Storage Duration:
- Keeps fresh for up to 1 year when properly stored
- Best flavor in first 6 months
- Label the container with the date made
- Check periodically for:
- Clumping (sign of moisture)
- Loss of aroma
- Color changes
Pro Tips:
- Make smaller batches more frequently for the best flavor
- Store away from strong-smelling spices
- Shake the container occasionally to prevent settling
- Never use wet spoons to measure
- Consider storing frequently used portions in a smaller jar
- Keep bulk portion sealed separately
💭My Recipe Tips
1. Perfect Measurements: Use level tablespoons and teaspoons for accurate measurements. Spices can be potent, and proper ratios ensure a balanced flavor. Use a butter knife to level off each spoonful.
2. Quality Matters: Check the freshness of your individual spices before mixing. Old or stale spices can ruin your blend. If any spices smell weak or dusty, replace them before making your blend.
3. Mixing Method: Mix in a bowl large enough to allow thorough blending without spilling. Use a whisk or fork to break up any clumps, especially in powdered spices like garlic and onion powder.
4. Testing Your Blend: Before making a full batch, mix a small portion and taste test it (mix a tiny bit with olive oil and try on a piece of bread). This lets you adjust heat levels or other seasonings to your preference.
5. Storage Prep: Make sure your storage container is completely dry - any moisture can cause clumping and potentially mold. Consider using a food-safe desiccant packet if you live in a humid climate.
6. Customization Strategy: Start with less cayenne if you're unsure about heat level - you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's mixed in.
7. Scaling Tips: If doubling or halving the recipe, write out all measurements first rather than trying to calculate as you go. This prevents errors in ratios.
FAQ about this Cajun Seasoning Recipe
With one tablespoon of cayenne, this blend has a medium heat level. The beauty of making it yourself is you can adjust the cayenne amount - start with less if you prefer mild, or add more for an extra kick. Remember, you can always add heat, but you can't take it away!
When stored properly in an airtight container away from heat and light, this blend stays fresh up to a year. However, for the best flavor, try to use it within 6 months.
Start with about 1-2 teaspoons per pound of meat or vegetables. You can always add more to taste (I use 1 tablespoon per pound). For blackening, use more liberally to create a good crust.
🍽️Serving Suggestions
Proteins & Main Dishes
Transform your everyday proteins into Cajun-inspired masterpieces! This seasoning creates perfectly blackened fish or shrimp, adds zest to chicken breasts, and turns simple pork chops into something special. For a show-stopping dinner, use it to season a prime rib roast or add Southern flair to your favorite low-carb jambalaya recipe.
Vegetable Creations
Take your vegetables from boring to bold with a sprinkle of this Cajun blend. Roasted cauliflower becomes a revelation, while sautéed green beans get a spicy makeover. Create flavorful side dishes by seasoning mushrooms and Brussels sprouts, or transform plain cauliflower rice into a New Orleans-style treat.
Creative Applications
Think beyond traditional uses and get creative in the kitchen. Season your morning scrambled eggs, spice up homemade keto crackers, or create compound butter by mixing it into softened butter. It's fantastic stirred into cream cheese for a quick spread or added to your favorite dips for an extra kick.
Signature Sauces
Create quick, flavorful sauces that elevate any meal. Mix into mayonnaise for a spicy aioli, blend with sour cream for a quick dip, or create a low-carb remoulade sauce. A Cajun butter sauce can transform simple seafood into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes.
Party Perfect
Make your next gathering memorable with Cajun-spiced party foods. Season nuts for a quick appetizer, create spicy deviled eggs, or add it to your favorite keto-friendly snacks. It's the perfect way to bring Louisiana flavor to your entertainment menu without compromising on carbs.
More Delicious Cajun-Inspired Recipes...
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp pink salt
- 2 tbsp organic garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp organic onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp organic ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until combined.
- Seal in an airtight container or spice jar.
- It can be stored for up to 1 year.
Notes
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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Anonymous
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