It is a great idea to have a basic spice mix in your kitchen to make a quick weeknight dinner, and it can change dull meat or vegetables into something that you will love, and it can keep you from getting bored.
Since I lived in south Louisiana for the last 16 years, I knew Homemade Cajun Seasoning had to be on my list of simple spice blends.
Apronese think that using this spice blend will add serious flavor anywhere you put it because it is spicy, smoky, full of savory herbs, and a great addition to any dish that you prepare.
See how versatile this seasoning blend is in the following paragraphs so that you can see how you can use it.
Cajun Seasoning: How to Use It
It is hard to believe how versatile this Cajun seasoning blend is! Try using it on the following:
In fact, you can almost add it to anything because it’s a fantastic all-purpose blend.
You can check out how I made this one-pot creamy cajun chicken pasta with it in my one-pot recipe here.
The same blend I use to make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet, Blackened Shrimp Tacos, Blackened Shrimp Pasta, and Cajun Cabbage and Noodles is also a variation of this blend.
Cajun Seasoning from a Store Vs. Homemade
So when should you mix up your own spice blend vs. buying a pre-mixed bottle from the store? Imho, if it’s something you don’t use often (less than 2-3 times per month), I don’t suggest buying a bottle pre-mixed.
It’s much better to mix it up yourself, as needed, so the remainder doesn’t go to waste.
My preference is to purchase pre-mixed blends, except in the case of things like spices that I use on a regular basis and I am more likely to do so simply because I am more confident their quality is going to be up to my standards and I don’t have to measure out 6-8 spices every time I need them.
Content of Salt
I would also like to point out that the salt content is one of the most important things to consider when comparing store bought cajun seasoning with this homemade version.
Some of the seasonings that I find in store are quite salty. In my opinion, they are more of a seasoning salt than anything else, and I usually use them as a garnish at dinner or afterward.
My homemade blend is much lower in salt, so it can be liberally sprinkled liberally on food during the cooking process without oversalting it.
It contains just enough salt to help the flavors to emerge.
How spicy is Cajun Seasoning?
It is traditionally yes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be.
Since you are making your Cajun Seasoning from fresh (not frozen or canned) you can control how spicy this blend is based on your preference.
Whether you like yours spicy or mild, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
Cajun Seasoning Made at Home
You can add this homemade cajun seasoning to your meat, vegetables, beans, pasta, macaroni, and so much more to add tons of flavor to your meat, vegetables, beans, and more.
Author: Beth
Prep Time: 5 mins/ Total Time: 5 mins
Servings: 1 recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tsp smoked paprika ($0.20)
- 1 tsp oregano ($0.10)
- 1 tsp thyme ($0.10)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder ($0.05)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
Instructions
- Using all the ingredients together, combine and use immediately to season food for the best flavor, or store in an airtight container away from sunlight, until needed for usage.
*The seasoning has a moderate amount of heat. The amount of heat can be controlled by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Nutritional
Serving: 2 Tbsp ・ Calories: 7.75 kcal ・ Carbohydrates: 1.65 g ・ Protein: 0.25 g ・ Fat: 0.1 g ・ Sodium: 415.9 mg ・ Fiber: 0.35 g
The nutritional values shown here are only estimates. Please see our nutrition disclaimer .
This recipe is so simple, so easy, and so quick. Hopefully this cajun recipe will bring you delicious spices to your dishes.
If you have any other good recipes, remember to share them with Apronese and everyone you know.
