Want to add a spicy kick to any dish? This Cajun seasoning is your secret weapon! It's a versatile blend of common spices perfect for meats, seafood, soups, gumbos, and more. I've making this for over 15 years.
Mike's Recipe Highlights
I've been making this Cajun seasoning blend for 15 years and counting, ever since I visited Louisiana. This is the recipe I swear by, and I'll show you how you can make it your own.
I've included an ingredient chart that you can refer to for commonly used ingredients.
My very favorite seasoning blend in the world is a good Cajun seasoning. If you scroll through the recipes on this site, as well as thumb through the several cookbooks I’ve written, you’ll find “Cajun Seasonings” in the ingredients quite often.
Featured Reader Comment
From Tammy: "I mixed this up to use in your shrimp gumbo recipe and it gets a big thumbs up! I used half the cayenne & salt for preference, and it made the gumbo perfectly seasoned, nicely spicy, but not too hot."
What is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices originally from Louisiana, made popular by the wonderful flavor of Cajun cuisine. You'll find many variations, though typical ingredients focus on paprika and cayenne, along with garlic, onion, salt and a potential slew of other ingredients, like dried herbs and spices.
That is the beauty of Cajun seasoning, really. No two people make it exactly the same, though you will find many commonalities.
Cajun seasoning came about with southern Cajun cooking, as the Cajuns in Louisiana would eat a lot of game meat, including swamp critters that had some pretty tough flavor. They would highly season their food with bold ingredients to make it more palatable.
This is why I personally love a good Cajun spice blend, for that wonderfully bold flavor. It is perfect for Cajun chicken, Cajun shrimp, whatever you're cooking.
Let's talk about how to make Cajun seasoning at home, shall we?
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 1/25/23 to include new information and video. It was originally published on 1/8/18.
Recipe Ingredients
What's in Cajun Seasoning? After a poll of New Orleans cooks and chefs and researching numerous Cajun seasoning recipes, I've found the common ingredients to ALL of these recipes include the following ingredients:
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
The next most common is Cayenne. After that we have Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Thyme, and then the ingredients start to thin out from person to person and include Cumin, Coriander, White Pepper, Basil and Celery Salt.
This doesn’t mean you can’t include other ingredients, such as dried lemon peel, to make your Cajun seasoning special. It’s what I call “The Secret Ingredient” factor. Do I have a secret ingredient? Sure! I’ll even tell you what it is.
Ghost Pepper Powder.
This is for those who prefer some extra heat. Cajun cuisine isn't known for being "hot", but rather "spicy", though I do love a nice hot/spicy kick.
I’ve created a graphic that you can refer to for making your own Cajun Seasoning blend. Let's take a look at some of the common spices.
How to Make Cajun Seasoning - the Recipe Method
- Measure out and combine your ingredients in a small bowl.
- Sift them together until they are well mixed.
DONE. You now have your own Cajun Seasoning blend. Easy enough to make, right?
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Experiment and Adjust. Adjust your ingredient ratios to make this Cajun seasoning your own. Not enough heat? Add more cayenne pepper. Or ghost powder! Want smokiness? Add smoked paprika. Need more salt? Red pepper flakes? Add it in.
- Salt-Free Cajun Spices. Skip the salt when you make a batch for a salt-free version. You can always add salt at the time of cooking.
Storage Instructions
- Storage. Keep Cajun seasoning sealed in stored in an airtight jar or container. I store them in a dark cupboard. A spice drawer is good. It will keep your spice mix longer. It's the perfect blend.
- How Long Does Cajun Seasoning Last? Cajun seasoning will say fresh for 3 months, and will then begin to lose potency, and should not be kept for more than 1 year. It is better to make smaller batches as you need them, depending on how often you use them and cook with them.
Let me know how yours turns out, and what secret ingredients makes yours stand out! I look forward to hearing from you.
-- Mike Hultquist - Author of "The Spicy Dehydrator Cookbook" and "The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook".
How To Use Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is essential for making Louisiana style gumbos and other Cajun dishes, but it is super versatile and can be used to season any meats and seafood, vegetables, and so much more.
Try it with some of my favorite recipes:
If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne powder (optional, for spicy)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder (or use granulated onion)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (or use granulated garlic)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste - omit for a salt-free version)
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Store in airtight containers.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Brenda says
This is a fantastic seasoning for my Conecuh sausage red beans and rice recipe. I made this recipe and got a really generous amount of seasoning. I found that is AMAZING when I make a (Ronco) rotisserie chicken. Matter of fact, it's great on so many things! Thanks for this blend, I love it!
Mike Hultquist says
Great!! Thanks, Brenda! This is my go-to for sure.
Steve says
Thanks for sharing this Mike. You gave the tools to help me figure out how to put together about the best Cajun seasoning I've ever had. This was a time consuming effort but turned out to be well worth it!
Mike H. says
I am very pleased to read your review, Steve. Thank you!
Lynn beam says
What a wonderful way to wake up to this creole seasoning and I might add that I love New Orleans. Their coffee isn’t bad either so I have all the ingredients and this afternoon. I’ll put them all together and I do have some shrimp and what a treat.
Mike H. says
Good morning, Lynn! =) Enjoy!