Make your very own homemade Cajun Spice Seasoning in just a few minutes with easy everyday pantry spices. This is a salt-free version so you can control the amount of sodium/salt that goes into your dish or meal. It is full of great depth of flavor and a kick of heat to enhance any recipe you add this blend to!
CAJUN SPICE SEASONING
Married to a native Louisianan, I’m no stranger to Cajun food. We’ve eaten tons of it for years and there is no better place to eat authentic Cajun food than in Louisiana. But even before I met my husband 18 years ago, my mom made Cajun-inspired dishes as well growing up. In fact, classic Red Beans & Rice was one of my favorite meals she made. I even have a version in my cookbook.
I wanted to share my homemade Cajun Spice Seasoning with you all here to use in any recipes where that flavor is called for or desired. This recipe is actually in my cookbook already, but wanted to include it here to reference recipes going forward.
Most store versions have added salt or preservatives which can really make some dishes turn out way too salty. So, my version is salt-free so that a good amount of the spice can be added to dishes for optimal flavor, without that overly salty bite.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
- Regular paprika (not smoked or hot)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
Mix everything into a bowl with a whisk until well mixed or add the spices to a jar with a lid and shake vigorously until combined.
WAYS TO USE THIS CAJUN SEASONING
Sub within any recipe calling for Cajun seasoning, but keep in mind, since mine has no added salt, you will need to adjust the salt level accordingly.
MORE HOMEMADE SPICE SEASONING RECIPES
- Homemade Chili Powder Recipe
- Golden Mix Spice Mix
- Gingerbread Spice Mix
- Italian Seasoning
- Curry Powder
- Chai Spice Blend
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend (There is one featured in my cookbook, but my more current favorite is this one)
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If you make this recipe, be sure to leave feedback below and share your pic on Instagram or Facebook and tag me @thevegan8 #thevegan8!
Cajun Spice Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons regular paprika (not smoked or hot)
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (use 1 1/2 for a milder heat)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk very well. Alternatively, add them to a small jar with a fitted lid and shake vigorously until well combined.
I made this spice blend but it doesn’t taste like what I’m used to. I buy Cajun spice blend at the store but this just doesn’t taste right. Why does it not taste right??
Because it does not have added salt like the store blends. Salt is what brings out other flavors. It is meant to be used in my recipes that call for salt separately. If you add salt, it will taste correct. It is the same exact cajun spices minus the salt.
Hi I made it I put it on everything I season my fish,chicken,steaks before I freeze it so after it thaws it’s ready to cook great recipe thanks
So glad to hear you love the seasoning Joe, thank you!
Hi I made it I put it on everything I season my fish,chicken,steaks before I freeze it so after it thaws it’s ready to cook great recipe thanks
Omg I absolutely love it. The salt free was a great ides for my elderly parents I’m taking care of right now. If you want to go all out and try our Cajun seasoning with a little salt, try out our texapeno seasoning. It’s even awesome on pizza and burgers, in chili and gumbo also.
Hi! This recipe looks great and I agree about store bought spice mixes… I can’t use the amount I want to get the spice level I like, without it being too salty. I’m not very familiar with Cajun cooking so quick question: why can’t I use smoked paprika for the spice mix? I have everything in the list except for regular paprika.
Smoked paprika is very strong and potent, so if you want to use it, just use half the amount!
I made this tonight and it was just amazing and so simple! I had about a 1/2 cup of black beans left in the fridge to I threw them in as well. My husband just loved it. Perfect dinner for two with a little left over. I can’t wait to make it again. Thanks so much Brandi!
Easy-peasy to make and INCREDIBLY flavorful! Thanks, Brandi!
This is such a delicious spice. You to me on Cajun, geez.
haha, so glad you like the blend!
I love your cookbook & use it often. Could you possibly develop a recipe for Apple Pie Spice? It is becoming very difficuot to locate, & my husband & I love it on our morning oats.
Hi Linda! Funny you ask, because I’m posting it next week, haha!!
Ben recipe. Outstanding none better
Thank you so much Ben, so happy you loved this recipe! I love that you called this a “Ben recipe” haha.