This 5-Minute Homemade Cajun Seasoning is one of those little pantry recipes I always like having ready. It’s smoky, savory, a little spicy, and so easy to mix together with basic spices you probably already have in your kitchen.
I love making seasoning blends at home because I can control the salt, adjust the heat, and make the flavor exactly how I like it. Store-bought Cajun seasoning can be delicious, but some blends are very salty or include added sugar, so homemade is such an easy option when you want more control.
Use this Cajun seasoning for chicken, shrimp, beef, salmon, roasted vegetables, cabbage skillets, soups, dips, and marinades. It takes about 5 minutes to make, keeps well in a jar, and adds big flavor to so many easy weeknight meals.
Why I Like Making Cajun Seasoning at Home
- Ready in 5 minutes – Just measure, mix, and store. That’s it.
- Easy to adjust – Make it smokier, spicier, saltier, or more garlicky depending on what you like.
- No hidden sugar – Homemade seasoning lets you control exactly what goes into the jar.
- Works on almost everything – I use it on chicken, shrimp, salmon, beef, roasted vegetables, cabbage skillets, and even dips.
- Better than running to the store – If a recipe calls for Cajun seasoning and you don’t have any, this blend is quick and so much easier than buying another jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Smoked paprika – This gives the seasoning its smoky flavor and beautiful color. Regular paprika also works, but smoked paprika makes the blend taste deeper and more flavorful.
Garlic powder and onion powder – These are the base of the seasoning and make it savory enough to use on chicken, shrimp, beef, vegetables, and skillet meals.
Dried oregano and dried thyme – These herbs add that classic Cajun-style flavor and help balance the smokiness and heat.
Cayenne pepper – This is what gives the seasoning its spicy kick. Use less if you want a mild blend, or add more if you like it hotter.
Black pepper and white pepper – I like using both because they add warmth and a little extra depth. If you don’t have white pepper, you can use more black pepper.
Salt – Salt brings everything together, but you can reduce it if you prefer a lower-sodium Cajun seasoning. If you’re using this blend in recipes that already include salty ingredients, start with less and adjust to taste.
How To Make Cajun Seasoning
Making homemade Cajun seasoning is as easy as measuring, mixing, and storing. I like to make a small jar at a time so it’s ready whenever I’m cooking chicken, shrimp, beef, roasted vegetables, or a quick skillet dinner.
Start by adding all the spices to a small bowl or shallow plate. Stir everything together until the blend looks evenly mixed and there are no little clumps of paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne.
Transfer the Cajun seasoning to a clean, dry glass jar or spice container and close it tightly with a lid. Store it in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or spice drawer.
It will keep for up to 1 year, but for the best flavor, I like using it within 6 months, while the spices still taste fresh and bold.
How To Use Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is one of those spice blends that works on so many simple foods. It adds smoky, garlicky, slightly spicy flavor without needing a long list of extra ingredients.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Chicken, shrimp, salmon, beef, pork, or tofu – Rub it directly onto the protein before cooking, or mix it with a little olive oil to make a quick marinade.
- Roasted vegetables – Sprinkle it over cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or cabbage before roasting.
- Skillet meals – Use it in quick dinners like Cajun chicken, shrimp skillets, beef and cabbage, or stir-fries.
- Soups and stews – Add a little to broth-based soups, creamy soups, or bean-style soups for extra flavor.
- Dips and sauces – Stir a pinch into guacamole, hummus, sour cream dip, yogurt sauce, or creamy Cajun sauce.
- Snacks and sides – Sprinkle it over popcorn, roasted nuts, seed crackers, deviled eggs, or homemade fries.
Start with a small amount, then add more to taste. Cajun seasoning can be salty and spicy depending on the blend, so it’s always easier to add more than to fix a dish that became too salty or too hot.
Best Substitute for Cajun Seasoning
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, the closest substitute is Creole seasoning. The flavor is similar, although Creole seasoning is usually a little more herb-forward and sometimes milder.
You can also use blackened seasoning if you have it. It has a similar smoky, spicy flavor and works well on chicken, fish, shrimp, and vegetables.
Adobo seasoning can work in a pinch, but the flavor is different. It usually has garlic, oregano, and sometimes cumin or turmeric, so it won’t taste exactly like Cajun seasoning, but it can still add good flavor to meats and vegetables.
For the easiest homemade substitute, mix together a little smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning FAQs
Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
Cajun seasoning has a little heat, mostly from the cayenne pepper. You can make it milder by using less cayenne, or make it spicier by adding extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Can I make Cajun seasoning without salt?
Yes. You can leave the salt out completely and add salt separately when cooking. This is a great option if you want more control, especially when using the seasoning on meats, vegetables, or recipes that already include salty ingredients.
How much Cajun seasoning should I use?
Start with about 1 to 2 tsp per pound of meat, then adjust to taste. For vegetables, sprinkle a small amount first, toss, and add more if needed. Cajun seasoning can be bold, salty, and spicy, so it’s better to start small.
What can I use Cajun seasoning on?
Use it on chicken, shrimp, salmon, beef, pork, tofu, roasted vegetables, cabbage skillets, soups, dips, sauces, popcorn, roasted nuts, and marinades. It’s one of those spice blends that works with so many simple meals.
Is Cajun seasoning keto-friendly?
Yes, this homemade Cajun seasoning is keto-friendly because it’s made with spices and no added sugar. If you use a store-bought blend, check the label because some brands may include sugar, starches, or fillers.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
The closest substitute is Creole seasoning. You can also use blackened seasoning for a similar smoky, spicy flavor. In a pinch, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne.
Looking for More Homemade Seasoning Recipes? Try these:
Perfect Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Description
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp ground white pepper
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the Cajun Seasoning to a glass jar with airtight lids. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Video
Nutrition information is shared to make meal planning easier. Values are estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. Learn more in my nutrition policy.
