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    Home » Recipes » Seasonings

    Published: Feb 20, 2023 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Louisiana Cajun Seasoning

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This low sodium Cajun seasoning blend is a perfect Cajun seasoning substitute for store bought brands, which are loaded with anti caking agents and salt. This Louisiana Cajun seasoning blend is perfect on french fries, fish, chicken, or as a Jambalaya seasoning.

    custom blended cajun seasoning blend.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    In less than 15 minutes you can make a custom batch of Louisiana Cajun seasoning to rival any of the store bought brands. Since you're not adding anti caking agents, it's a gluten free Cajun seasoning blend also!

    Best of all, if you like it super spicy, or prefer a mild Cajun seasoning blend, you can simply adjust the cayenne added to this recipe.

    What is Cajun Seasoning?

    Typical Cajun seasonings are a blend of finely ground pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked or regular paprika, and ground cayenne. Store bought versions are often at least 50% salt. Heat is regulated by the level and type of chilies and pepper.

    Cajun Seasoning vs Creole Seasoning

    So, what is the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning? Cajun seasoning is mostly ground spices, powdery, and perfect for mixing with salt and sprinkling on fries, meats, and veggies as an all purpose seasoning sprinkle, as well as a spice ingredient for recipes.

    The same ground spices are used in Creole seasoning, with the addition of a heavy herbal component that includes crushed thyme leaves, oregano, basil, and sometimes a smidge of finely cut rosemary. It's 'fluffier' from the dry herb leaves. Creole seasoning is used more as an ingredient in a dish, and not so much as a sprinkling spice.

    Uses for Cajun Seasoning

    Try using this multi purpose low sodium Cajun seasoning on any of your grilled, baked, or broiled meats and vegetables. Use it as a Jambalaya seasoning. You can use it also in our recipes below:

    • Cajun Fries Seasoning
    • Cajun Fried Corn
    • Cajun Salmon Alfredo
    • Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta
    • Spicy Cajun Cornbread
    • Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya
    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • What is Cajun Seasoning?
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Louisiana Cajun Seasoning
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    You can purchase bulk spices from Atlantic Spice Company, or from Amazon usually. I used to run a spice company, so I enjoy blending my own spice blends. They taste fresher, I can limit salt, and there are no anti caking agents.

    jars of spice for cajun or jambalaya seasoning.
    • Smoked Paprika - or regular sweet Hungarian (which is still spicy!).
    • Garlic Powder
    • Onion Powder
    • Black Pepper - fine ground white pepper, not coarse cracked.
    • White Pepper - even though white pepper smells like dirty gym socks (lol!) it adds fabulous flavor to this spice blend.
    • Cayenne Pepper - use half as much in the recipe for a Mild Cajun Seasoning blend.
    • Oregano - cut very fine.
    • Salt - Fine sea salt or non iodized table salt is best.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    How to Make Louisiana Cajun Seasoning

    Since you are working with pepper and chili pepper, please wear Nitrile gloves. This will protect mucus membranes like your eyes and lips. ANY residue transferred to these tender spots will burn for hours if you don't wear gloves.

    Measure Spices

    1. Wear nitrile gloves and the mask to protect eyes, nose, and mouth from powdered pepper and chili. It gets in the air you breathe!
    2. If using leafy Oregano, use the spice mill to grind it fine.
    bowl of spices to be mixed.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Mix Spices in a Bowl

    1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until blended.
    bowl and whisk mixing spices.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Fill Spice Jar & Label

    1. Fill spice jars with mixture and attach the shaker top.
    spice jar filled with spice blend.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Store In A Cool, Dark Location

    1. Store in a cupboard away from light and heat for up to 12 months.
    spice jar filled with spice blend.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Serving Suggestions

    Use this custom blend of Louisiana Cajun seasoning on your next batch of french fries, or make our Broiled Chicken Thighs recipe and sprinkle some on the top before cooking. You will also enjoy in our Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven Jambalaya recipe! It makes the best Jambalaya seasoning!

    custom blended jambalaya seasoning or cajun seasoning blend.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Substitutions & Variations

    Smoked paprika adds the most authentic flavor, but you can also use a sweet domestic paprika or a sweet Hungarian paprika. Hungarian paprika is all hot, but the sweet Hungarian is a much milder hot. You can also add some ground cumin or coriander for slightly different variation of your Louisiana Cajun seasoning.

    Equipment

    Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this Cajun spice blend.

    • Spice Grinder - turns herbs into a powder.
    • Spice Mill - turns spices and herbs into coarse to fine powder.
    • Spice Jars and Labels set - to store your spice blends.
    • Nitrile Gloves - to prevent transfer by your fingers to eyes, lips, etc.
    • Face Mask - This full face mask protects your eyes, nose, and lips from burning when handling powder spice mixes.

    Storage

    Store this Louisiana Cajun seasoning recipe in a cool, dry pantry. Spices benefit being in a cupboard out of the light more than on your counter top. Shelf life on ground spices is typically 12 to 18 months, so only prepare what you need. Whole spices have a much longer shelf life when stored properly (out of the light).

    Tips for Success

    • Wear a facial mask when grinding or blending.
    • Wear nitrile gloves when handling powdered garlic, onion, pepper, paprika, and ground chili peppers.
    • Custom Spice blends make amazing Holiday gifts!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning?

    Cajun seasoning is mostly all ground spices and and is used as a sprinkling seasoning as well as a recipe ingredient. Creole seasoning is more of an herbal blend with the addition to many of the Cajun spices as well.

    Can I make this a Salt Free Cajun Seasoning?

    Yes, use as little or none of the salt in this Louisiana Cajun seasoning recipe, it is optional. You can add salt when seasoning your food.

    How do I use this as Jambalaya seasoning?

    To use as jambalaya seasoning, add 2 teaspoons of Louisiana Cajun Seasoning plus ½ teaspoon each of thyme, basil, and oregano.

    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 high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

    • Casserole dish of blackened shrimp on grits garnished with green onion.
      Cajun Shrimp and Grits
    • serving dish with blackened mahi mahi and lemon wedges with tartar sauce in a bowl.
      Blackened Mahi Mahi
    • serving dish full of sausage jambalaya ready to serve.
      Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven Jambalaya
    • Parsley sprinkled on top of Cajun fried corn.
      Cajun Fried Corn

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    📖 Recipe

    custom blended cajun seasoning blend.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 2 votes

    Louisiana Cajun Seasoning

    This low sodium Cajun seasoning blend is a perfect Cajun seasoning substitute for store bought brands, which are loaded with anti caking agents and salt. This Louisiana Cajun seasoning blend is perfect on french fries, fish, chicken, or as a Jambalaya seasoning.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time0 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Seasoning Blends
    Cuisine: American Southern, Cajun
    Servings: 30 teaspoons
    Calories: 7kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    Equipment

    • Nitrile Gloves to protect your hands from absorbing oil and transfer to mucus membranes later.
    • Spice Grinder
    • Spice Mill
    • Full Face Mask to protect eyes, nose, and mouth from spice powder.
    • Spice Jars and Labels Set

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoon Smoked paprika or a sweet domestic or Hungarian paprika
    • 2 tablespoon Garlic powder
    • 2 tablespoon Onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon Black pepper finely ground
    • 1 tablespoon White pepper finely ground
    • 2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper more or less for milder or hotter
    • 2 teaspoon Oregano ground, or milled very fine
    • 2 tablespoon Salt (optional for a salt free Cajun seasoning)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Wear nitrile gloves and the mask to protect eyes, nose, and mouth from powdered pepper and chili. It gets in the air you breathe!
    • If using leafy Oregano, use the spice mill to grind it fine.
    • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until blended.
      3 tablespoon Smoked paprika, 2 tablespoon Garlic powder, 2 tablespoon Onion powder, 1 tablespoon Black pepper, 1 tablespoon White pepper, 2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoon Oregano, 2 tablespoon Salt
    • Fill spice jars with mixture and attach the shaker top.
    • Store in a cupboard away from light and heat for up to 12 months.

    Notes

    • Wear a facial mask when grinding or blending.
    • Wear nitrile gloves when handling powdered garlic, onion, pepper, paprika, and ground chili peppers.
    • Custom Spice blends make amazing Holiday gifts!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1teaspoon | Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 466mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 404IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Keyword : Cajun seasoning, cajun seasoning substitute, cajun vs creole seasoning, Jambalaya seasoning, Louisiana Cajun seasoning

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    Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture - to create satisfying fare!

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