Part of my mom’s family is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Whenever I visited there I’ve loved the flavors of Cajun cooking. Especially the Cajun seasoning blend, which gives a special kick to the local Cajun food. I wanted to recreate recipes that use it at home, like Cajun chicken and red beans.
For years, I bought Cajun seasoning from the grocery store, but then realized it had MSG, anti-caking agents, and fillers in it (including gluten!). Since I already order most of our herbs and spices in bulk, I started mixing my own spice mix and kept it in a small mason jar in my cabinet. (Here are some of my other homemade spice blend recipes.)
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Though the ingredients cost slightly more on the front end since I order them in bulk, they’re less expensive in the long run. I’m able to make about 4-5 times the amount of seasoning mix, and I also still had the individual spices on hand for other dishes.
These are the seasonings traditionally in Cajun seasoning, as far as I can tell:
Some recipes also call for cumin, celery seed, or red pepper in their Cajun spice seasoning. Want some extra fun/challenge? Make your own garlic powder or onion powder using this recipe. (You can make chili powder from peppers too!)
Many of these herbs have antimicrobial benefits to help the immune system fight off invaders. They’re also considered warming herbs that stimulate and aid digestion. And sea salt offers trace minerals our cells need. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Here’s how to make your own Cajun spice blend.
Homemade Ragin’ Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Homemade Cajun seasoning has just the right amount of kick with flavors of garlic, onion, and herbs for a versatile seasoning blend.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Ragin' Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 tsp)
Calories 12
Fat 0.2g
Saturated Fat 0.05g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.03g
Sodium 945mg
Potassium 63mg
Carbohydrates 3g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 0.2g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 727IU
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 14mg
Iron 1mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- Good on stir-fry, eggs, casseroles, and poultry.
- Add more or less cayenne pepper to get to your preferred level of spiciness.
How to Use Cajun Seasoning
Cajun cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors. Many times these dishes are served over rice (a southern staple) to help mellow the Cajun flavor. You can add a side of rice to your meal or cornbread (if you eat grains), or just pile on the veggies! I’ve found these recipes are so much better than the pre-made store-bought options. Nothing beats simple ingredients and real flavor.
Here are some of the recipes we love to use Cajun seasoning in:
- Cajun Gumbolaya Recipe – Yep, you read that right! This combination gumbo/jambalaya recipe is full of veggies like bell peppers and mild enough for kids to enjoy. (My kids think so, anyway.)
- Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry – Replace the basil with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning in this extremely delicious shrimp stir-fry to make a soul food variation.
- Bayou Dirty Rice – I love this recipe my friend Heather created. Fair warning: She includes the addition of chicken livers which really boosts the nutrition of this dish. I promise… it’s delicious and really good for you!
- Blackened Shrimp and Scallop Fondue – If you do dairy, this recipe is out of this world. I serve it over zoodles (spiralized zucchini noodles) or occasionally gluten-free pasta.
- Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry – Spice up this simple chicken stir fry with some Cajun seasoning.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy Cajun seasoning? Leave a comment and let us know!
