Homemade Louisiana Cajun Seasoning Recipe

If your taste buds are ready for a flavor explosion, let me introduce you to a spice blend that’ll have you dreaming of the vibrant streets of New Orleans with every sprinkle.

My very own Louisiana Cajun Seasoning is a staple in my kitchen. I love the intense flavors of smoked paprika, and I love it even more with a good amount of cayenne pepper for heat!

The garlic and onion powders in this seasoning truly elevate any and every dish.

Homemade Louisiana Cajun Seasoning Recipe Ingredients

• Smoked Paprika: Adds a rich, smoky aroma and vibrant color to dishes.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances flavor with a savory, umami taste; boosts immune health.
• Cayenne Pepper: Offers a spicy kick and may boost metabolism and circulation.
• Dried Oregano: Provides earthy, peppery notes; contains antioxidants and vitamin K.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp flavor; contains piperine for anti-inflammatory benefits.

Homemade Louisiana Cajun Seasoning Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

How to Make this Homemade Louisiana Cajun Seasoning Recipe

1. Collect the ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.

2. In a bowl of medium size, mix in 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon onion powder to the bowl.

4. Add the dried herbs: 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano and dried thyme.

5. Add the mixture of 1 tablespoon each of cayenne pepper, black pepper, and white pepper.

6. Incorporate the tablespoon of salt, making sure it is uniformly dispersed in the mixture.

7. Finally, for an extra kick, incorporate 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

8. Blend all the ingredients together thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until they are combined evenly.

9. Pour the mixture of seasonings into a container with a tight-sealing lid for storage.

10. Keep in a cool, dry spot and incorporate as you will to imbue your dishes with that Louisiana Cajun spirit.

Homemade Louisiana Cajun Seasoning Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Whisk or spoon
4. Container with a tight-sealing lid for storage

FAQ

• What is the purpose of using smoked paprika in the seasoning?Paprika, smoked, adds a rich, smoky flavor to the seasoning mix. This enhances the overall depth and complexity of the Cajun spices.
• Can I adjust the heat level of the seasoning?You can absolutely control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes to suit your personal preference.
• Is this seasoning blend suitable for vegetarians and vegans?Indeed, this mixture is wholly derived from plants and can be employed to add flavor to a multitude of dishes that are either vegetarian or vegan.
• How long can I store the seasoning blend?The seasoning can last for up to six months when it is kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
• Can I omit salt for a low-sodium version?Absolutely, the salt can be left out or reduced to make a lower sodium version of this dish. All you need to do is increase the amount of other flavoring ingredients (herbs, spices, and aromatics) accordingly to keep the taste of this dish on the level it should be.
• What are some dishes that pair well with this seasoning?Serving as a delightful seasoning to smother in good Cajun country food like gumbo or jambalaya, this stuff is also great on blackened fish, grilled chicken, and roasted vegetables.
• Is it possible to make a larger batch for bulk use?Absolutely, you have the option to easily multiply the recipe by two or three to yield a larger portion, while keeping the spice ratios unchanged, ensuring flavor consistency throughout your larger batch.

Homemade Louisiana Cajun Seasoning Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituting regular paprika for smoked paprika gives a flavor that is milder. Chipotle powder, however, is not mild; it is used when you want the flavor to really stand out and pack some heat.
In the absence of garlic powder, you can opt for granulated garlic or employ fresh garlic, in a minced form, at half the quantity you would use for garlic powder.
You can swap out dried oregano for dried Italian seasoning when you want a different herbal profile.
If you like a spiciness that is more mild than cayenne pepper, you can use chili powder in its place. To pump up the heat factor, boost the quantity of red pepper flakes.
You can substitute white pepper with more black pepper if you don’t have it, although this will slightly change the color.

Pro Tips

1. Balance the Heat If you find the spice level too intense with the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, you can tone it down by slightly reducing these ingredients or increasing the amount of smoked paprika or garlic powder for a milder flavor.

2. Freshness of Spices Ensure your spices are fresh for the best flavor. Ground spices tend to lose their potency over time, so using fresh spices will result in a more vibrant blend.

3. Customization Feel free to adjust the proportions of the spices to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you can add more garlic or onion powder if you prefer those flavors to stand out.

4. Storage Tips To maintain the freshness and potency of your seasoning blend, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will help preserve the flavors for a longer period.

5. Versatile Use Remember, this seasoning blend is versatile. It’s perfect for seasoning meats, adding to stews, or even sprinkling over roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor. Adjust the amount you use based on the dish and the desired level of spice.