Vegetarian

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Name: Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 3 tbsp paprika; 1.5 tbsp salt; 2 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp black pepper; 1 tbsp white pepper; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp cayenne pepper; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme

A five-minute Cajun spice blend with paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, black and white pepper, oregano, and thyme.

Servings

Prep

5 min

Cook

0 min

Total

5 min

Jar of homemade Cajun seasoning next to a small bowl of the blend, dried chilies, and garlic

Ingredients

3 tbsp (20.4 g) paprika
1.5 tbsp (27 g) salt
2 tbsp (19.4 g) garlic powder
1 tbsp (6.9 g) black pepper (ground)
1 tbsp (7.1 g) white pepper (ground)
1 tbsp (6.9 g) onion powder
1 tbsp (5.3 g) cayenne pepper
2 tsp (3.6 g) dried oregano
1 tsp (1.4 g) dried thyme

Equipment

Measuring spoons
Small mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Airtight jar

Method

Measure the spices

Add the paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, white pepper, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme to a small bowl.

Mix until uniform

Whisk until the color is even and no streaks of single spices remain. Rub any clumps of garlic or onion powder apart between your fingers.

Taste and adjust

Taste a small pinch. Add more cayenne for heat or more paprika to soften it, then mix again.

Store the blend

Funnel the seasoning into a clean, dry airtight jar and keep it in a cool, dry cupboard.

Nutrition

Per serving (1 tbsp, about 8 g), calculated from the listed ingredient quantities

Calories

Protein

0.8 g

Carbs

3.9 g

Fat

0.4 g

Fiber

1.4 g

Cajun seasoning at a glance

This blend makes about 98 g, which is twelve 1 tablespoon servings, and takes five minutes. One tablespoon provides 18 calories, 0.8 g protein, 3.9 g carbohydrates, 0.4 g fat, and 1.4 g fiber, calculated from the listed ingredient quantities.

Heat and salt level

Cayenne carries almost all of the heat. Use half of it for a mild blend, or double it if you want the mix to bite. The blend is salted, so taste before adding more salt to whatever you are cooking. If you want to control salt separately, leave it out and season the dish directly; the remaining spices still work as a blend.

Swapping the paprika for smoked paprika gives the mix a deeper, barbecue-like flavor without changing the heat.

Using and storing it

One tablespoon seasons roughly 500 g of chicken, shrimp, potatoes, or vegetables. Store the blend in an airtight jar in a cool, dry cupboard away from the stove, since heat and light dull ground spices faster.