I hate it when I’m really looking forward to a meal, only to find I’ve run out of a key spice or flavour. Fortunately, there are some great substitutes for cajun seasoning!
Cajun Seasoning is a delicious mix of flavours that can be used to add a little heat to Cajun dishes, or to give a basic chicken breast or pasta dish a much more complex and satisfying flavour.
It’s probably one of the spice pots that get the most use in our kitchen and I honestly think Jim would put it on everything if I let him.
While Cajun seasoning is readily available from most stores, sometimes, you might run out and need an alternative to Cajun seasoning for a recipe, or something you fancy eating. Then you might need an alternative to Cajun seasoning that packs a similar flavour punch.
What is Cajun Seasoning?
What is in Cajun seasoning depends on which one you buy. All brands have slightly different mixes and quantities. But most use chilli powder or flakes, or cayenne pepper for the spice and combine it with things like onion, garlic, salt, paprika, oregano, cumin, and black pepper.
If you look at a spoon of Cajun from a store-bought jar you can typically pick out reds, greens and even yellows and blacks.
It’s a colourful mix of herbs and spices that adds tons of flavour to your dishes, without the need to add teaspoons of a variety of spices from your store cupboard.
What Can You Use Cajun Seasoning for?
Cajun seasoning is typically used in traditional Cajun recipes like gumbo and jambalaya. Although, these days it’s just in many spicy dishes like soups and stews, or even simple meat, fish and vegetable traybakes.
We often add Cajun Seasoning to a chicken and med veg traybake as an easy way to add both spicy and hearty flavours.
Because Cajun has both spicy (paprika, chilli and cayenne) and earthy (garlic, oregano and other herbs) it’s an all-purpose seasoning that works with many different flavours.
You can learn more about Cajun cuisine here.
Can You Use Substitutes for Cajun Seasoning?
Yes!
It’s worth having Cajun in your store cupboard. But if you run out, you can of course either make your own to keep in or use a quick alternative made up from things you might have in.
Making Homemade Cajun Seasoning
If you’ve got a comprehensive spice rack, instead of using quick alternatives, I recommend homemade Cajun seasoning. Make a big pot or jar and you’ll always have some of this delicious seasoning to spice up your meals.
Making your own Cajun seasoning also means that you can adjust the flavours, making your mix either spicier, more earthy, or even sweeter, to suit your tastes.
For an easy homemade Cajun Seasoning recipe start with:
- 3 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Dried Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tablespoons Onion Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Cumin
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
- Good Pinch Black Pepper
- Pinch Chilli Flakes
The Best Cajun Seasoning Substitutes
If you don’t have all of the ingredients to make your own Cajun spice mix, use the ones that you do have.
Can I Substitute Paprika for Cajun Seasoning?
I like smoked paprika in my Cajun seasoning, but you can use unsmoked, or sweet if you prefer. If you only have a few ingredients 1 tablespoon Paprika, 1 teaspoon of mixed herbs, and a pinch of chilli flakes or powder and salt and pepper could work well.
Can I Substitute Chilli Powder for Cajun Seasoning?
Chilli powder is a great start when you are looking for a Cajun alternative.
If you’ve got it, add 1 teaspoon cayenne or paprika to 1 tablespoon of chilli, and either 1 teaspoon mixed herbs, or oregano and thyme for an earthier flavour.
Season with a little salt and pepper.
Can I Substitute Cajun Seasoning for Cayenne Pepper?
Cayenne also makes a great base for Cajun flavours.
If you don’t have paprika or chilli, add 1 teaspoon of mixed herbs to 1 tablespoon of paprika, and a little salt and pepper.
Conclusion – What Can I Use Instead of Cajun Seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, making your own with the recipe below is the best option.
If you don’t have any of the ingredients, the best thing that you can do is make little substitutions.
For example, use more paprika or chilli if you don’t have cayenne, and use mixed herbs if you don’t have oregano or thyme.
Print
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Jar 1x
Description
Cajun Seasoning is a delicious mix of flavours that can be used to add a little heat to Cajun dishes, or to give a basic chicken breast or pasta dish a much more complex and satisfying flavour.
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Dried Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tablespoons Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
- 1 Tablespoon Dried oregano
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
- Good Pinch Black Pepper
- Pinch Chilli Flakes
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a large jar or sealed bag and shake to combine.
- Store in an airtight tub or jar, in a dark, cool cupboard and use as needed.
- Category: Sides
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
- Calories: 19kcal
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 215mg
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0
