Cajun Seasoning

By Millie Peartree

Updated July 11, 2025

Cajun Seasoning
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
5 minutes
Rating
5(8)
Comments
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Cajun seasoning is a robust, versatile spice blend that originated in Louisiana. It’s known for its bold, full-bodied flavor, which comes with a touch of heat. Since this seasoning blend uses ingredients that may already be in your spice cabinet, you can whip up a batch in no time for anything from sheet-pan salmon and Charleston red rice to gumbo and shrimp jambalaya.

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Ingredients

Yield:About ¾ cup
  • 2½teaspoons paprika
  • 2teaspoons onion powder
  • 2teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2teaspoons kosher salt, such as Diamond Crystal
  • 1teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1teaspoon ground cayenne
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

35 calories; 1 gram fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 8 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 1 gram protein; 27 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients. Store in an airtight container for 3 to 6 months.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
8 user ratings
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Comments

CCC

I save the dessicant packs that come with my supplements or seaweed packages and put them into spice jars. Just be sure they're they types that are food safe.

Remy

Omit the salt in the recipe, that way you’ll be able to increase flavor by adding more spice mix to a recipe without turning the dish into a salt lick!

Remy

Omit the salt in the recipe, that way you’ll be able to increase flavor by adding more spice mix to a recipe without turning the dish into a salt lick!

Sally

This is identical to Emeril Lagasse's 'Southwest Essence' blend (except his recipe uses tablespoons instead of teaspoons, which would necessary for the recipe to yield 3/4 cups, as is claimed here, which will make only about 1/3 cup).

Pgan00

I add white pepper and paprika.

nm

@Pgan00 paprika is the very first ingredient listed here.

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