Cajun seasoning is a spice mix that’s used to give foods an extra kick of flavor. It’s most commonly used in dishes that have been prepared in a Cajun style, but it can be used in any kind of cuisine.
Cajun seasoning is often made with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Some people also add other spices such as oregano or thyme. You can find ready-made Cajun seasoning at the store or make your own using dried herbs or spices you have on hand.
Here are some ideas for replacing cajun seasoning
6 Best Substitute For Cajun Seasoning
1. Chili Powder
Chili powder is a spice that is used primarily as an ingredient in chili con carne (and by extension all kinds of chili). It can be made with any variety of chili peppers, including chipotle chilies, pasilla chilies and cayenne peppers among others. Chili powder may be made hot or mild according to taste; it typically contains cumin seeds as well as ground red pepper pods which add heat to the mix.
2. French Four Spice
French four spice (also called quatre épices) is a blend of equal parts ground cinnamon bark, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. It was probably created by sailors returning from India who brought the spices back to France.
3. Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
The origin of jerk seasoning is not known, but it was a Jamaican favorite of the early 20th century. It consists of a blend of dried hot peppers and herbs that are sometimes described as “a little bit of this and a little bit of that”. Some jerk seasonings contain garlic, allspice berries, pimento seeds and thyme.
4. Creole Seasoning
Creole seasoning can be used in place of Cajun seasoning in most recipes. It typically contains salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper and cayenne pepper (the fiery heat). If you don’t want to use Cajun seasoning but want a similar flavor, try using 2 tablespoons of creole seasoning plus 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
5. Old Bay Seasoning
Old Bay Seasoning is popular in Maryland and Virginia, where it’s used on seafood and other dishes. It has a milder flavor than Cajun seasoning and is often used as an all-purpose spice blend for seafood, chicken or potatoes. To make your own version of Old Bay Seasoning at home, mix 2 parts celery salt with 1 part each paprika, ground black pepper and ground mustard seed; add 1 tablespoon white vinegar to get rid of clumps before storing it in an airtight container.
6. Adobo Seasoning
This is a seasoning that is used in Filipino cooking. It’s a blend of garlic, salt and pepper. It’s used as a rub on meats before cooking or as a seasoning for soups and stews. You can find adobo seasoning in the ethnic aisle of your grocery store.
How To Make Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is a spice mix that’s often used in Louisiana-inspired dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. It’s made with dried herbs and spices, including oregano, thyme, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. The ingredients can vary somewhat depending on the brand, but the basic formula always remains the same: Cajun seasoning is a blend of salt and peppers.
If you love Cajun food but don’t want to buy a pre-made blend at the store every time you make jambalaya or gumbo, then making your own Cajun seasoning blend is an easy way to save money and control exactly what goes into your foods. Making your own spice blends also lets you experiment with different ingredients and proportions until you find a mix that suits your tastes exactly.
Here’s how to make Cajun seasoning from scratch: Combine 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper in a spice or coffee grinder. Pulse until the herbs are finely ground. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl or jar. Combine 2 tablespoons paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder and 1 tablespoon onion powder to the salt-herb mixture, stirring until thoroughly blended. Store in an airtight container and use as needed.
FAQs
How do I make a substitute for cajun seasoning?
To make a substitute for cajun seasoning you can use any combination of spices that will give you a similar taste to Cajun seasoning. You can use the list below or just mix some up yourself, based on your own taste preferences.
What ingredients do I need to make a substitute for cajun seasoning?
To make a substitute for cajun seasoning you need: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, oregano, thyme, white pepper and black pepper. If possible try to find salt-free versions of these ingredients (or just leave out the salt).
How to make cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of seasonings that can be used as a dry rub for meat, poultry and seafood. It’s also often used in stews and soups. Cajun seasoning is very easy to make at home, but many people prefer to buy it premade because it tends to be less expensive than making your own.
What are the different types of Cajun seasoning?
There are two main types of Cajun seasoning: a dry rub and a wet rub. The dry rub has the spices ground up into a powder, while the wet rub includes oil or butter.
Conclusion
The best substitute for Cajun seasoning is a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper and dried oregano.
These are the most common spices used in Cajun cooking and can be found at any grocery store. If you have trouble finding them, you can also order them online or make your own by combining the ingredients listed above.