Cajun seasoning is a popular blend of spices and herbs commonly used in Southern Louisiana cooking. It delivers a robust, spicy flavor that enhances meats, seafood, vegetables, and more.
When selecting a Cajun seasoning, you’ll want one with an authentic blend of spices that gives food the signature Cajun flavor. It should include ingredients like cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, onions, and bell peppers. It’s helpful if the blend is salt-free so you can control the salt level yourself. The seasoning should add robust flavor without overpowering the dish.
Weber N'Orleans Cajun Seasoning
Weber's N'Orleans Cajun Seasoning will transport your tastebuds straight to Louisiana. This bold and spicy blend combines paprika, garlic, black pepper, onion, oregano, thyme, basil, celery seed, and bay leaves to create an authentic Cajun flavor.
Just a sprinkle of this seasoning quickly infuses any proteins or veggies with a robust, zesty kick. It's an easy way to add excitement to everyday dishes like chicken, seafood, potatoes, pastas, eggs, and more. The blend of spices perfectly balances flavor and heat.
You'll appreciate the convenience of the shaker bottle for quickly seasoning during cooking. The fine consistency ensures the mix adheres nicely. A little goes a long way thanks to the intense spices.
Key features:
- Authentic Cajun spice blend
- Convenient shaker bottle
- Balanced flavor and heat
Pros:
- Adds bold flavor fast
- Versatile on many foods
- Made by a trusted brand
Cons:
- Spice level may be too hot for some
Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning
For an authentic taste of Louisiana, Slap Ya Mama's original Cajun seasoning hits the spot. This unique blend combines salt, pepper, garlic and a special mix of peppers to deliver a robust and fiery Cajun flavor.
Just a small sprinkle packs a flavorful punch. It's recommended to use a light hand when seasoning since a little goes a long way. The zesty, peppery taste spices up all kinds of proteins, veggies, snacks and more.
You'll get a taste of true Cajun cuisine with each use. It brings exciting flavor to classics like gumbo, jambalaya, beans and rice. The salty, spicy profile pairs especially well with meats and seafood.
Key features:
- Authentic Cajun seasoning
- Adds bold, peppery flavor
- Small amount needed
Pros:
- Zesty and robust taste
- Enhances many dishes
- Trusted Louisiana brand
Cons:
- Salt content may be high for some
McCormick Cajun Seasoning
McCormick's Perfect Pinch Cajun Seasoning makes it easy to add zest to your cooking. This flavorful blend contains paprika, garlic, onion, red pepper, thyme and other spices to deliver an authentic Cajun kick.
Just a quick shake over proteins, veggies, rice, eggs and more infuses dishes with spicy, herbaceous flavor. It's a fast way to excite your tastebuds without too much heat. The well-balanced blend brings hearty flavor without overwhelming your palate.
The convenient shaker bottle allows you to quickly season as you cook. The fine consistency adheres well to foods. McCormick is a trusted brand known for consistent flavors. This blend makes it simple to add Louisiana-style excitement to everyday cooking.
Key features:
- Authentic Cajun spice blend
- Convenient shaker bottle
- Balanced flavor without excessive heat
Pros:
- Quickly adds bold flavor
- Trusted spice brand
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Some may want more heat
Frontier Organic Cajun Seasoning
For a natural Cajun kick, Frontier Organic Cajun Seasoning delivers robust Louisiana flavor. This USDA certified organic blend uses paprika, garlic, onion, marjoram, thyme and fennel to create an authentic taste.
The combination of spices produces a warm, peppery flavor with a moderate kick. It seasons proteins, veggies, eggs, rice and more with zesty excitement. The flavor profile is well-balanced between spices and salt.
You'll appreciate the high-quality, organic ingredients sourced by a trusted brand. Frontier ensures each batch offers consistent flavor. This seasoning is a convenient way to add Cajun flair to everyday dishes without artificial additives.
Key features:
- USDA certified organic
- Authentic spice blend
- Balanced flavor
Pros:
- Natural, quality ingredients
- Warm and zesty flavor
- Trusted spice brand
Cons:
- Small 2 ounce jar
Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Seasoning
Louisiana Fish Fry's Cajun Seasoning brings an authentic Bayou kick to cooking. This blend contains salt, red pepper, black pepper, garlic and paprika to deliver a robust Cajun flavor.
The seasoning quickly infuses foods with a zesty, peppery taste and moderate heat. Just a sprinkle adds excitement to proteins, veggies, snacks and more. It's a fast way to add Louisiana-style flair to everyday dishes.
Made by a trusted Louisiana brand, this seasoning offers a convenient and consistent way to spice up your cooking. The blend maximizes flavor impact without overwhelming saltiness. Discover bold, authentic Cajun excitement in one bottle.
Key features:
- Traditional Cajun spice blend
- Adds robust and zesty flavor
- Made in Louisiana
Pros:
- Convenient and consistent
- Peppery, moderate heat
- Trusted Louisiana brand
Cons:
- Salt content may be high for some
McCormick Gourmet Cajun Seasoning
McCormick's Cajun seasoning brings authentic Louisiana flavors to your cooking. With just a dash of this spice blend, you can transform any dish into a fiery feast.
The well-balanced blend contains garlic, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, chili peppers, onion, paprika, and red and green bell peppers. These spices and herbs give the seasoning a robust, zesty heat reminiscent of Cajun country.
Use it to add a kick to chicken, shrimp, fish, jambalaya, and gumbo. You can even liven up everyday meals like steak, pork, pasta, rice, and veggies. With McCormick's Cajun seasoning, your cooking will be packed with flavorful heat and flair.
This is a convenient premixed blend that saves you the hassle of gathering multiple spices. The seasoning contains no artificial flavors or MSG, just authentic Cajun taste. Add it to your pantry to bring Louisiana-style seasoning to your kitchen anytime.
Key features:
- Well-balanced blend of authentic Cajun spices
- Robust, zesty heat perfect for kicking up any dish
- No artificial flavors or MSG
Pros:
- Brings bold Louisiana flavor to cooking
- Convenient premixed blend
- Great way to add heat and flair
Cons:
- Can be spicier than expected for some
Badia Cajun Seasoning
Badia's Louisiana Cajun seasoning makes it simple to add authentic Cajun flavor to your cooking. This blend is crafted to deliver the zesty heat that Cajun cuisine is known for.
With a quick dash of this seasoning, you can transform basic dishes into flavorful Cajun feasts. It works well to enhance a variety of foods like chicken, fish, pork, potatoes, pasta, and more. You can also use it in classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and catfish.
The well-balanced blend of spices gives this Cajun seasoning its signature fiery flavor. It contains salt, red and black pepper, garlic, and chili powder. These ingredients come together to create a robust heat with delicious Cajun taste.
Badia's Cajun seasoning delivers big flavor without overdoing it on salt. This allows the spices to shine while keeping sodium in check. Add it to your pantry staples for an easy way to kick up everyday meals.
Key features:
- Authentic Cajun seasoning from Louisiana
- Zesty spice blend with signature heat
- Enhances flavor of many dishes
Pros:
- Adds bold Cajun flavor
- Well-balanced spice blend
- Easy way to enhance meals
Cons:
- Spiciness may be too much for some
Cajun Crave Seasoning Bundle
Cajun Crave's seasoning bundle lets you enjoy two popular spice blends from Louisiana. The set includes one jar each of Tony Chachere's Creole and Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasonings.
Tony's Creole seasoning has a distinctive blend of spices like garlic, black pepper, and chili powder. This gives it a robust heat along with savory, well-rounded flavor. Slap Ya Mama's Cajun seasoning features a blend focused on chili peppers, garlic, and pepper for an extra fiery zing.
Together, these seasonings provide a tasty tour of authentic Louisiana flavor. Use them to add excitement to chicken, seafood, meat, veggies, eggs, and more. You can also employ them in Creole and Cajun classics like jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish boils, and etouffee.
The convenient two-pack gives you access to popular spice blends in one purchase. Keep them on hand to quickly elevate everyday cooking to new flavor heights.
Key features:
- 1 jar each of two popular Louisiana seasonings
- Distinctive blends provide authentic flavor
- Add excitement to a variety of dishes
Pros:
- Great way to sample authentic seasonings
- Provides two different flavor experiences
- Convenient two-pack
Cons:
- Spiciness may be intense for some
Slap Ya Mama Variety Pack Cajun Seasoning
Bring authentic Cajun flavor to your cooking with Slap Ya Mama's signature seasoning blend. This Louisiana-made spice mix adds zesty heat and robust flavor to all kinds of dishes.
The well-balanced blend contains salt, red pepper, black pepper, garlic, and other spices and herbs. These ingredients come together to deliver a piquant seasoning with delicious Cajun taste.
Just a dash is all it takes to liven up burgers, chicken, fish, veggies, eggs, and more. You can also use it in favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee. It's a quick and easy way to infuse your cooking with exciting Cajun flair.
This blend packs plenty of spice without overdoing it on salt. The flavorful heat enhances food without overpowering it. Keep a jar handy in your kitchen to add a kick of Louisiana-style flavor anytime.
Key features:
- Authentic Cajun seasoning from Louisiana
- Blend of spices and herbs provides zesty flavor
- Enhances all kinds of savory dishes
Pros:
- Adds delicious heat and Cajun flair
- Well-balanced blend not overly salty
- Easy way to spice up cooking
Cons:
- Spiciness may be intense for some
McCormick Large Cajun Seasoning
McCormick's Cajun seasoning is a quick way to add bold Louisiana flavor to cooking. This spice blend contains the authentic herbs and spices that give Cajun food its signature flair.
Paprika, garlic, celery seed, and red pepper provide a zesty heat that kicks up any dish. Use it to season favorites like chicken, shrimp, fish, rice, pasta, and more with excitement. It's also great for classics like jambalaya and gumbo.
This large size means you can keep the flavorful spice on hand. Just shake on a dash whenever you want to give meals a fiery boost. The blend has no artificial flavors or MSG, delivering Cajun spice excitement without unwanted additives.
McCormick makes it simple to cook up flavorful meals. Their Cajun seasoning allows you to easily infuse food with the rich, spicy taste of Louisiana. Keep it in your pantry for an instant way to turn up the heat and fun.
Key features:
- Authentic Cajun spice blend
- Zesty herbs and spices add flavorful heat
- Large size for convenience
Pros:
- Adds bold Louisiana-style flavor
- Easy way to spice up meals
- No artificial flavors or MSG
Cons:
- Spiciness may be intense for some
Cajun Seasoning Buying Guide
When searching for a quality Cajun seasoning blend, there are a few important factors to consider:
Ingredients
The ingredients in Cajun seasoning are what set it apart from other spice blends. Traditional Cajun seasoning contains a mix of spices and flavorings like:
- Cayenne pepper - Provides signature heat and spice
- Paprika - Adds a rich, reddish color
- Garlic - Provides aromatic flavor
- Onion - Adds flavor backbone
- Bell peppers - Contributes a subtle vegetable flavor
- Oregano - Earthy herb flavor
- Thyme - Provides woodsy notes
- Black pepper - Adds mild heat and spice
- Salt - For seasoning (although salt-free blends allow you to control salt level)
A quality Cajun seasoning will include a blend of these traditional spices and ingredients that give it an authentic Cajun flavor profile.
Heat Level
Different Cajun seasoning blends will vary in their heat level depending on the amount of cayenne pepper and other spicy ingredients used. If you like a lot of kick, look for a seasoning advertised as "hot and spicy." For a more mild blend, choose one labeled "mild" or with the word "bell pepper" which indicates less heat. There are also options in between for a medium heat level.
Salt Content
Some Cajun seasonings contain added salt while others are salt-free. Salt-free blends allow you to control the salt level yourself. But seasoned blends are convenient when you want to quickly add Cajun flavor and salt in one step. Decide whether you prefer the ease of a seasoned blend or the control of salt-free.
Versatility
A good Cajun seasoning should be versatile enough to use on proteins like chicken, beef, pork and seafood in addition to vegetables, rice, pasta and more. All-purpose blends work for any dish while some are specially formulated for meats or seafood.
Flavor Intensity
How pronounced the Cajun flavor will taste depends on the intensity of the blend. Stronger seasonings will impart bold flavor while milder ones blend in subtle notes. Take flavor intensity into account based on your preference and the dish you are making.
Quality Ingredients
Check the ingredients list for quality and freshness. The spices should be free of fillers, additives and artificial flavors. Grade A spices and organic or non-GMO ingredients indicate a premium quality blend.
Reputable Brand
There are many brands of Cajun seasoning, but not all are equal in flavor. Stick to reputable brands known for quality. Smaller specialty companies often have better quality blends than mass-produced brands.
FAQs
What's the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning?
Cajun and Creole seasoning have some overlapping ingredients but differ in their flavor profiles. Cajun seasoning relies more on spices like cayenne, black pepper and garlic for its bold heat. Creole seasoning uses more herbs like oregano and thyme for a more rounded flavor.
Should you buy pre-mixed or individual spices to make your own?
Pre-mixed Cajun seasoning blends provide convenience while buying separate spices allows you to customize and control flavors. For most home cooks, a pre-mixed blend is the easiest option. But blending your own can be fun for seasoning pros.
What foods pair well with Cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning complements most proteins like chicken, beef, pork and seafood. It also lends flavor to rice, pasta, vegetables and more. Especially good matches are jambalaya, gumbo, blackened fish and chicken wings.
How should you store Cajun seasoning to preserve freshness?
To maximize freshness, store Cajun seasoning in an airtight container away from heat, light and moisture. Keeping it in the pantry is ideal. Properly stored, it will maintain optimal flavor for up to a year.
What’s the difference between regular, low sodium and salt-free blends?
Regular Cajun seasonings have salt added for seasoning. Lower sodium versions contain less salt while salt-free versions contain no salt. Choose salt-free if you want to control the salt level or low sodium for some built-in seasoning.
Can you use Cajun seasoning on vegetables?
Yes, Cajun spice blends pair very well with vegetables. Try seasoning roasted potatoes, corn, green beans, okra, squash and more. It also adds flavor to rice and beans.
What dishes pair well with Cajun seasoning?
In addition to Cajun specialties like gumbo and jambalaya, Cajun seasoning excels on proteins, veggies, pasta, rice and more. Especially good pairings include chicken, pork, shrimp, fish, potatoes, corn, black beans and rice.
Conclusion
Focus on blends with authentic Cajun ingredients providing the signature heat, flavor and aroma.
Consider your preferred spice level and whether you want salt added or salt-free. Look for reputable brands using top-notch ingredients.
With a good Cajun seasoning in your pantry, you can easily add bold flavor to proteins, vegetables, rice, pasta and other dishes.
Resources:
- Eat Yourself Skinny provides a recipe for homemade Cajun seasoning that is great for everything from chicken or seafood, vegetables, rice or potatoes, and even soups and stir-frys.
- Pepper Palace offers a "Dummies' Guide" to Cajun seasoning that explains the classic blend of garlic, peppers, and other herbs that can be used to spice up your favorite dishes, from jambalaya to gumbo.
- Instant Loss provides a simple recipe for homemade Cajun seasoning that uses ingredients you probably already have in your spice cabinet.
- Gimme Some Oven offers the "BEST" homemade Cajun seasoning recipe, which is perfect on chicken, steak, pork, tofu, veggies, dips, jambalaya, stir-frys, and more.
- Fluster Buster provides a simple blend of herbs and spices that have a sweet and smokey flavor with a touch of heat, which tastes amazing on everything.