I know seasonings are easy to find off the shelf, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about making them from scratch and in the comfort of your own kitchen.
That’s why I’m excited to share an incredibly bold, zesty Cajun spice rub that you’re going to love!
Origin of Cajun Seasoning
Before I give you the recipe, let’s back it up a sec and look at what this spice rub is all about. It’s a rustic blend hailing from Louisiana, the proud home of Cajun and Creole cuisine.
In terms of flavor, this seasoning is a unique fusion of cultures, where the aromatic herbs of French cooking meet the fiery spices of Mexico and the Caribbean.
And while everyone has their own take on this rub, it generally features paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Then, you can add more herbs and spices to the mix to fit your taste.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Here’s what I include in my Cajun spice blend:
- Garlic powder: This adds a deep and slightly peppery-smoky flavor, making it a fantastic “base” for this seasoning.
- Paprika: With a little sweetness and fruity notes, it brings just a hint of heat and adds a beautiful color to the mix.
- Cayenne: This packs a fiery hit that enhances all the flavors, plus its heat intensifies as it cooks — perfect for spice lovers!
- Salt: An essential element of any dry rub. With the right amount of salt, you can enhance and brighten the overall taste.
- Black pepper: Known for its penetrating aroma and woody, piney flavor, it rounds out the blend nicely.
- Onion powder: This adds a hint of sweetness along with a sharp bite.
- Dried oregano: Bringing in bright, almost minty notes, this aromatic is a staple in Cajun cuisine.
- Dried thyme: This is similar to oregano — the main difference is the presence of floral notes, which gives the mix so much dimension.
- Red pepper flakes: If you want heat AND texture, this is the spice you reach for.
How To Use This Homemade Dry Rub
Cajun seasoning is definitely one of my all-time favorite spice rubs because it perfectly blends spicy, savory, and zesty flavors that elevate any dish.
And that’s not even the best part. You want to know what it? It’s an all-purpose seasoning that you can use in EVERYTHING from proteins and veggies to dips and pasta.
See for yourself:
- Protein: Coat your chicken, steak, pork, salmon, shellfish, or even tofu with this seasoning, and they’ll instantly become irresistible.
- Veggies and sides: Apart from main dishes, this blend also works well on roasted veggies, baked sweet potato fries, quinoa, and mac and cheese.
- Soups: Want to give your soup a little oomph? Sprinkle this rub on creamy chicken enchilada soup or tomato soup, and you’ll immediately taste the difference.
- Pasta: Cajun butter pasta is the perfect example. It’s made of creamy sauce, seared chicken breasts, and of course, this seasoning!
- Crunchy snacks: From popcorn and oven fries to tortilla chips and nachos, the Cajun mix is perfect for all your snacking needs!
Bold and Zesty Cajun Spice Rub
9 herbs and spices are all it takes to make a bold and zesty Cajun spice rub, perfect for all sorts of dishes — from steaks and soups to veggies and snacks.
Ingredients
- 2½ teaspoons of smoked paprika (feel free to use sweet or hot paprika if you prefer)
- 2 teaspoons EACH of garlic powder and salt
- 1 teaspoon EACH of cayenne pepper, onion powder, and ground black pepper
- 1¼ teaspoons EACH of dried thyme and dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (+ more if you want it spicier)
Instructions
- Measure all your herbs and spices before pouring them into a large bowl. Whisk them together until fully combined. (Note: Another method is to use a plastic shaker. Simply add your ingredients and give it a good shake.)
- Once you arrive at a cohesive mixture, give it a taste test to see if you like it. If not, feel free to adjust it.
- You can use it immediately to season your steak, chicken, salmon, roasted veggie, pasta, or snack. Otherwise, you can transfer your blend to an airtight container or spice jar and store it in your pantry. (Note: This should be good for up to 1 year.)
Notes
Image credit to @foodtasia.
Featured image credit to @chefcharlieray.
