How to Substitute for Cajun Spice

Use ground spices to make your own Cajun spice mix at home.

Cajun seasoning is a spice mixture used in Cajun food of the deep southern parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, where the food is rich and spicy with a mix of peppers, onion, salt and garlic. It is commonly used as "blackening seasoning," added to soups, stews and gumbos, and is often used on seafood and chicken. It can also be used on tofu and soy meat products. You can make your own Cajun substitute mix at home with a few different spices.

Things You'll Need

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Medium Bowl
• Spoon
• Container
• Mortar and pestle (optional)

Instructions

1. Grind any whole ingredients such as oregano leaves into flakes or a powder using a mortar and pestle. When finely ground combine with all other ingredients in a medium bowl.

2. Mix ingredients together with a spoon for one to two minutes or until completely mixed. Transfer mixture to an airtight container and seal. Store at room temperature.

3. Rub Cajun spice mixture on shrimp, fish and chicken dishes before cooking to get that rich, hot flavor with signature blackened look. Sprinkle it on non-meat items such as hash browns, pasta or burritos for a little extra heat. Add it to soups, or mix it into condiments such as mayonnaise or ketchup to put on sandwiches.

Tips & Warnings

• Use Cajun seasoning mix within two to three years for full potency.

• Add more or less red pepper flakes to adjust heat.

References

• Ethnic Spicy Food: Cajun Food History
• Gourmet Sleuth: Cajun Seasoning