[7] Kitchen best Substitute for Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is a special kind of spice that comes from Louisiana. Substitute for Cajuns to get the same flavor in your food without extra calories, fat, and sodium!

Today I’ll expose some Substitutes for Cajun Seasoning that won’t change the flavor.

What Is Cajon Seasoning? What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning is a spice mix that’s used to add flavor to Louisiana-style cuisine. 

The mix typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and herbs like thyme and oregano. Some variations also include ingredients like garlic, onion, or celery.

Cajun seasoning is often used to season gumbos, jambalayas, and étouffées. It is also used to season chicken, fish, and other meats.

The taste of Cajun Seasoning can be described as a blend of salty, spicy, and smoky flavors. The ingredients used to make this seasoning vary, including cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme.

How to Make Cajun Seasoning at Home

Cajun seasoning is a popular spice mix used in Cajun cuisine. It’s also great for adding flavor to other dishes. Making your own cajun seasoning is easy and tailored to your taste preferences. 

Here’s how to make cajun seasoning at home in just 5 minutes:

-Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (rub the leaves between your fingers to break them up)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves (rub the leaves between your fingers to break them up)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper

Method: Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

(Note: If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/8 teaspoon.)

Variations: You can also add 1 tablespoon of salt if desired. For a smokier flavor, try adding 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika in addition to the regular paprika.

Now that you know how to make cajun seasoning at home give it a try on your favorite dishes. It’s a fantastic way to add flavor and spice to any meal. Enjoy!

7 Substitute for Cajun Seasoning

1. OLD BAY -A Mild Substitute for Cajun Seasoning

Old Bay seasoning is a type of seafood seasoning that is made up of a blend of herbs and spices. It is often used to season crabs, shrimp, lobster, and other types of seafood. 

The flavor of Old Bay seasoning is typically described as being spicy, salty, and earthy. It is a popular seasoning choice in the United States, especially when seafood is involved.

Use Old Bay instead of cajun seasoning in Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli, Quinoa and Shrimp Pilaf, Grilled Shrimp Skewers, and Lobster Rolls. Old Bay seasoning can also be used to season vegetables, meats, and other types of dishes.

The ingredients of Old Bay seasoning include paprika, celery seed, mustard, black pepper, bay leaves, cloves, allspice (ground), red pepper flakes (ground), ginger (ground), cardamom (ground), mace (ground), and cinnamon (ground).

The flavor of Old Bay will be similar to Cajun seasoning. Still, it will have a slightly different flavor profile due to different herbs and spices.

Old Bay seasoning can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It will keep for up to six months.

2. CREOLE SEASONINGS- A Less Spicy Substitute for Cajun Seasoning

Creole Seasoning is actually a spice blend commonly used in Louisiana cooking. It enhances the fantastic flavor of the ingredients.

Creole Seasonings are available in mild, medium, and hot flavors.

If a recipe calls for Cajun seasoning, you can use Creole Seasonings as a replacement. However, the result will be milder than if you had used Cajun seasoning. 

But fear not! You can always use an extra sprinkle of creole seasoning to make it spicier. That’s how it works with all spices blends – they are customizable to your own taste.

Creole seasoning brings out the wonderful flavor of the ingredients, rub for any meat before cooking, or marinate meat for 30 minutes, add to rice, stews, or soups after cooking for added flavor and can also be used as a table condiment for additional flavoring. 

The main ingredient is salt, sugar, and spices, with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper being the major ones.

Like any other spice mix, just store Creole Seasonings in a cool and dark place. No need to refrigerate or freeze. A cabinet or pantry is perfect.

Creole Seasonings is ideal for dishes with red meat such as steak and is great when added to rice and pasta dishes. 

3. CAYENNE PEPPER with PAPRIKA – Alternative To Cajun Seasoning

Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper used to add heat and flavor to dishes. 

Paprika is made from dried ground sweet red peppers and adds color and a mild smoky flavor to dishes.

Cayenne pepper with paprika can be used to substitute for cajun seasoning in recipes. It has a similar flavor and heat level. 

Use cayenne pepper with paprika to season chicken, shrimp, fish, rice, beans, and vegetables.

4. MAKE YOUR OWN CAJUN SEASONING 

Ingredients:

· 1 teaspoon paprika

· 1 teaspoon garlic powder

· 1 teaspoon onion powder

· 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

· 1 teaspoon black pepper

· 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

· 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a smallish mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and thoroughly stir. Keep it in an airtight container.

2. To use, sprinkle the desired amount of seasoning on food before cooking.

5. ADOBO SEASONING for Cajun Seasoning Substitute 

Adobo Seasoning is a popular Filipino seasoning that is made up of garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, and vinegar.

Adobo Seasoning has a savory and slightly sour taste that goes well with most dishes. 

Adobo Seasoning can be used in marinades, sauces, or condiments. It is also a great addition to a dipping sauce for meat or vegetables.

Since both seasonings have a similar taste and flavor, it won’t make a big difference if you use one or the other. 

However, you have to keep in mind that while both are spicy, adobo has more of a sour kick to it. Mix pepper instead if you want the adobo to have more of a spicy, tangy flavor.

Adobo Seasoning is a shelf-stable seasoning that can be stored in an airtight container in your pantry. It will stay fresh for up to six months. 

Alternatively, you can freeze Adobo Seasoning in an ice cube tray. Move the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will preserve the seasoning for up to a year.

6. NON-SPICY Substitute For Cajun Seasoning 

-Ingredients:

· 1 tablespoon paprika

· 1 teaspoon garlic powder

· 1 teaspoon onion powder

· 1 teaspoon cumin

· 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

-Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

2. Store in an airtight receptacle until ready to use.

3. To use, simply sprinkle over desired food items before cooking.

This recipe for a cajun seasoning substitute is perfect for those who don’t like spicy things. 

It’s also ideal for those looking to save some money on store-bought seasoning blends. It’s pretty simple to make, and you probably already have all of the ingredients in your spice rack.

If you have any leftovers, make sure they’re stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Otherwise, after a few days, the flavor will begin to fade.

7. Use FRENCH FOUR SPICE Instead of Cajun Seasoning

French Four Spice combines four spices: white pepper, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. It’s especially tasty in red meat dishes or stews. 

French Four Spice is also used in North African cooking for soups, sauces, and tagines.

If you want to replace Cajun seasoning with French Four Spice, start by using equal amounts of both seasonings. 

However, keep in mind that French Four Spice is a bit more subtle than Cajun seasoning, so you may need to add more if you want the same level of flavor. 

Additionally, French Four Spice typically contains slightly different ingredients than Cajun Seasoning, so you may need to experiment with the number of seasonings based on personal preference.

Once you have made your French Four Spice mixture, it can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. 

If you plan to use it within the next few weeks, you can store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure that you bring it back to room temperature before using it in a recipe.

Read More– 6 Ginger Garlic Paste substitute must present in Every kitchen

Is creole seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning?

The answer to this query is a little tricky. Creole seasoning typically contains garlic, onion, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. 

On the other hand, Cajun seasoning usually contains thyme, basil, marjoram, oregano, and pepper. 

However, there are many variations of both seasonings, and some are interchangeable with each other, depending on your taste preferences.

What is the best cajun seasoning?

As everyone has their own preference for cajun seasoning. However, there are a few popular cajun seasonings that are often recommended.

One of the most popular cajun seasonings is Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. This seasoning mix contains salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and other spices. It is a popular choice for many Cajun dishes.

Another popular cajun seasoning is Zatarain’s Creole Seasoning. This seasoning mix contains salt, black pepper, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and other spices. It is also a popular choice for cajun dishes.

Suppose you are looking for a cajun seasoning that is a bit spicier. In that case, you may want to try cajun seasoning with extra red pepper flakes. This type of seasoning can give your food a bit of a kick.

Ultimately, the best cajun seasoning is the one that you prefer. So, you may want to try out several different cajun seasonings before deciding on your favorite.

Wrap Up On- Cajun Seasoning Substitute 

When substituting spices, it’s always best to start with a small amount and add more as needed. 

This way, you can avoid making your dish too spicy or overwhelming it with a new flavor. 

With that in mind, if you’re looking to swap out the Cajun seasoning in a recipe, start by replacing one-quarter of the called-for amount with alternative seasonings. 

Then taste and adjust as necessary. Depending on the dish and your personal preference, you might need more or less. Happy cooking!

FAQs Cajun Seasoning & Its Alternatives