One of my go to spice mixes, this Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix is extremely versatile. Not only is it a fantastic seasoning for any type of blackened protein, you can incorporate it into a number of creative side dishes. It is delicious on vegetables, eggs, and pastas!

There are times when your body craves certain things. Sometimes it is something as simple as a solitary walk, keeping a brisk pace to keep the blood flowing when your entire being is feeling a bit lethargic. Other times it is a restorative yoga session, stretching out tight, hunchy muscles that are a result of daily stress, an overexerted body from either sitting in a desk chair or a hard workout session. And yet other times, the ones we think are the emotional times, our bodies crave things such as chocolate, the comfort of a warm, cheesy bread, or the watery crunch of a crisply perfect Caesar Salad. They say with certain food cravings that are not related to your emotional and mental state, that it is your body telling you that your body is lacking in certain vitamins and minerals.

Is it possible to crave a spice seasoning mix? I feel as though the answer is an improbable “yes”, however to be honest the most likely answer is I crave all the incredibly delicious foods that stem from an incredibly great spice mix. I mentioned in a previous post that I had a trio of spice mixes I had come up with, and I am not kidding when I tell you I use them regularly and without shame in much of my everyday cooking. The first offering, the All Purpose BBQ Spice Rub, is perfect for all the BBQ seasoning needs you could imagine up. However, one that is near and dear to my heart is this Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix. It is something that I tend to reach for if I have a protein that I do not have an immediate plan for, as it can be the base for a multitude of different dishes.

This Cajun Seasoning Mix has a good kick to it, but not the kind that burns your mouth out. If it’s a little spicy for you, cut down on the Cayenne Pepper or pair the protein with some kind of cooling agent like an Avocado Ranch or Caesar Salad Dressing.

One of my favored ways to use this Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix is a spice crust on whatever protein I have on hand. Most times, this will be chicken, so I sprinkle a hefty coating on both sides of the chicken and pan sear it. The result is a very powerfully spiced chicken that can top pastas, salads, rice, or be the star in tacos. Another way I utilize this spice mix is by taking the chicken and dry marinating it with a drizzle of olive oil and the spice mix, which allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat and makes an excellent springboard to grill later on. I also have used this Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix to flavor a roast chicken and it is phenomenal. For chicken (breast or thigh meat), I tend to use about 2 Tbsp of the mix per pound of meat.

I also have used this Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix on different types of seafood. Salmon and cod take to the spice mix beautifully, though to allow the flavors of the fish to shine through I would suggest using a lighter hand when seasoning them. Using this spice mix, blackened salmon is delicious topped with a mango or pineapple salsa alongside some rice, or blackened cod tacos with a avocado lime aioli, or blackened shrimp adorn a classic Caesar salad. The possibilities are endless. This Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix is also an important base for a very inauthentic version of Red Beans and Rice that I make. I also think it would make an incredible roasted potato, and would be a good addition to a creamy Alfredo sauce.

The heat level is moderately high in this seasoning mix as I love spicy food and am happiest if sweat is pouring down my face while I eat it. (Think panting like a puppy while eating the X-treme Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.). On a scale of 1-10 I would rate this about a 6.5, possibly a 7 depending on the recipe it is utilized for. It has a nice slow burn to it but you can definitely feel your tongue after you eat. The salt level is balanced in a way that typically you do not need to add additional salt to your protein. The flavor that ends up in your food is warm, spiced, with a good kick at the end. It definitely creates craveable, inventive dishes that can kick you out of a cooking rut.

Simple, quick, and absolutely a staple in my pantry, this Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix is a lifesaver for those last minute dinners.

Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix

Author: Iris Anna Gohn

This Cajun Seasoning Spice Mix takes roughly 5 minutes to throw together. I keep mine in little airtight containers as they keep the spices fresher. This is my lazy girl spice rub, so it basically pre-salts the meat with the salt level that is in it so you do not need to add additional salt. The beauty of this spice mix, as it is the beauty of all homemade spice rubs, is that there are no additional preservatives and you can control the amount of sodium in them.

This spice mix also makes a fantastic little stocking stuffer or gift for friends and family. There are adorable little jars you can procure to store and gift them in, and label makers are your friend if you make several different types of spice mixes at once!

Ingredients

2 Tbsp Granulated Garlic
2 Tbsp Sweet Paprika
1 1/2 Tbsp Kosher Salt
1 Tbsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
1 Tbsp Cayenne Pepper
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Dried Oregano
2 Tsp Dried Thyme
2 Tsp Cumin
2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 Tsp Smoked Paprika

Directions

In a small bowl, combine granulated garlic, sweet paprika, kosher salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cumin, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Whisk together until everything is combined well.
Store in an airtight container.