9 Best Substitutes for Cajun Seasoning
When it comes to making your own homemade dishes, Cajun seasoning is one of the most popular ingredients that you can use. It’s a mixture of spices and herbs that you can use to add some zest to your food. Cajun seasoning is so popular that it is used as an ingredient in many recipes by restaurants and chefs.
While there are different recipes that you can use to make your own homemade Cajun seasoning, we have put together a list of the 9 best substitutes for Cajun seasoning.
9 Best Substitutes for Cajun Seasoning
We have compiled a list of the 9 best substitutes for Cajun seasoning so that you can make your favorite dishes without worrying about using the wrong ingredients.
1. Old Bay Seasoning
Did you know that Old Bay Seasoning is a staple of the Mid-Atlantic region? It’s not just for crabs; it’s also a good substitute for Cajun seasoning.
Old Bay comprises paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and celery salt (to name a few ingredients). The blend offers an ideal flavor profile for seafood dishes and other dishes. It can be used in Cajun seasonings to kick up your recipes without overpowering them with heat or spice.
2. Creole Seasoning
Creole seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices used to season meat, fish, rice, vegetables, and eggs. It’s typically associated with Cajun cooking but can be used in place of cajun seasoning if you prefer the flavor profile it offers.
3. Chicken Seasoning
Chicken seasoning is a mixture of herbs and spices to season chicken and other poultry. The ingredients in chicken seasoning vary, but the most common are sage, thyme, marjoram, and bay leaf. Some blends also include salt and pepper. However, many brands will make their unique blend using different herbs and spices to create a signature taste that’s all their own!
4. Barbecue Spice Mix
Barbecue Spice Mix is made from a blend of spices used in barbecuing meat, fish, and fowl. It’s a good substitute for Cajun Seasoning. This spice mix can be used for a variety of recipes.
Some main ingredients include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Other ingredients may also be added to create different flavors.
The recipe for Barbecue Spice Mix varies depending on who makes it. Some people add salt while others do not. It is best to follow the instructions on the package when making this spice mix at home.
5. Chili Powder
Chili Powder is a flavorful seasoning made from dried and ground chili peppers. It is used to add spicy flavor to foods. You can use this chili powder as a substitute for cajun seasoning.
The powder can be made from chili pepper, including bell peppers, cayenne, paprika, Serrano, and others. The chili powder made from chilies that have been dried and ground into a fine powder is called chili powder.
6. Taco Seasoning Mix
Taco seasoning is a blend of chili powder, paprika, garlic, onion, and oregano. It’s salt-free and makes for an excellent substitute for Cajun seasoning for tacos, burritos, and chili.
If you’re looking for something similar to the flavor of Cajun seasoning but don’t want the extra kick of heat from red pepper flakes or black pepper (or if you just don’t have those ingredients on hand), taco seasoning mix will do just fine.
7. Adobo Seasoning
Adobo seasoning is a blend of dried chilies and herbs used to flavor meats, vegetables, and soups. It’s typical in Spanish, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisines. The most common ingredients for adobo seasonings are garlic, onion powder or chopped onions, oregano, and cumin.
If you love the taste of Cajun seasoning but don’t want to use it because it has MSG as an ingredient, adobo seasoning can be a good alternative. Adobo seasonings also contain some salt, so if your dietary needs require lower sodium levels in your food choices, many brands make no-salt versions of their recipes, which could work well too!
8. French Four Spice
French four spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. It’s typically used in French cuisine, often paired with pork or chicken dishes.
The seasoning is not spicy like Cajun seasoning, but it has some heat. If you want something that can be used as a sub for chili powder, this isn’t the right choice because it doesn’t have any heat to it at all.
9. Cayenne Pepper and Paprika
If you’re looking for an alternative to cajun seasoning, try a pinch of cayenne pepper and paprika. Cayenne peppers are known as the “teeth-chattering” peppers, while paprika is sweet. These two can create a perfect balance when combined together in your favorite dish.
For example, cayenne pepper and paprika are often used to make spicy barbecue rubs that would be great on pork ribs or chicken wings.
Best Substitutes for Cajun Seasoning – FAQs
What Is the Non-Spicy Substitute for Cajun Seasoning?
There are many non-spicy substitutes for Cajun seasoning. Common substitutes include garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil. These substitutes will give your food the same flavor without the spice.
How to Make Your Own Cajun Seasoning?
Using a food processor is the best way to make your own Cajun seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste, then add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, thyme, and marjoram. You can also add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!
What are the Other Substitute Types of Seasonings for Cajun?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices, but you can substitute any other types of seasonings for Cajun seasoning. If you like the taste of Cajun but not the heat, try adding one or two teaspoons (or more) of basil and oregano to your usual spice mix. Not only will these herbs make it smell good, but they’ll also give your chicken or vegetables an added boost in flavor.
If you want to get creative with your food without resorting to hot sauce (which is also delicious!), try substituting dried parsley flakes for cayenne pepper. Dried spices are much stronger than fresh ones, so use them sparingly if you’re concerned about overpowering what’s on your plate—just remember that sprinkling less often means having more control over how much goes onto each dish!
Is Cajun Seasoning the Same as Chili Powder?
Cajun seasoning and chili powder are two different types of spices that are used to flavor food. Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices used to flavor food typically cooked in a Cajun style. Chili powder is a spice made from dried chili peppers and is used to flavor food typically cooked in a Mexican style.
Conclusion
Cajun seasoning is a prevalent spice that is used in a lot of recipes. It is a mixture of spices that adds flavor to your food. This is a great spice that is used in a lot of dishes, but it is costly. If you want to make your own Cajun seasoning at home, then you should use these tips to make the best Cajun seasoning you can.
