Spicy Cajun shrimp seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs that brings bold kick to seafood recipes! Anytime you are out of store-bought Cajun seasoning mix, make it at home combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano and thyme. Use it for all spicy seafood recipes such as Jambalaya or a Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe.
My husband and I love seafood recipe that are made with down-to-earth southern Louisiana-style spicy Cajun spices. One evening while making jambalaya, we realized we were out of Cajun seasoning. I hate when I am about to make a recipe and realize I don’t have an crucial spice, how about you?
Cajun shrimp seasoning can quickly be made at home in a moments notice with a blend of simple spices and herbs, so that is what we did! Many store-bought versions of Cajun seasoning mixes do not have the herbs add in, but I like the addition which complements shellfish such as shrimp, lobster and crab meat to bring out the best flavors.
How to make Cajun Shrimp Seasoning: Ingredients
- Paprika – lots of it! I like to use smoked paprika for the best flavor
- Cayenne pepper
- Fresh black pepper
- Salt – I like to use pink Himalayan salt for its health benefits (rich in minerals)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Thyme
In a mixing bowl combine the ingredients together. Serve as a seasoning on Cajun meat and seafood cuisines.
How to store homemade Cajun Spice Mix
After making the seasoning mix, store it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool dry place for up to 1 year. This recipe makes almost 2/3 cup.
Creole seasoning vs. Cajun seasoning
Many people wonder, “Is creole seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning?” The two cuisines are not the same and here is why.
Creole cuisine uses tomatoes and relies on herbs like oregano, bay leaf, basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley and paprika.
Cajun seasoning does not use tomatoes and relies on the use of many peppers, such as white and black pepper, bell peppers, cayenne peppers and in some, chili peppers. The seasoning also incorporates paprika and garlic, and some add celery and onion powder.
Since this Cajun shrimp seasoning uses a blend of peppers, paprika, garlic AND oregano and thyme- it is a blend of Cajun and creole. For a full Cajun seasoning recipe, you can leave out the oregano and thyme and add 1 tablespoon of white pepper in its place.
How to use Cajun Shrimp Seasoning
Use this Cajun style dry rub on any seafood, chicken or sausage where you want a bit of kick in flavor! You can also season grilled vegetables and other seafood recipes with it such as:
- Healthy Jambalaya with Shrimp and Sausage
- Grilled Artichoke
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables
- Cod Fish Tacos
- Shrimp and Scallop Pasta in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
- Sprinkle it on this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
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Cajun Shrimp Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons oregano dry
- 1 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon pink Himalayan salt
- 1/2 tablespoon thyme dry
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Use right away and store the remaining recipe in a sealed airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 1 year.
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