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Cajun is a spice native to Louisiana State in the USA. Cajuns were the Frenchmen deported to the US from Nova Scotia by the British. Their cooking style was greatly influenced by the French as well as Africans and Native Americans.
Cajun can easily be substituted at the grocery store. There are great substitutes for Cajun seasoning like old bay seasoning, creole seasoning, etc. These substitutes are essential in cases of emergency where Cajun seasoning is not available.
What is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a mixture of onion, pepper, garlic, etc., all blended or mixed together. Cajun seasoning has its home in Louisiana, which is the home of Cajun cuisine.
Cajun seasoning can be used for almost every meal. Primarily, they are used to prepare shrimp, steaks, pork. They are also used for roasted veggies, maque choux, classics like gumbo and shrimp to-boys. Cajun seasoning can also be sprinkled over popcorn.
Substitutes For Cajun Seasoning
Cajun pepper is made from mixing or blending different measurements of spice. This is enough evidence that Cajun seasoning is peculiar and elite.
There is no substitute for Cajun seasoning. However, there is a close alternative, and they include:
1. Creole Seasoning
Creole seasoning is an excellent substitute for Cajun seasoning. It is sometimes regarded as the urban cousin to Cajun seasoning. Just like Cajun seasoning, creole cooking is heavily influenced by African Americans and Native Americans.
Creole seasoning is considered the product of wealthier immigrants to New Orleans. Many of the immigrants came from Italy, Spain, and France. The creole seasoning serves as evidence of the influence of these cultures.
2. Old Bay Seasoning
Old Bay seasoning is an excellent seasoning for cooking. In 1939, this seasoning was introduced by McCormick and Company. A small container of old bay seasoning has 14 different spices. These spices are kept secret to this day.
Old bay seasoning is a blend of black pepper, cayenne pepper, celery salt, ginger, paprika, cinnamon, etc.
It can be sprinkled over your shrimp, fish, fries, chicken, crab boil. You can even sprinkle it over your popcorn. Just like Cajun seasoning, old bay seasoning is versatile.
3. Adobo Seasoning
Adobo seasoning is the Latin version of the Cajun seasoning. Just like Cajun seasoning, adobo seasoning is a mixture of European and New World influences.
It contains most of the ingredients used in both Cajun and Creole seasonings. Some of these ingredients include garlic, oregano, cumin, etc.
However, it should be noted that adobo seasoning is mainly made up of salt, which is unlike Cajun seasoning.
4. French Four Spice
Known as Quatre épices in French, the French four spice is mainly used in French cuisine. This spice mix contains ground pepper (white, black, or both), nutmeg, dried ginger, and cloves.
Some makers of French four spice use variations of the mix-use allspice. This spice is also used in middle eastern countries.
Just like Cajun seasoning, French four spice is versatile and diverse. It can be used to prepare multiple meals.
However, compared to Cajun seasoning, French four spice is a little more expensive. So, if you’re looking for a less expensive substitute for Cajun pepper, you probably look elsewhere.
5. Chili Powder
Even though chili powder is not as good of a substitute as the ones listed above, it can serve.
It contains oregano and ancho chili peppers, which acts as the paprika or cayenne pepper used in Cajun seasoning.
How To Make Cajun Seasoning From Scratch
In other to make Cajun seasoning from scratch, you need the following ingredients
- onion powder
- ground black pepper
- paprika
- kosher salt
- garlic powder
- ground white pepper
- cayenne
- thyme
- dried oregano
Instructions
- Make sure you measure the ingredients using a teaspoon.
- The ingredients should be added according to how you want your Cajun seasoning to taste. For example; if you want a more peppery seasoning, add more pepper. And vis-à-vis for all of them.
- Add them to a bowl, and mix properly. You could blend the mixture if you need the seasoning in powder form.
- After mixing, pour it into a jar, seal it and store it correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Cajun Seasoning Made From?
Cajun spice is a rustic spice consisting of blended cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper. Cajun seasoning only mildly hot and be used.
This seasoning is made from a mixture of ingredients like onion powder, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Some people also add thyme and turmeric powder.
Is Cajun Seasoning Safe To Eat?
As a whole, Cajun seasoning does not seem very nutritious. However, an inspection of the individual ingredients used to make Cajun seasoning will say otherwise.
Some of the components contain fiber, proteins, vitamins A, E, C, B6, potassium, riboflavin, etc. It also helps with constipation and inflammation.
If you are sensitive to spicy food, you should probably go for a less spicy Cajun seasoning.
What Is The Best Cajun Seasoning?
While purchasing Cajun seasoning, it is crucial to buy from reputable and trustworthy manufacturers.
In the United States, there are so many producers of this season. They include Slap your mama all Cajun seasoning from Louisiana, Tony Chachere, etc.
Read Also:
- Juniper Berries Substitutes
- Best Substitutes For Red Chili Pepper
- Best Substitutes For Black Beans
- Best Substitutes For Stewed Tomatoes
- Best Water Chestnuts Substitutes
Conclusion | What Can I Use Instead Of Cajun Seasoning?
Like many traditional spice blends, Cajun seasoning does not have a set recipe. Some mixture may be spicier than others. However, the emphasis will be on the savory, umami notes.
You can use Cajun seasoning as a tabletop spice, just like salt, and pepper. This is because it can be used in every cuisine; oven fries, grilled chicken. It is excellent on shrimp, corn on the cob, steaks, pork, roasted veggies, etc.
Substitutes for Cajun seasoning mentioned in this post may have similar but not identical effects on your food.
