Cajun’s Choice Blackened Seasoning transforms ordinary ingredients into dishes bursting with character and zest. But here’s the best part: making a signature recipe with this seasoning doesn’t require fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen. All you need is a little heat, a sprinkle of spice, and a dash of creativity!
Table of Contents
How to make Cajun’s Choice Blackened Seasoning
Cajun’s Choice Blackened Seasoning is a seasoning & rub blend from Louisiana (USA), made by the Cajun’s Choice brand (also associated with Ragin’ Cajun / Acadian Kitchens).
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika (use smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon salt (reduce if you prefer lower sodium or experiment with sea salt)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your preferred level of heat)
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons white pepper (optional, but it adds depth to the seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a balanced flavor)
Instructions
- Measure Your Spices: Carefully measure out all the spices and herbs, keeping in mind how spicy or salty you want the blend to be. If you want a milder seasoning, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it for an entirely heat-free version.
- Mix Thoroughly: Place all the ingredients into a small mixing bowl and whisk them together until they are evenly combined. Make sure there are no clumps, as this will help ensure an even coating on your food.
- Store Properly: Transfer your seasoning blend to an airtight container (like a glass spice jar or small plastic container). Store it in a cool, dry place, and it will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
- Label Your Blend: Don’t forget to label your container with the name and date to keep your spice collection organized.
Tips for Success
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely. Alternatively, if you love extra spice, bump up the cayenne and black pepper.
- Opt for Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality dried spices for the best flavor. Stale spices lose their potency over time.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is essential for that authentic “blackened” crust. If you don’t have one, a heavy non-stick pan can work as a substitute, but you won’t get the same results.
- Ventilation is Key: Blackening creates smoke due to the high heat, so turn on your kitchen fan or open windows to keep your cooking area ventilated.
- Don’t Skip the Fat: Butter is traditionally used to create the delicious browned crust. However, olive oil or ghee are great alternatives if you’re looking for a healthier option.
- Experiment and Customize: Add your own twist! Perhaps a hint of cumin, smoked chili powder, or a touch of lemon zest to make it your personal recipe.
What to serve with
Cajun’s Choice Blackened Seasoning is incredibly versatile, adding bold, smoky, and spicy flavors to meats, seafood, vegetables, and more. While the seasoning itself is the star of the dish, pairing it with complementary sides and accompaniments can elevate your meal to new heights.
Classic Southern Rice Dishes
Rice is a staple in Cajun and Creole cooking and pairs perfectly with blackened dishes. Try one of the following:
- Dirty Rice: A flavorful rice dish made with ground meat (usually pork or chicken liver), vegetables, and spices. Its earthy flavors complement the boldness of blackened proteins.
- Creole Rice or Jambalaya: Packed with veggies, smoked sausage, and spices, jambalaya is an ideal comfort food companion to blackened shrimp or chicken.
- Simple White or Brown Rice: Seasoned meats with cajun seasoning pair well with a neutral rice base to balance the meal.
Ingredients Substitutes
When making your own Cajun’s Choice Blackened Seasoning, the beauty lies in its flexibility. Not only can you customize the heat and smokiness, but you can also easily substitute ingredients to suit your individual preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you have in your spice cabinet.
1. Paprika (2 Tablespoons)
Paprika is the backbone of Cajun’s Choice Blackened Seasoning, providing sweet and smoky undertones as well as the vibrant red color.
Substitutes:
- Smoked Paprika: This delivers a more pronounced smoky flavor compared to regular paprika. It’s an excellent alternative if you want your seasoning to have an extra layer of smokiness.
- Chipotle Powder: If you’re looking for a spicier replacement, chipotle powder adds heat and smokiness. However, use less since it’s stronger than paprika.
- Ancho Chili Powder: This has a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor, making it a good substitute but darker in color.
- Cayenne Pepper (in small amounts): For additional heat, though it will lack smoky sweetness.
2. Salt (1 Tablespoon)
Salt is added to enhance the flavors of the other spices and your final dish.
Substitutes:
- Garlic Salt/Onion Salt: These can replace regular salt and add extra savory depth, but adjust any garlic or onion powder in the recipe to account for these.
- Reduced-Sodium Salt: If you’re cutting back on sodium, use less salt or a low-sodium version like potassium chloride.
- Celery Salt: A great substitute that also brings a slight herbal note to the spice mix.
3. Garlic Powder (1 Tablespoon)
Garlic powder adds savory richness and aroma to the mix.
Substitutes:
- Granulated Garlic: Slightly coarser than garlic powder, but works perfectly as a one-to-one substitute.
- Fresh Garlic (finely chopped): If you’re preparing the seasoning for immediate use (rather than storing it), fresh garlic can bring bold flavor—but it won’t work for dry storage.
- Onion Powder (as a last resort): Though less pungent, onion powder can imitate garlic’s depth in a pinch.
4. Onion Powder (1 Tablespoon)
Onion powder adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of sharpness to the blend.
Substitutes:
- Granulated Onion: Similar to granulated garlic, this works as an exact swap.
- Dried Minced Onion: If you’re okay with a chunkier texture, dried minced onion can replace onion powder.
- Chopped Fresh Onion: As with fresh garlic, this option is only suitable for immediate use.
5. Cayenne Pepper (1 Tablespoon)
For the characteristic heat of Cajun blackened seasoning, cayenne is a must.
Substitutes:
- Chili Powder: This is less spicy and tends to have a more complex flavor due to added cumin and oregano, but it can work for a milder spice blend.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: While not a perfect match, red pepper flakes can deliver heat—just grind them finely for a smoother texture.
- Hot Paprika: Spicier than regular paprika, this is an excellent alternative to cayenne.
6. Black Pepper (1½ Teaspoons)
Black pepper adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Substitutes:
- White Pepper: With a milder, slightly earthy flavor, white pepper can replace black pepper for dishes where you don’t want dark specks.
- Ground Szechuan Peppercorns: Offering a tingling spiciness, Szechuan peppercorns can add a unique layer to the blend (use sparingly).
- Pink or Green Peppercorns (ground): Less pungent and spicier substitutions, though they alter the flavor slightly.
7. White Pepper (1½ Teaspoons)
White pepper creates a subtle, earthy heat and is slightly more muted in flavor than black pepper.
Substitutes:
- Black Pepper: Black pepper can be used solely if white pepper isn’t available (use equal measurements).
- Ground Mustard Seeds: For an alternative earthy flavor with a mild spice kick.
8. Dried Oregano (1 Tablespoon)
Oregano adds an herbal, slightly bitter note that balances the bold spices.
Substitutes:
- Italian Seasoning: Most Italian seasoning blends include dried oregano and can serve as a substitute.
- Marjoram: A close relative of oregano, marjoram offers a sweeter and more delicate flavor.
- Thyme (in equal parts): If doubling the thyme, it can replace oregano in a pinch.
9. Dried Thyme (1 Tablespoon)
Thyme contributes an earthy, herbal flavor that mellows the blend.
Substitutes:
- Fresh Thyme (if using immediately): Double the amount, as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
- Dried Basil: For a slightly sweeter, milder substitute.
- Dried Rosemary (finely ground): For an earthy and piney alternative.
10. Sugar (1 Teaspoon, Optional)
A small amount of sugar rounds out the flavors and balances the heat in the blend.
Substitutes:
- Brown Sugar: Adds a slight molasses note, making it ideal for smoky or caramelized flavors.
- Honey Powder: A unique dry option for those looking to balance spice with sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Making Cajun’s Choice Blackened Seasoning at home opens the door to endless customization.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Measure Your Spices: Carefully measure out all the spices and herbs, keeping in mind how spicy or salty you want the blend to be. If you want a milder seasoning, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it for an entirely heat-free version.
- Mix Thoroughly: Place all the ingredients into a small mixing bowl and whisk them together until they are evenly combined. Make sure there are no clumps, as this will help ensure an even coating on your food.
- Store Properly: Transfer your seasoning blend to an airtight container (like a glass spice jar or small plastic container). Store it in a cool, dry place, and it will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
- Label Your Blend: Don’t forget to label your container with the name and date to keep your spice collection organized.
