Call it Creole or Cajun, the sort of spicy seasoning blend typical of so many New Orleans dishes is perfect for jazzing up your meals, especially on Mardi Gras. Whether youre looking for something traditional like gumbo, a quicker dinner, or just an easy Mardi Gras party snack, these easy Cajun seasoning recipe ideas are great ways to work that Big Easy flavor into your food.
First, of course, you have to make your Cajun Seasoning Blendsure, you can just pick up a canister of Tony Chacheres, but it takes no time at all to mix your own for the ultimate bright, fresh, spicy flavor.
Weather permitting, make a big batch and use it to season the water for a crawfish boilbut when youre stuck indoors, Cajun seasoning still brings a warm, festive flavor to lots of other dishes (including the Shrimp and Okra Hushpuppies you see up above). Mix some into mayo for a Cajun aioli; pat it on steaks, chicken, or fish before searing or grilling; toss it with roasted vegetables for a side dish; or try it in one of the recipes below.
1. Cajun Seasoning Blend
Lusa Schetinger/Unsplash
In as much time as it takes to read this article, you can have a fresh container of this spicy, complex blend of NOLA flavors ready to go to work in your kitchen. You just have to promise not to say BAM! when you use it. Ever. Get our Cajun Seasoning Blend recipe.
Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning, $4.78 at Walmart
If you're short on time, look for this blend in the spice aisle or order online.
2. Charred Green Beans with Cajun Dipping Sauce
Chowhound
Fire roasting green beans bring an extra level of smoky goodness to this dish. Keeping summer alive doesnt get easier than this. Not to mention the addictive dipping sauce is the perfect way to use that Cajun blend. Get our Charred Green Beans with Cajun Dipping Sauce recipe.
3. Butter Cajun Popcorn
Chowhound
Double it. Trust us, just make twice as much as you think youll need. Cajun popcorn is pretty much snack nirvana, and youll want bowl after bowl of this while youre bingeing on Netflix food shows. Get the Butter Cajun Popcorn recipe.
4. Maque Choux
Chowhound
The summer side youve never had, maque choux is essentially Cajun succotash. Every cook has their own perfect recipe, but a few big pinches of that seasoning make all those picnic corn salads you had taste like cardboard. This southern Louisiana specialty deserves wider recognition as the ideal vehicle for the flavors of summerbut use frozen veggies and you can make it any time of year. Get our Maque Choux recipe.
5. Baked Cajun Salmon
!doctype>
Using your Cajun seasoning as a rub for fish is a great way to use up a larger quantity of the spice. Roasting the salmon keeps it moist inside, and the lemon juice and zest add a citrusy spark that works well with the spice of the fish. Serve with pasta, veggies, rice, or even make into sandwiches. Get the Baked Cajun Salmon recipe.
6. Shrimp Po Boy
mphillips007/Getty Images
A little more involved, these fried shrimp po boys are definitely worth it, and a classic example of New Orleans great sandwich tradition. Get the Shrimp Po Boy recipe.
7. Wild Rice Jambalaya
Chowhound
Dishes like this are why you made that Cajun blend in the first place. Classic jambalaya keeps incredibly well in the freezer, so stock up now or make some for anyone you know with a baby on the way! Get our Wild Rice Jambalaya recipe.
8. Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp
!doctype>
Honey lends a sweet contrast to your spicy seasoning magic. Just a handful of ingredients come together to transform shrimp into an easy explosion of flavor thats versatile enough to eat with quinoa or a salad, in tacos, or just standing over the stove and licking your fingersand its ready in less than 20 minutes too. Get the Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp recipe.
9. Shrimp Etouffee
!doctype>
The ultimate use for your Cajun seasoning is this shrimp etouffee. It was destined for this. There is no nobler cause than this historic recipe. In fact, you might start looking up plane tickets and real estate in NOLA after this one. Youve been warned. Get the Shrimp Etouffee recipe.
10. Cajun Deviled Eggs
Shutterstock
Deviled eggs are endlessly adaptable, and if you like spice, adding Cajun seasoning is a brilliant move. Get the Cajun Deviled Eggs recipe.
11. Cajun Souffle
Jon Melendez
Another way to marry Cajun spice and eggs is this brunch-ready souffle from Joy Wilson (also known as Joy the Baker). Get the Cajun Souffle recipe.