Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

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Salt-free Cajun seasoning lets you have bold, zesty flavor on hand without having to guess how much salt is already in the mix. It’s cheaper than grocery store packets, customizable to your taste, and pantry-friendly. This is your go-to homemade Cajun spice blend for chicken, shrimp, and roasted vegetables.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Season with confidence and no guessin how much salt is already in the mix
Full control over your sodium intake
Customizable flavor based on your preferences

What You’ll Walk Away Knowing

How to cook with salt-free spices without burning them
How to avoid bitterness or acrid flavors without salt
How to add the right amount of salt, if desired

I used to make my seasoning blends with salt in it, but then I would either forget that I already had salt in it and over season the food or end up needing to add salt and worrying that I was putting more in than was good for my health. This recipe takes the guess work out.

Cooking from Scratch

Spice blends are a great way to dive into cooking from scratch. You don’t have to spend time sprinkling this and that and hoping it tastes good. This fool proof blend does the work for you while still being something you put together yourself. It helps to build confidence in seasoning.

Salt-Free Cooking

I personally don’t eat low sodium or salt free, but I love the ability to adjust my seasoning. If you plan to use this recipe without adding salt to the meal you’re using it with, there are some things you should know.

You’ll need to adjust your expectations of what you’re used to with salt.

Salt helps create a bark on the outside of meat. Without it, you won’t get a crust.
Salt draws moisture and penetrates meat so without it the seasoning will sit on top of the meat.
Salt balances and rounds out flavor. Without it, spices can taste sharper or more bitter.
To help the seasoning stick and cook evenly, coat your meat or veggies in oil before adding the blend.

Salt free spices can burn more easily without salt. To prevent that from happening:

Add cajun seasoning at the right time which is after searing or mix into marinades, sauces, or compound butters
Toss meat or vegetables in fat first (oil, butter, etc.) to buffer the spices
Cook at a lower heat to avoid scorching
Mix in a touch of sugar or honey to aid browning and balance bitterness

I personally season my meals with salt first to my taste and then add the Cajun blend. For one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, you can use ½ teaspoon of salt.

Ingredient photo with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Ingredient List

Paprika: I use regular paprika, but you can also use smoked paprika or a blend of both. Gives the seasoning color and a red pepper flavor base.

Cayenne Pepper: Gives a spice, but also a mouth warming, underlining heat. Makes you feel cozy.

Red Pepper Flakes: Gives texture to the seasoning. You can crunch into a chunk of heat.

Black Pepper: White pepper is another alternative if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a small bowl, mix, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and black pepper together.
Store in an airtight container

Expert Tips

If you’d like to make this a salted blend, add 1 tablespoon of salt to the entire recipe.

To match a typical Cajun seasoning, use ½ teaspoon of salt for every 1 tablespoon of the salt-free mix. But you can always just put as much or as little as you want.

How to Use

I like to use this Cajun seasoning on home fries, roasted potatoes, and shrimp when I make shrimp and grits. It’s good on chicken and other vegetables as well.

Storage

Store in an airtight container. I prefer a mason jar. I personally don’t think spices go bad and probably have spices in my pantry from ten years ago. You’ll have to let your taste buds decide if it’s no longer as flavorful as it once was. But with this small ½ cup batch, you will probably go through it before that happens.

Cajun seasoning without salt in a mason jar to store.

FAQs

Can I make this blend smoky or sweet?

Yes! Swap in smoked paprika or add a pinch of brown sugar or dry mustard powder for extra character.

Is this suitable for a low-sodium or heart-healthy diet?

Absolutely. Since it contains no salt, it’s perfect for anyone watching their sodium intake or just wanting to season more mindfully.

Can I use this as a dry rub for meat?

Yes, but for best results, pat your protein dry, toss it in a bit of oil first, then season. Without salt, the spices won’t penetrate deeply or form a crust, but oil and technique can help.

How much salt should I add to this Cajun seasoning?

For every 1 tablespoon of this blend, use about ½ teaspoon of salt. Or season to taste separately.

Will the spices burn without salt?

It can. Salt-free spices are more exposed and prone to scorching. To prevent bitterness, cook at a lower temp, use oil, or add the seasoning later in the cooking process.

This salt-free Cajun blend puts you in charge. Whether you’re cutting back on sodium, customizing for your taste buds, or just tired of guessing how salty your food will end up, this jar of spice has your back.

Let me know in the comments what you’ve spiced up recently and subscribe to my newsletter for more recipes and cooking tips.

Spices all mixed together with a little wooden spoon.

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