Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

Spices all mixed together with a little wooden spoon.

5 from 1 vote

This homemade Cajun seasoning is salt-free, so you can adjust your sodium levels to taste without sacrificing bold flavor. Perfect for chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and roasted potatoes—it’s your pantry-ready, spice-it-your-way blend.

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Prep Time:5

Total Time:5

Ingredients

2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons thyme
1 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons oregano, 2 teaspoons thyme, 1 teaspoons red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon black pepper together.
Store in an airtight container

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Course: Pantry

Cuisine: Ingredient

Keyword: Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning

Servings: cups

Calories: 288kcal

Author: Jennifer Beck