Cajun seasoning is a Louisiana spice blend made primarily from salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, and oregano.
There is no single legally fixed recipe for Cajun seasoning. Commercial and homemade blends may also contain black pepper, onion powder, thyme, or other spices. The shared profile is savory, peppery, and moderately hot, making it useful for seafood, poultry, rice dishes, and vegetables.
The blend reflects Cajun cooking’s emphasis on assertive seasoning rather than one standardized formula. Heat levels vary considerably, so cooks should check the salt and cayenne content before adding more seasoning to a dish.
Cajun seasoning is often confused with Creole seasoning. The terms overlap in everyday use, and brands differ, but Creole blends may emphasize herbs and a broader aromatic profile. Neither blend should be confused with filé powder, which is ground sassafras leaf.