This simple recipe for flavorful Cajun seasoning takes only five minutes to put together and adds zest to all your favorite foods, including meats, veggies, and rice dishes.
If you're reading my blog, you might have noticed my deep love for Cajun spices(here are my favorite Cajun shrimp tacos).
I used to buy them from the store sometimes. But once I learned this recipe, I started making them in bulk and tossing them into dishes whenever I needed to spice up a meal quickly.
The recipe is easy; mix the dried ingredients and season the dish wonderfully!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
⭐️It's a super simple recipe that's easier than you imagine.
⭐️All you need are some easy-to-find pantry ingredients.
⭐️It has balanced heat, and you can adjust the spiciness according to your tolerance-make it mild or hot.
Ingredients
- Cumin: It adds warm notes and is an essential ingredient for authentic Cuban flavors.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds heat. If you're sensitive to spice, start with a quarter teaspoon and increase as needed to match your preference.
- Dried oregano: Complements the other spices with a fresh, herbal touch.
- Smoked Paprika has a rich, smoky aroma. If you prefer, you can swap it for sweet or mild paprika.
- Garlic powder: Adds rich garlic flavors to the seasoning.
- Onion powder: A subtle flavor booster(works well in this red ranch sauce). Alternatively, you can use granulated onion or even more garlic powder.
- Salt and pepper: These two classic seasonings perfectly balance this seasoning. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
How To Make Cuban Seasoning?
- Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Store the spice blend in an airtight container. Rub it on meat before grilling, or sprinkle on your favorite dishes and enjoy!
♨️How To Adjust The Heat?
This Cuban seasoning recipe has a gentle heat. Cayenne pepper is the primary source of spice. However, garlic and ground cumin also contribute a very mild heat.
You can adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Mix the spices with a whisk or fork, ensuring no lumps thoroughly.
Always store this seasoning in a dry, clean glass jar. - You can use this Cajun seasoning as a rub for meats and vegetables or as taco seasoning.
- When using this as a rub for marination, let the meat sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Storage Ideas
Store it in a dry, airtight container on the kitchen counter for about six months.
You can also refrigerate it for up to six months or freeze it longer, though the flavors may fade slightly over time.
FAQ
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spice level in this Cuban seasoning recipe by adding more or less paprika to suit your preference. To make it more spicy, try experimenting with cayenne or chili powder.
The amount of seasoning blend per dish varies depending on your choice and the dish itself. A good starting point is 1-2 teaspoons per pound of meat or vegetables but adjust according to your taste.
Double or triplicate the recipe to easily make a larger batch of the Cuban seasoning blend. Store the best flavors in clean, dry, airtight containers for up to three months.
Yes, you can omit the salt or use a reduced-sodium salt substitute to make a salt-free version of the Cuban seasoning blend.
More Seasonings
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Cuban Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix well until everything all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Store the spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Rub it on your meat before grilling, or sprinkle and Enjoy!
Notes
- This Cuban seasoning has balanced heat, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance.
- Use the seasoning as a rub for meats, vegetables, or even as a taco seasoning.
- For best flavor, let marinated meats sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Store the seasoning in a dry, airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to six months.
Nathan says
This is a fantastic spice blend, super versatile and works great with a lot of dishes. I love having this around to add some easy flavor to my dinners!
pepperbowl says
Nathan, this makes me so happy to hear, thank you!
Elizabeth says
Delicious blend of seasonings! I hate eating bland vegetables, so I'm going to give this a try the next time I grill up or saute some veggies.
pepperbowl says
So happy to hear it, thanks Elizabeth!