Cajun Dry Rub

This cajun dry rub is the perfect all-purpose seasoning. The spice level is moderate with a little kick, and it finishes off with a slightly sweet smoky flavor. I sprinkle this amazing dry rub on just about everything. It’s my secret ingredient that adds an irresistible burst of flavor!

It is especially great on chicken and pork. But it goes with more than meat. Try it on veggies, popcorn, and homemade French fries.

Louisiana Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is deeply rooted in Louisiana, where it first emerged from the vibrant Cajun community that thrives there. They have roots in French Canada but have lived in Louisiana for centuries, blending various cultural influences into their cooking. This Cajun dry spice captures the essence of this melting pot, mixing spices like cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme.

Because the seasoning is used in many signature Louisiana dishe such as gumbo or jambalaya, it has become a hallmark of Louisiana cuisine.

The Best Cajun Spice Rub

Store-bought rubs can be overly salty or not quite to your taste. When you create it yourself, you control the flavor, the salt level, and the heat. It’s customization at its finest.

Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought

Now, you might be wondering why you should bother making this spice blend at home when there are countless store-bought options available. Let’s break it down.

• Flavor Control: Making a homemade Cajun seasoning allows you to tailor the spice mix to your specific taste preferences. Love garlic but not a fan of too much heat? You get to decide the ratios and spice leve.
• No Preservatives or Additives: Many commercial spice mixes have fillers and preservatives to extend their shelf life. By making it yourself, you can leave out unnecessary additives in the Cajun rub.
• Less Salt: Some store-bought mixes are heavy on salt, overshadowing the other flavors. When you create your own, you can control the salt content.
• Economical: Buying individual spices might seem more expensive upfront, but you can use them in various recipes, not just this Cajun rub. In the long run, you save more and waste less.
• Custom Gifting: Put your homemade spice mixture in a cute jar, stick on a label, and you’ve got a thoughtful, customized gift for the foodies in your life.

What is in Cajun Rub?

Cajun spice rub is a delightful spice blend associated with the comforting Cajun cuisine from rural Louisiana. Now, Cajun food isn’t necessarily super spicy, but this dry rub has a mild heat level. Of course, if you’re into a spicier kick, you can easily adjust it to your liking. Here’s a list of the spices you need to whip up this flavorful blend.

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper and white pepper
• Onion Powder
• Cayenne
• Oregano
• Sweet basil
• Thyme
• Brown sugar

This is a delicious blend of flavorful spices with a hint of heat and the perfect touch of sweetness. If you prefer it spicier or milder, you can tweak the ratio of black and white pepper and the cayenne powder.

If you combine the spices and it has too much heat, just add more of all the spices except for the pepper and cayenne.

Cajun vs. Creole Dry Spice

Creole and Cajun spice blends are pretty similar and you can use them interchangeably, but there are some slight differences. This Cajun seasoning has a bit of a smoky flavor that reminds me of the good ol’ rustic backyard grilling. Creole spice blends generally have more herbs and less pepper.

How Long Can You Store Spices?

You can stash this dry rub in your pantry for around 1-3 years. Just remember to mark the date on your spice containers so you know how old they are. When this spice rub starts losing its awesome aroma, it’s time to toss it and whip up a fresh batch.

• Ground spices: 2-3 years
• Dried herbs: 1-3 years
• Whole spices: 4 years

Tips for Storing Spices:

• Keep the spice blend in an airtight container to keep them fresh and flavorful!
• Store your spices in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep them away from heat and moisture, which will make seasoning blends clump.
• Make sure you keep tabs on how long you’ve had those spices in your pantry!

How to Use Cajun Spice Dry Rub

When I think of Louisiana Cajun seasoning, I think of chicken wings, grilled ribs, smoked chicken, and smoked briskets. A sprinkle of this rub is all you need to get a kick of flavor from your favorite meats.

It also makes an amazing addition to potatoes, eggs, and stir-fries! And don’t forget about seafood dishes like shrimp or salmon. Did I mention that I use it a lot? Here is a recipe or two (or more) that you can use this spice mixture on.

• Traeger smoked turkey breast (wrapped in bacon) 
• Air fryer honey mustard wings.
• Shrimp and grits recipe
• Chicken sandwich
• Grilled chicken breast
• Baked chicken thighs

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About Joshua

Joshua is the griller, cook, photographer, and writer behind A License To Grill. He loves cooking and hanging out with friends and family and has a passion to share his grilling and smoking knowledge with everyone.