How to Use Cajun Seasoning Beyond Seafood: 12 Easy Ideas

A shrimp boil is the classic use for Cajun seasoning, and our Cajun shrimp foil packets are a great place to start. But a good Cajun blend is really an all-around seasoning. Show-Me® Cajun Seasoning is a blend of spices including paprika, with salt, dehydrated garlic and dehydrated onion. The paprika gives it a smoky, slightly sweet base, and the garlic and onion add savory depth. That balance works on far more than seafood.

A quick rule of thumb

Start with about 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound of meat or vegetables, taste, and adjust from there. Season lightly the first time if you're sensitive to spice. If you are also using salty ingredients like sausage, bacon or cheese, taste before adding any extra salt.

12 ways to use Cajun seasoning

1. Grilled or roasted chicken. Rub it on thighs, wings or breasts with a little oil before grilling, or mix it into a buttermilk marinade.
2. Pork chops and tenderloin. Sear seasoned chops in a cast-iron skillet, or grill a tenderloin to 145°F and let it rest.
3. Burgers. Mix a teaspoon into each pound of ground beef, or dust the patties before grilling.
4. Roasted potatoes and fries. Toss wedges or diced potatoes with oil and seasoning and roast at 425°F until crisp.
5. Corn on the cob. Stir it into softened butter and brush it over hot grilled corn.
6. Red beans and rice and jambalaya. Add it while the onions, celery and peppers cook, so the spices bloom in the fat.
7. Cajun-style pasta. Toss sautéed chicken or sausage and peppers with a cream sauce seasoned with Cajun seasoning and Parmesan.
8. Eggs and breakfast hash. Sprinkle it over scrambled eggs, omelets or a skillet of potatoes, peppers and onions.
9. Roasted or grilled vegetables. Try cauliflower, zucchini, okra, sweet potatoes or green beans.
10. Soups and stews. A pinch wakes up gumbo-style soups, chili, potato soup and chicken stew.
11. Dips. Stir it into sour cream or Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon for a quick veggie or chip dip.
12. Snacks. Toss it with popcorn and melted butter, roasted chickpeas or a batch of party mix.

Cajun seasoning and BBQ sauce together

Cajun seasoning and a sweet, smoky sauce make a great team. Season chicken or pork with Show-Me® Cajun Seasoning before grilling, then glaze it with Show-Me® Classic Bar-B-Q Sauce for the last few minutes. If you like even more heat, use 'Some Heat' or Habanero.

Looking for a different flavor?

For a brighter, island-style flavor with paprika and turmeric, reach for Show-Me® Caribbean Seasoning. For everyday cooking, keep a shaker of Show-Me® All Purpose Seasoning by the stove.