If you’re looking to add a little kick to your grilled meats or vegetables, than you are going to love this Cajun Style Dry Rub. It’s a zesty and aromatic seasoning that packs a punch.
Cajun Style Dry Rub is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. The dry rub can be used to season a variety of dishes, including chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, and fish. It can be used as a dry rub before grilling or smoking, or it can be used as a seasoning for stews, soups, and sauces.
What is Cajun Style Dry Rub?
Cajun Style Dry Rub is a blend of spices commonly used in Cajun cuisine. It is a versatile seasoning that can be used on a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and even fries. The dry rub is typically applied to the food before cooking, either by rubbing it directly onto the surface or by coating the food in the seasoning mixture.
The exact ingredients of Cajun Style Dry Rub can vary depending on the recipe, but it typically includes a combination of salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and other herbs and spices. The result is a bold and flavorful seasoning that adds a spicy kick to any dish.
Cajun Style Dry Rub is a popular choice for grilling and barbecuing, as the spices add a delicious smoky flavor to the food. It is also commonly used in traditional Cajun dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.
» You might also like this Best Ever Meat Marinade and Dry Rub for Pork.
Ingredients Needed
To make a delicious Cajun style dry rub, you will need the following ingredients:
- Paprika – I prefer smoked paprika but either will work.
- Salt – I prefer to use sea salt flakes.
- Garlic powder – You can use garlic salt, just omit the regular salt in the recipe.
- Ground black pepper
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
How to Make Cajun Style Dry Rub
Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start mixing them together. Combine all of the spices in a bowl and mix well. You can also mix the spices in a small food processor to ensure that they are evenly combined and ground.
Note that this recipe makes 1/4 cup of spice mix, enough for approximately 4-6 servings of meat, depending on the size of the serving.
How Hot Is It?
One thing you’re probably wondering is just how hot this seasoning is. My version of Cajun seasoning falls somewhere between mild and medium spiciness. It has some heat to it, but it won’t melt your face off when you eat it.
Cayenne pepper is the primary source of heat in Cajun spices. It’s a mild-heat chili, and when added in larger quantities it can add a great amount of heat to the seasoning. That’s why it’s important to get the right balance.
Another source of heat in this seasoning can be the paprika. There are varying degrees of spiciness to paprika, depending on what type you use. It’s important to test out your paprika before adding it, to see how spicy it is on its own. The basic paprika that is sold in the U.S. is generally not spicy. But do check the package to see if it says it’s hot paprika.
I use Spanish paprika that has a sweet and smoky element to it, but is not spicy on its own.
Finally, the black pepper can also adds spiciness to the blend. It’s added in moderation, so it’s not overpowering to the other flavors.
If you don’t like any spiciness, you can leave out the cayenne and replace it with additional paprika.
Uses for Cajun Style Dry Rub
Cajun style dry rub is a versatile seasoning that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ways to use it:
- On meat: Cajun style dry rub is perfect for seasoning meats like chicken, pork, and beef. Simply rub the seasoning onto the meat before cooking, and enjoy the spicy, flavorful results. Try it on these super tasty Cajun dry rub chicken wings.
- In soups and stews: Add a tablespoon or two of Cajun style dry rub to your favorite soup or stew recipe for an extra kick of flavor.
- In dips and spreads: Mix a few teaspoons of Cajun style dry rub into sour cream, cream cheese, or mayonnaise for a tasty dip or spread.
- On vegetables: Sprinkle Cajun style dry rub onto roasted or grilled vegetables for a spicy twist on a classic side dish.
Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or sautéing, Cajun style dry rub is a simple way to add bold flavor to your favorite dishes. Try experimenting with different combinations of spices to create your own signature blend.
Tips for Using Cajun Style Dry Rub
Using a Cajun style dry rub can add a delicious and spicy flavor to your dishes. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Cajun spice blend:
- Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less cayenne. Alternatively, if you want a spicier flavor, add more cayenne and ground black pepper.
- Store it properly: To ensure that your Cajun dry rub stays fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent the spices from losing their flavor and potency over time.
How To Store Dry Rub
Storing dry rubs is important to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some tips on how to store your Cajun style dry rub:
- Transfer the dry rub to an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in and spoiling the rub.
- Store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
- Label the container with the name and date of the dry rub to keep track of its freshness.
- If you are making a large batch of dry rub, store it in smaller containers to prevent air from getting in and causing the rub to lose its flavor.
It is important to note that dry rubs can lose their flavor over time, so it is best to use them within six months to a year. If you notice that the dry rub has lost its aroma or flavor, it is time to make a fresh batch. Proper storage can help extend the shelf life of your dry rub and ensure that it is always fresh and flavorful when you use it.
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Cajun Style Dry Rub
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika I prefer smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Mix all spices together. Store any remaining spice in an airtight container.
Notes
- This recipe makes 1/4 cup of seasoning mix. You may or may not use that amount in a recipe. Add to taste.
- Always store spice mixtures in an air tight container.
Nutrition
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Angie is a dedicated grilling aficionado who has experimented with a wide variety of techniques, equipment, and ingredients, to discover the endless possibilities of flavors and textures that grilling can achieve.
Excellent for Pork Lion
Happy to hear that Annette.