Trying hard to bring the taste of Gumbo or Jambalaya to your table? Then you sure are acquainted with the wonders Creole Seasoning can do for your dish. But just in case you couldn’t find it or come across the empty spice canister while your dish is halfway to cooking? Does this mean you’ve to drop your dish or just adjust to whatever it tastes like without this authentic ingredient? Well, the answer is simply NO! How? Yes, you guessed it right, Creole Seasoning Substitutes would be at your disposal.
Creole seasoning is a blend of certain spices, including oregano, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper, among other things. Not just in seafood, Creole seasoning, in fact, can amp up the taste and aroma of red beans and rice (or rajma chawal) which is a favorite meal of almost every vegetarian on this planet. So vegetarians out there aren’t at the end of their rope.
Nevertheless, the substitutes of creole seasoning suffice to do the same as the original seasoning does. So ready to say Hello to creole seasoning substitutes? Well, then read further…..
Table of Contents
Creole Seasoning Substitutes
Creole seasoning has developed throughout time with influences from many cuisines and cultures, namely, French, Amerindian, Spanish, and West African, all brought together in dishes of Louisiana and its nearby area. Here are 4 creole seasoning substitutes to preserve the authentic taste of Louisiana.
1. Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning isn’t just for etouffee; it is relatively the most proximate creole seasoning substitute.
Also, it can be found a dime a dozen more than creole seasoning in supermarkets, or if you have tried your hands around Cajun cuisine, then chances are you might just have it on your kitchen shelves. Or else, simply blend together 2 tsp. salt and garlic powder, 1 tsp. black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper (Kashmiri red chilli powder), 1 ¼ tsp. dried thyme and dried oregano, 2 ½ tsp. paprika, and red ½ tsp. red chilli powder.
Cajun seasoning originally came up from the mix of almost the same cuisines that have influence over creole cuisine (except that it does not have close ties with Amerindian cuisine) which is why these too are kin.
Quantity Swap
1 tsp. Creole Seasoning = 1 tsp. Cajun Seasoning
2. Old Bay Seasoning
Old bay seasoning is another one that can retain the flavors of your dish exotically, but a way far more immensely than creole seasoning as it is loaded with strong flavors of cardamom, cloves, and ginger which aren’t usually found in the former one. Nonetheless, this doesn’t indicate that your dish will lose all the savor, not at all, though it might alter the taste for good.
Quantity Swap
1 tsp. Creole Seasoning = ½ tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
3. Greek Seasoning Blend
Like the previous one, Greek seasoning doesn’t go any extra mile when used in Louisiana dishes. It includes almost all the ingredients that go in the creole seasoning blend, in addition to nutmeg, marjoram, and cinnamon.
Quantity Swap
1 tsp. Creole Seasoning = 1 tsp. Greek Seasoning
4. Adobo Seasoning
Once again, we have a proximate seasoning that can go well as a substitute for creole seasoning. Adobo seasoning also has most elements matching up to that of creole seasoning. It also has turmeric and a tang of citrus.
Quantity Swap
1 tsp. Creole Seasoning = ½ tsp. Adobo Seasoning
How About Homemade Creole Seasoning?
A homemade version of creole seasoning will be at your rescue if you can’t get any of the above-listed substitutes at the very point of time. To make a homemade version of creole seasoning, you simply need to blend the below-stated ingredients together and keep it covered in a jar shielded from moisture, direct sunlight, and air:-
- Paprika- 5 tbsp.
- Cayenne Pepper- 1 tbsp.
- Garlic Powder OR Granulated Garlic- 2 tbsp.
- Onion Powder- 2 tbsp.
- Black Pepper- 1 tbsp.
- White Pepper- 1 tbsp.
- Oregano (Dried)- 2 tbsp.
- Basil (Dried)- 2 tbsp.
- Thyme (Dried)- 1 tbsp.
Creole Cuisine V/S Cajun Cuisine- Bringing Out The Similarities And Differences
Usually, people get perplexed since creole, and cajun seasonings and both cuisines are oft-times regarded as the same things.
Both Creole and Cajun cuisines have roots associated with traditional French cuisine, but the former incorporates tomatoes in every other recipe while the latter does not.
On the other hand, creole seasoning and cajun seasoning are blends of certain spices and have minor differences, which is why both are regarded as the best replacements for each other.
Seasonings have the power to elevate or ruin the taste of a dish. And when we talk of Louisiana’s typical street food, nothing surpasses creole seasoning. Still, there can be times when you have to turn to its substitutes which is not a matter to fret over, as the creole seasoning substitutes listed in the above article will add the same tang to your dish.
