Perfect Pairings & Recipes for
Cajun Seasoning

Analysing hundreds of thousands of recipes uncovers Cajun seasoning's optimal flavour pairings.

Cajun seasoning is defined by the unmistakable flavours of garlic and thyme, but beneath its bitterness lies a complex symphony of subtle flavour notes, such as black pepper, chilli, and onion, that give it remarkable depth. The key to finding the perfect pairing for Cajun seasoning is understanding how these notes harmonise.

To map these harmonies, we analysed thousands of ingredients, breaking each one down across 150 flavour dimensions, identifying which notes complement and contrast. Our analysis reveals, for example, how chicken stock's gallinaceous tones ground Cajun seasoning, and how clam juice's iodine-like notes create a surprising synergy with its pungent aroma.

An ingredient's flavour stems from its core characteristics, such as spice, herbal, or vegetal, combined with layers of subtle flavour notes (outer bars). For a balanced dish, pair ingredients with a variety of core flavours, and choose complementary aroma notes for harmony.

The Flavour Code

To understand exactly which flavours harmonise, we compiled a database of over 50,000 ingredient pairings commonly used in cooking. We then analysed these pairings, identifying the specific flavour notes that frequently appear together.

Our analysis reveals a strong connection between garlic and oyster flavours. Since Cajun seasoning has a distinct garlicy flavour, try pairing it with the oystery flavours of clam juice.

The recipe below provides inspiration for pairing Cajun seasoning with clam juice.

Harmonious Flavours Of Cajun Seasoning

Just as our analysis indicated that garlic and gamey flavour notes combine harmoniously, we can identify the full profile of flavours that harmonise with each of the notes present in Cajun seasoning. For instance, the thyme-like flavours of Cajun seasoning are strongly associated with lamby and ironny notes.

The aroma accents complementing the various notes of Cajun seasoning can be seen highlighted in the pink bars below.

Matching Flavour Profiles

The flavour profile of chicken stock offers many of the aroma notes complementary to Cajun seasoning, including poultry and proteolytic accents. Because the flavour profile of chicken stock has many of the of the features that are complementary to Cajun seasoning, they are likely to pair very well together.

The chart above shows the unique profile of chicken stock across 150 dimensions of flavour, while the recipes below offer inspiration for bringing these flavours together with Cajun seasoning.

Recipes That Pair Cajun Seasoning With Chicken Stock

Linked Flavour Notes

Looking at the aroma accents that are most strongly associated with the various flavours of Cajun seasoning, we can identify other ingredients that are likely to pair well.

The left side of the chart above highlights the aroma notes of Cajun seasoning, along with the complementary aromas associated with each note. While the right side shows some of the ingredients that share many of the aromas complementary to Cajun seasoning.

Harmonies Of Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning offers a range of distinct flavour notes, each with its own set of harmonising partners. Garlic notes pair especially well with ingredients that have the wild meatiness of game and the beefy meatiness of beef. While thyme tones complement lamb notes and game's wild meatiness. Here, we explore the many flavours that resonate with each note of Cajun seasoning, revealing abundant possibilities for creative pairing.

Each Chord Connects Two Harmonising Flavour Notes

What To Drink With Cajun Seasoning

The glutamic notes in pecorino make it a perfect pairing with cajun seasoning. Likewise, the glutamic flavours in tuscany create a match made in heaven. Explore a variety of ingredients below that beautifully complement the unique character of cajun seasoning below.