Slap Ya Mama Seasoning Recipe (2024)

Discover the simple, yet incredible, spice blend with this Slap Ya Mama seasoning recipe.

Have you ever tasted something so good that you think it literally would go well sprinkled on anything or included in any dish? I feel like this about a few ingredients in my kitchen. Slap Ya Mama is one of those.

This zesty spice blend can turn a bland dish that won’t hit right, into a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re including it in a recipe from the start such as a gumbo or a jambalaya, or you’re using it as a last-minute savior from a bland meal, it’s worth having in your pantry.

So here’s how to make your own in bulk! It’s cost-effective, easy, and also allows you to customize it to your specific flavor preferences. Let’s get to it!

But first…

What Exactly Is “Slap Ya Mama” Cajun Seasoning?

Slap Ya Mama is a Louisiana-born fiery little seasoning blend that’s as versatile as a Swiss army knife. Slap Ya Mama is made by Walker and Sons and offers a few different variations of the Slap Ya Mama blend. (We’ll cover that more below). The original blend is a basic mix of salt, red pepper, black pepper, and granulated garlic—simple ingredients with a not-so-simple impact. It’s a flavor explosion that’s about as subtle as a trumpet in a library. Perfect for meat, seafood, poultry, and even your late-night popcorn.

Flavor Profile of Slap Ya Mama Seasoning

One thing that’s really cool, in my humble opinion, is that Slap Ya Mama is certified Cajun. What does that mean? It means it’s recognized as Louisiana born and bred and supported. The program was started by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to support and promote Louisiana goods. So what does that mean? It means that this is legit Cajun Seasoning. Savory with garlic and a hint of spice.

Cajun Cuisine Versus Creole Cooking

Cajun and Creole have lots of similarities, but also a few differences. Both cuisines hail from Louisiana but have distinct histories, ingredients, and cooking techniques that set them apart.

Cajun cuisine has its roots in the rural,agrarian communities of French Acadian exilesand tends to be more rustic, focusing on locally sourced ingredients like game, fish, and vegetables. It is well-known for its one-pot dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, and its flavors are built around the “Holy Trinity” of onion, celery, and bell pepper.

Creole cuisine, on the other hand, originated in the city of New Orleans, incorporating French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. It is often considered more refined, featuring a broader range of ingredients and techniques, including the use of tomatoes, which are generally absent in Cajun cooking. Creole cuisine is also more likely to include dairy and a variety of herbs, resulting in more complex, layered flavors.

While both cuisines use spices liberally, Creole dishes are generally less spicy than Cajun ones. Overall, both offer a rich tapestry of flavors, but they differ in complexity, spice levels, and cultural influences.

What You’ll Need for Slap Ya Mama Seasoning

For the traditional Slap Ya Mama seasoning recipe you’ll need only four ingredients. My recipe, however, below I’ve taken a bit of liberty. But for a solid base, you’ll need the following:

Craving for that spicy, savory Slap Ya Mama experience at home? Get your aprons on and your flavor detectors ready. Here’s the roll call of the fiery brigade you’ll need to make this Louisiana magic:

Salt.Salt is the backbone of practically any dish you can think of. It’s like the understudy that always saves the show. It enhances all the other flavors in this mix, making them pop like a firecracker.

Red Pepper.This is the thrill-seeker of the group, adding that much-needed heat. It’s got the kick of a mule in clogs, ensuring you’re not just tasting your food, you’re experiencing it.

Black Pepper.The yin to red pepper’s yang. It’s the strong, silent type that gives a lasting depth to the flavor. Think of it as that last-minute plot twist in your favorite show, it leaves a lingering impression.

Garlic.It’s like the life of the party in the seasoning world. It doesn’t just add flavor, it belts it out like a power ballad at a rock concert.

Slap Ya Mama Seasoning Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes

Total Time:5 minutes

Servings:Approximately 9 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• a dash of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients: salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Mix well with a fork or shake well in a jar or Tupperware container.
3. To store, put your Slap Ya Mama seasoning mixture in a jar or other airtight container and store it in a dry place. It should keep for several months, but we doubt it’ll last that long!

Substitutions and Variations on Slap Ya Mama

Play around with the amount of heat. When you make your own Slap Ya Mama Seasoning you have the option to make it as spicy or as mild as you like. I first discovered Slap Ya Mama seasoning while visiting my parents in Florida. My dad loves some spice, but unfortunately, as he has gotten older, it bothers his stomach. This is actually why I started making my own Slap Ya Mama seasoning. If your preferences or tolerance for spicy food isn’t very high, you can substitute the cayenne pepper with another spice or omit it altogether. On the other end of the spectrum, if you love the heat, you can add a tsp of chili powder to really up your mix’s spice game.

Or add in other dry herbs. The traditional Slap Ya Mama blend only has four ingredients, but if you’re making it at home, this is where your creativity can shine. You can swap out either the oregano or thyme that I’ve suggested above with another spice, or swap out them both. Using different herbs can create a whole fusion of flavors. Think Cajun flavor meets Italian seasoning with the addition of dried basil. Or Cajun meets Indian with a dash of turmeric. the options are really endless.

(Other) Types of Slap Ya Mama Seasonings

Alright, let’s talk varieties because Slap Ya Mama isn’t a one-trick pony. We’ve got a spice rack full of choices here.

1. Original Blend:This is where it all began, folks. It’s got all the players we’ve already met: salt, red pepper, black pepper, and garlic. This is your go-to, never-let-you-down seasoning that’s perfect for pretty much everything.
2. Hot Blend:Now, if you’re the kind of person who likes to live on the edge, the Hot Blend has got your name written all over it. It’s just like the Original, but it’s been hitting the gym and can now lift more red pepper. Expect a serious kick!
3. White Pepper Blend:For those of you who like to walk on the wild side, there is a White Pepper Blend. This is the rebel of the Slap Ya Mama family, swapping out black pepper for its more mysterious cousin, white pepper.

Best Uses for Slap Ya Mama Seasoning

Hey there folks, now that we’ve introduced our lineup, let’s chat about where to sprinkle that magical fairy dust to add some delicious flavor to our dishes.

• As a Dry Rub for Grilled Meats:Slap Ya Mama loves a good BBQ. Whether it’s beef, chicken, or pork, a good sprinkle of our seasoning will have your meats singing in the marinade and dancing on the grill.
• Seafood:If you’re more of an under-the-sea type of eater, don’t worry, Slap Ya Mama plays well with others. Sprinkle it on your shrimp, season your salmon, or give that lobster a taste of the bayou.
• Veggies:We believe in equal opportunity seasoning here, so don’t forget about your veggies. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or steaming, a dash of Slap Ya Mama will make your greens the star of the dinner table.
• Popcorn:Slap Ya Mama isn’t just for protein and veggies. She can also jazz up your movie night snacks like popcorn and french fries. And if you like well-seasoned fries, try this recipe for Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning.

Favorite Dishes to Use Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning Blend

I often use this seasoning mix similar to how I use my favorite hot sauce. (Which is obviouslyFrank’s!)

In Gumbo

Gumbo is a hearty Louisiana stew made with a strong-flavored stock, meat or seafood, the “Holy Trinity” of vegetables (see above), and served over a bed of rice.

In Soups and Stews

Regardless of the cuisine type, if you’re feeling like your soup or stew is lacking in flavor, use a little of this spice mix. But remember, this spice mix includes salt, so add it in slowly.

In Jambalaya and Pastalaya

Lots of both jambalaya and its sister pasta dish, Pastalaya, call for Cajun seasoning. Make a huge batch of this seasoning mix and keep it on hand to simplify and make both these dishes come together in minutes.

In Pasta Sauces

Slap Ya Mama is a great spice to use if you’re making a cream-based sauce such as a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, or a Rasta Pasta. I’m a huge fan of spicy pasta, so I always keep a batch on-hand for this specific reason.

Slap Ya Mama Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Slap Ya Mama seasoning?

Great questions! The answer is that Slap Ya Mama seasoning is not too spicy. However, it does depend on which one you purchase, or how to adjust the above recipe. Obviously, if you purchase the Hot Blend, it’s going to be spicy. Or if you add a lot of cayenne pepper to your recipe as well.

Is Slap Ya Mama better than Tony Chachere’s?

Some die-hard Slap Ya Mama fans say it is better than Tony Chachere’s because it has less sodium. But at the end of the day, they are both Cajun seasoning, and like most things in life, it really comes down to personal preference.

Why is it called Slap Ya Mama seasoning?

The Walkers’ Cajun seasoning, which had become a sensation, was in need of a fitting official title. Inspired by TW’s acclaimed dish, the “World Famous Slap Ya Mama Atomic Potatoes,” Mama Jen enthusiastically suggested the spice blend to bear the same name, “Slap Ya Mama.” After Wilda Marie, TW’s mother, gave her nod of approval, the brand “Slap Ya Mama” was formally born.

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