Cinnamon Free Cajun Herb Oil
This bold, aromatic finishing oil brings serious Cajun character to the table without a trace of cinnamon — which sneaks into more spice blends and store-bought Cajun seasonings than most people realize. Smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, and dried thyme do all the heavy lifting here, building that deep, smoky heat from scratch with ingredients you can actually verify. Warming the spices gently in olive oil coaxes out their essential oils and creates a flavor base that's far more complex than anything shaken from a pre-mixed jar. Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme stirred in off the heat keep the finish bright and herby, while lemon zest and a squeeze of juice cut through the richness just enough. Straining out the solids leaves you with a glossy, jewel-toned oil that looks as good as it tastes. Use it as a dipping oil for crusty bread, drizzle it over grilled shrimp or roasted vegetables, or spoon it onto a finished steak — it elevates just about everything it touches.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp celery salt
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne, black pepper, kosher salt, and celery salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm, stirring occasionally, until the oil is fragrant and the spices begin to sizzle gently at the edges, about 3–4 minutes. Do not let the oil smoke or the spices scorch.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the spiced oil cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley, chives, fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!