This Cajun-style, Homemade Voodoo Spice will add a zesty kick to your favorite recipes. Use this delicious rub to bring a touch of savory magic to every bite!
Our homemade voodoo spice recipe is super easy and will impart a spicy and savory flavor to seafood, ribs, chicken, and turkey. You can use it in gumbo, shrimp creole, or in a seafood boil. It’s delicious sprinkled on top of French fries or grilled veggies. This recipe is versatile, so if you prefer a purely savory Voodoo spice, omit the brown sugar.
Why you should make your own voodoo seasoning mix
I am a huge advocate for making my own BBQ rubs. While there is nothing inherently wrong with commercial bottled rubs, I like that I have control over what ingredients go into my homemade spice mixes. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve purchased a popular bottled rub only to end up not liking it. There are several benefits to making your rubs:
- You can dial up or dial down the spice level.
- You can adjust the salt to suit your needs.
- Use your preferred granulated sugar, or remove them completely.
- Make your spice blend allergen-free, by omitting or substituting ingredients.
Voodoo spice ingredients
- Salt
- Brown sugar (omit for a purely savory flavor experience)
- Paprika
- Smoked paprika
- Jalapeño powder: sub with cayenne pepper (jalapeno powder is made with dehydrated jalapeño)
- Granulated garlic
- White pepper
- Black pepper
- Dried basil
Where the name “Voodoo Spice” originated from remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: this seasoning blend will leave a lasting impression! Please note that this recipe contains spicy ingredients like jalapeno or cayenne pepper, white pepper, and black pepper. While some folks may struggle with spicy food, others may be sensitive to black pepper. You can modify this recipe to suit your needs, but keep in mind that making adjustments will alter the overall flavor.
How to make it
- Combine ingredients in a medium-sized bowl with a whisk.
- Use Voodoo spice right away or store it in an airtight container in the cupboard for 8-12 months.
- This recipe yields 3/4 cup of spice rub, or enough seasoning for 2-3 racks of ribs, or one 12-14 pound turkey, or 2-3 whole chickens.
- Discard any leftover rub that has come into direct contact with raw meat.
Refining and storing Voodoo spice
- If you plan to use the rub on vegetables, seafood, or soups, then refining the Voodoo rub by using a spice grinder or food processor is a good idea. Pulse 6-7 times to pulverize the ingredients to give it a uniform consistency.
- Store your spice mixtures in small batches using airtight jars. Slap on a label and keep the rub in my cupboard for future use.
How much rub to use
For best results, use 1 tablespoon of Voodoo spice per pound of meat. Apply it by hand or place it in a dry rub shaker for easy application.
Pre-salting large meat cuts
- Omit the salt entirely from this Voodoo spice recipe.
- Salt your brisket or chuck roast with 1/2 teaspoon salt per pound, and place it in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Apply the unsalted Voodoo spice right before cooking.
- Remember that you can make amazing BBQ rubs right at home—no need to buy that bottled stuff. You will have a full arsenal of flavors right in your cupboard.
More recipes to try
Homemade Voodoo Spice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon regular paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon jalapeno powder sub with cayenne
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. You will end up with nearly 1 cup of seasoning mixture. Store in an airtight container in the cupboard for 8-12 months after preparation–give it a good stir from time to time.Refine the rub by running it through a spice grinder.
- This recipe is enough for 2-3 racks of ribs, one 14 pound turkey, and about 3 whole chickens.
- Discard any leftover rub that has come into direct contact with raw meat.
8 responses to “Homemade Voodoo Spice”
Can this spice mix be used on oven baked and fried pork and chicken? Thanx for your help
H Ginny! Yes, it absolutely can be used on both baked and fried chicken and pork. It’s also great on turkey!
GREAT XMAS GIFT’S PUT IN SMALL JELLY JARS BIG HIT EVERYONE WANTS MORE NEXT YEAR
What a great idea, Linda! So glad to hear that everyone enjoyed it!
Added some of the seasoning to my butter that was injected and also as a rub on my turkey prior to smoking…Was a big hit at Thanksgiving dinner. Can’t wait to make chicken wings using this.
Can’t thank you enough for a great recipe!
We’re so happy to hear that it worked well for you! Great idea using this rub on wings!
Awesome recipe I used it to smoke a pork butt and on some New York strips excellent flavor. Mixed a bigger batch to keep on hand!
Thanks so much for your comment! We’re happy you like the voodoo spice recipe. It’s one of our favorites!