Maple Bourbon Grilled Chicken Salad

Oops… No Cajun Seasoning on Hand?

Few seasoning blends are as bold and flavorful as Cajun seasoning. And while you can find plenty of pre-made brands at grocery stores, if you keep a stock of several common herbs and spices in your cabinet, you probably have what you need to assemble your own Cajun seasoning blend. Plus, you can tailor it to your own preferences. 

Here’s a basic recipe you can use to throw together a homemade Cajun seasoning blend:

• 3 Tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika is even better)
• 2 Tablespoons fine salt
• 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 Tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon ground white pepper
• 1 Tablespoons onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 Tablespoon cayenne
• 1/2 Tablespoon dried thyme

Get all your ingredients together, mix thoroughly, and you’re all set. The blend will last up to  a year when stored in an airtight container or jar. 

Great! But What Else Can I Use it With?

Now that you’ve put in all this hard work and labor to make your own spice blend, what else can you do with it? Cajun seasoning goes great with lots of foods, but here are some ideas to get started with:

1. Seafood: Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly with most any seafood. Sprinkle it on tilapia before coating it in flour and frying it, add it to shrimp, or try it out on deep-fried catfish. 
2. Chicken: Rub Cajun seasoning on chicken breasts before grilling or broiling them. 
3. Vegetables: Use your Cajun seasoning to add flavor to roasted or grilled vegetables like peppers, onions, and zucchini.
4. Rice and beans: Simmer a pot of rice, beans, and andouille sausage with a heaping portion of Cajun seasoning for an easy and filling meal bursting with the flavors of the bayou. 

And that’s just the start. You can also add it to popcorn, eggs, fried potatoes, and pretty much anything else you think would benefit from a bold dose of flavor. Feel free to get creative and taste as you go—you don’t want to overdo it with this stuff. Enjoy!