Flavor of the South - It's Cajun Season

In the heart of Louisiana's bayou country, the air is thick with the aroma of spices and the sizzle of meats cooking over an open flame. Classic Cajun cuisine is a nod to the area's rich culture, blending French, African, Spanish, and Native American influences into a flavor profile that's as vibrant as the people who created it.

Time to dive headfirst into the swamp and bring that bayou Cajun grit to your backyard. So, get the gator hooks and shrimp nets ready- it's Cajun season, baby!

DIRTY SOUTH: A Down-Home Cajun Seasoning

DIRTY SOUTH is your ticket to authentic Cajun flavor. It's a blend that pays homage to classic Louisiana traditions, from shrimping in the bayou to crafting the perfect shrimp gumbo. This seasoning captures the essence of Cajun cuisine, perfect for those who want to bring a bit of Southern hospitality to their cooking.

DOWN RANGE: The Cajun Blackening Champion
DOWN RANGE is all about the bold, fiery side of Cajun cuisine. This blackening seasoning is your go-to for creating that perfect crust on your meats and fish, offering a spicy kick that's synonymous with Cajun blackened dishes.

Bringing the Bayou to Your Backyard

DIRTY SOUTH Cajun Grilled Chicken

• Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons DIRTY SOUTH Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Rub each chicken breast with olive oil and then generously season both sides with DIRTY SOUTH.
  3. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Serve hot with a side of grilled vegetables or dirty rice.

DOWN RANGE Shrimp Gumbo Bayou-Style

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ lb andouille sausage, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons gumbo file powder
  • 1 cup okra, sliced
• Instructions:
  1. Season shrimp with 1 tablespoon DOWN RANGE and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until soft.
  3. Add garlic and sausage, cooking until sausage is browned.
  4. Stir in broth, tomatoes, the remaining DOWN RANGE, and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to simmer, add shrimp and okra, and cook until shrimp are pink and tender.
  6. Stir in gumbo file powder, simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve with rice.

 CAJUN BLACKENED SURF & TURF

The cajun blackening method of cooking is all about bold, spicy flavors. It involves coating a protein (such as fish, chicken, or steak) in a mixture of cajun blackening seasoning and butter, then grilling or frying it until it's crispy and caramelized. The high heat of the grill or frying pan creates a flavorful crust on the outside of the protein while keeping the inside moist and tender.

It all started in the swamps of Louisiana. Back in the day, Cajun folks had to make-do with whatever ingredients they had on hand. And let's be real, there wasn't a whole lot to work with. So, they came up with creative ways to add flavor to their food, and cajun blackening seasoning was born. 

With that being said, we know we've got a meal that's gonna make your mouth water and your taste buds tingle. I'm talking about BLACKENED surf and turf! This classic combination of succulent seafood and juicy meat is a meat-lover's dream come true.

Now, I know what you're thinking: Surf and turf? Isn't that just a fancy way of saying "filet mignon and lobster tail"? Nope. Surf and turf can be any combination of seafood and meat that you can dream up. Steak and shrimp, pork and scallops, the possibilities are endless.

But here's the thing: surf and turf isn't just about the food. It's about the experience. It's about indulging in the finer things in life and treating yourself to a decadent, indulgent meal. So if you're ready to elevate your dining game and treat yourself to a little bit of luxury, then grab your fork and knife and let's dive into some surf and turf!

SURF & TURF TIP

Our favorite technique is to mix the DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning into softened butter and keep it in the fridge. We later coated the meat with the butter and a little more seasoning and seared it hot in a cast iron skillet. While it was searing, we kept adding butter and basting until it was done to our liking. We opted for a dark brown crust as opposed to a fully black Crust, we guarantee that either way will be very flavorful. This gave our Surf and Turf (Steak and Shrimp) a buttery, spicy and herby twist that blew our minds.

ADDITIONAL DOWN RANGE Blackening Meal Ideas

• Cajun blackened catfish: This classic Cajun dish is made by coating catfish fillets in a mixture of DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning and butter, then grilling or frying them until they're crispy and flaky. Serve it up with a side of hush puppies and coleslaw for a true taste of Cajun cuisine.
• Cajun blackened shrimp: Coated in DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning and pan-fried until they're crispy and golden, Cajun blackened shrimp are a delicious and easy dinner option. Serve them up with a side of rice and steamed vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Cajun blackened chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning and buttermilk, then grill them up until they're nice and juicy. Serve them with a side of sweet potato wedges and a green salad for a tasty dinner.
• Cajun blackened steak: Rub some DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning onto a ribeye steak and grill it up until it's nice and tender. Serve it with a side of grilled vegetables and some creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
• Cajun blackened veggies: Coat some sliced bell peppers, onions, and zucchini in DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning and grill them until they're tender and caramelized. Serve them up as a side dish or toss them into a wrap with some black beans and avocado for a tasty vegetarian meal.

Cajun cuisine is all about heart, soul, and a bit of spice. With DIRTY SOUTH and DOWN RANGE, you can explore the depth of flavors that make Cajun dishes freaking delicious. Whether you're grilling chicken or simmering a pot of gumbo, these seasonings will transport you to the swamps of Louisiana.

Welcome to the art of Cajun BBQ - Now go bring that bayou flavor to your backyard.