Cravin' Cajun Rub

For Heat Seekers

Spice up your dishes with our Cravin' Cajun, boasting a good bite! It's not crazy, insane hot, but hot enough to let you know it's there. As the hottest in our range, this rub adds a bold Cajun kick to your meals. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat, it transforms ordinary dishes into spicy delights. Discover the soulful flavors of the Deep South and Cajun Country right in your kitchen with Cravin' Cajun Rub.

The Ultimate Guide to Cravin’ Cajun: A Taste of the Bayou

1. Introduction
Cravin’ Cajun is our fiery homage to Louisiana's bold and beautiful food culture. This punchy Cajun seasoning blend delivers the soulful heat of Cajun country, with layers of smokiness, herbs, and a good ol’ peppery kick. Crafted at Spicecraft for the flavour-hungry cook, our blend is the hottest in our lineup - spicy enough to make you sweat, but not so wild it numbs your tongue. Whether you're blackening fish, reviving weeknight veggies, or just jazzing up your fries, Cravin’ Cajun brings instant Southern sizzle to your kitchen.

2. Origin & History
Cajun seasoning has its roots deep in the heart of Louisiana, born from the culinary ingenuity of French-speaking Acadians who were exiled from Canada in the 1700s. Forced to adapt to their new environment, these settlers began cooking with bold local ingredients—think cayenne, bay leaves, garlic, and paprika - resulting in the hearty, rustic flavours now beloved around the world.

Cajun food was never about fancy sauces or five-star plating. It was-and still is-about big, honest flavour and making the most out of what you’ve got in the pantry (or the swamp). While Creole seasoning often gets the herbaceous spotlight, Cajun goes straight for the heat. Traditionally used in dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and blackened catfish, this blend has since strutted far beyond the bayou, adding Southern flavour to fries, popcorn, even pizza.

3. Ingredients & Flavour Profile
Let’s talk flavour. Cravin’ Cajun is bold, brash, and not here to mess around. Our typical Cajun spice mix includes:

• Cayenne pepper & black pepper - bringin’ the burn

• Paprika & garlic powder - smoky and rich

• Onion powder & mustard powder - for that earthy tang

• Oregano & thyme - a nod to the herbal undertone

• Sea salt - because what’s a party without salt?

• Brown sugar- helps with the caramelising, and adds a little sweet.

Together, these spices form a balanced heat that’s warmer than jerk seasoning and more complex than your average chilli powder. It’s the kind of blend that knows how to turn a plain chicken breast into a hero. Our Cravin’ Cajun turns up the spice a notch (Kiwi palates, you’ve been warned - but in the best way possible).

4. Traditional and Modern Uses

Classic Cajun Creations:

• Blackened Chicken or Fish - seared to a smoky crust in a hot skillet

• Gumbo & Jambalaya - layered into rich, comforting stews

• Crawfish Boils - generously sprinkled over shellfish, corn, and potatoes

Modern Twists:

• Cajun Popcorn -yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s addictive

• Spicy Mayo or Aioli – a tangy dipping sauce with a kick

• Roasted Veggies – cauliflower, pumpkin, and even Brussels sprouts love it

• Grilled Shrimp Tacos – smoky, juicy, and perfect with lime

Customers have even used it on avocado toast, in burger patties, or to spice up their Sunday morning eggs. Cajun eggs benedict, anyone?

5. Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Dry Rub: Massage onto proteins like chicken, pork, or tofu at least 30 minutes before grilling. Bonus points if you let it marinate overnight.

• Stews & Sauces: Bloom it in oil or butter early for that deep, smoky base flavour—or toss it in at the end for a fresh hit of spice.

• Toss & Roast: Use it with olive oil on roast veg or popcorn (but fair warning: your snack game may never recover).

🔥 Hot Tip: Mix it with butter and brush it over grilled corn, garlic bread, or prawns for a knock-your-socks-off side dish.

6. Why Our Blend is Special
At Spicecraft, we proudly craft our small-batch Cajun rub right here in Aotearoa. It’s an artisanal Cajun spice blend made with premium herbs and spices - no fillers, no shortcuts, just honest Southern flavour. If you're on the hunt for the best Cajun seasoning in NZ, this is it: fresh, fiery, and balanced just right. Perfect for home cooks and BBQ lovers who like their food bold and unforgettable. Its ready to use full flavoured with a little sweet, and a lotta heat.

7. Recipe Idea: Cajun Prawns with Pumpkin & Leeks
This one's a crowd-pleaser and weeknight hero.

• Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil and Cravin’ Cajun, then roast till golden.

• Sauté leeks, garlic, and prawns in a pan with more Cajun seasoning and a dash of Smokey Garlic Salt.

• Stir in a splash of cream, simmer, and serve over the roasted pumpkin with crusty bread.

🍤 Want the full recipe? Visit: www.spicecraft.co.nz/cajun-prawns

Cravin’ Cajun isn’t just a spice blend - it’s a culinary attitude. It’s for those who want big flavour without fuss, and a little Southern flair in every bite. Whether you’re cooking up gumbo or just trying to rescue plain roast veg, Cravin’ Cajun delivers full-throttle flavour every time. Grab a jar and bring the bayou heat to your table - minus the alligators. 🐊🔥