Here’s the dirty secret: Cajun seasoning is mostly salt and paprika. If you have salt, paprika, and garlic powder, you can make a reasonable stand-in for 90% of Cajun recipes. Don’t overthink it. Add a little onion powder if you have it. If you don’t, chop a fresh onion and toss it in. The universe will not explode. And if it does, at least your food will be perfectly seasoned when the apocalypse arrives.
So the next time you find an empty Cajun jar, whip up a blend from your pantry. Your taste buds will be slightly confused, but the dish will be delicious. And if anyone asks, just say it’s a “family secret.” You have now earned the right to smile mysteriously and say, “It’s all in the herbs, baby.”
