The Cajun Microwave – Utlimate Outdoor Cooker

Versitile and Effortless Cooking with a Cajun Microwave

Sep 23, 2009 Curt Guillory

Cajun food is prepared in many different ways, using many different techniques. The use of a Cajun microwave is a variation on a theme of indirect heat cooking.

Frying, braising, roasting, and grilling are but a few of the techniques used in preparing Cajun food. A Cajun microwave can accommodate all of these techniques plus a few more. In the hands of a knowledgeable person, the Cajun microwave is the ultimate outdoor cooking appliance.

Some History on the Cajun Microwave

Old world Cajuns were partial to methods of cooking that did not require much attention once the initial cooking began. This allowed them time to continue working, or playing, as the case may have been.

The name Cajun microwave is a play on words. Microwave ovens, when first introduced, were associated with cooking foods very quickly. Quite the opposite, the Cajun microwave uses a very slow cooking method, indirect heat.

The design of the Cajun microwave dates back well over 500 years, as it is a variation of a Dutch oven, or the Adobe brick ovens of the Native Americans.

How it Works

The construction of the oven is basically a wooden box which is lined with metal. A second shallow box is built to fit snuggly on top of the first. This is the heat source, or fire box. So not only is the heat source outside of the box, but it is also on top of the food being cooked.

This design takes advantage of the heat radiating throughout the metal, and the insulating properties of the box to cook the food. While slow, this allows the meat to baste in its own juices. This timely cooking method also allows the lactic acid in the muscle tissue to dissipate which yields unrivaled tenderness.

The Reason Behind the Design

In order to understand why a longer cooking time would be desired requires a person to understand something about the Cajun lifestyle.

Cooking is almost always a celebration to Cajuns. There is a saying that Cajuns hold dear which states, “While others eat to live, we live to eat.” Truer words have never been spoken.

It is in this celebration that Cajuns like to slow down, and take their time. Friends and family are usually present for no particular reason other than to cook and spend time having fun.

Any given Cajun backyard on any given weekend day will have a similar scene of 20 people or more, music playing (preferably Cajun), much laughing, children running, and a couple drinks being enjoyed. This may be why most Cajun microwaves have a bottle opener mounted to the side as standard equipment. As Cajuns say, “It is the La joie de vivre.” (the joy of life).

These cookouts will last anywhere from 6 to 16 hours. There is certainly no reason to rush. Everyone wants to enjoy their time. It is the anticipation of the food that is enjoyed as much as the food. The longer the food takes to cook, the longer the anticipation.

Cajun Microwaves Today

New advances in material and workmanship have brought the Cajun microwave into the 21st century. In South Louisiana the most recognized producer of the cooker is Al Simon. Al modified a design of a Cajun microwave which belonged to his wife’s grandfather.

The use of furniture grade cypress and stainless steel makes Al Simon’s Cajun microwaves visually beautiful. Aside from the aesthetics, Al has produced a variety of accessories to utilize the fire burning on top of the cooker.

The heat on top of a Cajun microwave has been overlooked throughout the cooker’s history. Accessories such as griddle plates, grills, and square pots, allow the cook to use virtually any cooking method imaginable. Indeed roasting, baking, frying, braising, and boiling are achievable using a Cajun microwave.

While Cajun microwaves are not well known to the majority of the country, their versatility and practicality is well know in South Louisiana. Using a Cajun microwave is easy, requires little attention, and produces wonderful results. Foods are moist, tender, and flavorful.

The Cajun microwave does double duty as it provides an indirect heat cooking chamber below, and an open fire grill above. The Cajun microwave truly is the most versatile outdoor cooking appliance.

Stay hungry.

The copyright of the article The Cajun Microwave – Utlimate Outdoor Cooker in Entertaining is owned by Curt Guillory. Permission to republish The Cajun Microwave – Utlimate Outdoor Cooker in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Cajun Microwaves Can Handle Any Size Party