Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe

Looking to kick your chicken and seafood up a notch? Look no further than this Jamaican Jerk Seasoning! With just the right balance of heat, warmth, and sweetness, this seasoning will take your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary in a heartbeat.

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning packs a punch with crushed red pepper, while the combination of allspice, paprika, and ground ginger brings a rich, spiced flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or adding a little flair to your sauces and marinades, this homemade seasoning is the key to achieving that authentic jerk flavor.

What’s even better is that it’s super easy to make at home! With a handful of common spices, you can create a fresh, bold blend that’ll elevate your cooking without any preservatives or additives. Ready to bring the island vibes to your kitchen? Let’s take a look at how to make it, shall we?

Ingredients

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Crushed red pepper
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Paprika
• Allspice
• Granulated sugar
• Ground ginger
• Ground clove
• Dried thyme

Directions

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients: onion powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, black pepper, salt, paprika, allspice, sugar, ground ginger, ground clove, and dried thyme.

1. Stir Together: Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until well combined. The colors and spices should blend into a beautifully fragrant seasoning mix.
2. Store Properly: Transfer your jerk seasoning into an airtight, moisture-resistant container. Keep it stored in a dry, cool place for up to two months.

Tips for Perfect Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

• Swapping for Chicken Bouillon: If you’re planning to use this on chicken, try swapping out the salt for chicken bouillon! It adds a depth of flavor that complements the seasoning beautifully. Trust me—you can thank me later!
• Versatility in Sauces & Marinades: This Jamaican jerk seasoning isn’t just for sprinkling on meats—it works wonders when added to sauces, marinades, and even soups. So, feel free to experiment with different dishes and let the seasoning shine.
• Sugar Options: The type of sugar you use is totally up to you. While white granulated sugar is the classic choice, brown sugar or coconut sugar are great alternatives. They’ll add a subtle richness and work just as well in your seasoning mix.
• Storage Tips: Since this seasoning contains sugar, it’s important to store it away from heat and moisture to preserve its freshness. Consider using moisture protection packets in your storage container to keep everything in tip-top shape!
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Just like any seasoning blend, the quality of the spices you use will directly impact the final flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality spices to ensure your jerk seasoning packs the bold flavor it’s meant to!

Recipe Card

Print

How to Use Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

This Jamaican Jerk Seasoning is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways to bring a punch of flavor to your dishes. Here are a few ideas on how to use it:

1. As a Dry Rub: For meats like chicken, pork, or seafood, rub the jerk seasoning directly onto the protein. Massage the seasoning in well to ensure an even coating. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it sit in the fridge for 2–4 hours or overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate.
2. In Marinades: Combine the jerk seasoning with some oil (like olive oil or coconut oil), lime juice, and a touch of honey or brown sugar to create a flavorful marinade. Marinate chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a few hours or overnight for an unforgettable flavor experience.
3. For Grilled or Roasted Dishes: This seasoning is perfect for grilling or roasting. After applying the dry rub or marinade, cook your meat or veggies on the grill or in the oven until golden brown and crispy. The high heat brings out the full intensity of the jerk seasoning.
4. In Sauces & Soups: Add a teaspoon or two of jerk seasoning to your favorite sauces, soups, or stews. It works especially well in barbecue sauces, tomato-based sauces, and even coconut milk-based dishes. It’s a great way to give your sauces a spicy kick and a touch of sweet warmth.
5. On Vegetables: Don’t limit yourself to meat! Jamaican Jerk Seasoning works wonders on roasted or grilled vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Toss the vegetables in olive oil and jerk seasoning before cooking, or sprinkle some on after they’re done for a burst of flavor.
6. As a Seasoning for Rice: Sprinkle a little jerk seasoning into your rice or quinoa as it cooks. This will infuse the grains with amazing flavor, giving a unique twist to your side dishes.
7. In a Spice Blend: For an added depth of flavor, you can mix the jerk seasoning into other spice blends like taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning, or even add it to your next batch of homemade barbecue rub.

How Much Jamaican Jerk Seasoning to Use for a Marinade

For 1 pound (about 450g) of meat or seafood, you’ll typically need:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons of Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
  This is a good starting point to ensure your marinade is flavorful without being overpowering.

For the marinade base, you’ll also want to add liquid ingredients to balance the seasoning and help the flavors penetrate. Here’s an example of a simple marinade recipe:

---

Jamaican Jerk Marinade Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 tablespoons Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil for a tropical twist)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional, to add a touch of sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for depth and umami, optional)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, and soy sauce (if using).
2. Whisk the ingredients together until fully blended.
3. Place your meat or seafood in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.

---

Tips:

• Adjust to Taste: If you want more heat, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of jerk seasoning. If you like a milder flavor, reduce the amount.
• Vegetables: For veggies, you can use 1 to 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning with the marinade mixture above.
• Marinating Time: The longer you marinate, the more the seasoning will infuse your dish. For delicate proteins like shrimp, 30 minutes is enough. For tougher cuts of meat, you can marinate up to 4 hours.

---

Let’s Spice Things Up!

Did you love this recipe? We’d love to hear about how you used your homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning! Drop a comment below to share your thoughts, tips, or any unique dishes you’ve created with it. If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to pin it for later or share it with friends and family so they can enjoy the island flavors too. Let’s spread the heat and flavor!

Happy cooking!