Jerk Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (2024)

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Table Of Contents hide

  • What Is Jerk Seasoning?
  • Why You’ll Love This Jerk Seasoning Recipe
  • What Is In Jerk Seasoning?
  • How To Make Jerk Seasoning
  • Storage Instructions
  • Ways To Use Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
  • More Spicy Homemade Seasonings
  • Jerk Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!)

This Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe adds a tangy and flavorful kick to any dish. With its origins in the Caribbean, this seasoning mix has an irresistible aroma and unique taste you can use on a variety of meats — and it only takes a few minutes!

Use this mix to spice up grilled meats and vegetables for a burst of heat and flavor, including my jerk salmon recipe. It’s a must-try for spice lovers!

What Is Jerk Seasoning?

Jerk seasoning is a mixture of herbs and spices used to give a spicy kick to dishes, like pork and chicken. Although this seasoning originated in Jamaica, it is popular in other Caribbean countries as well. It can range from mild to very spicy, depending on the ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Jerk Seasoning Recipe

  • Spicy, zesty, and aromatic
  • Common spices found at any grocery store
  • No preservatives, artificial ingredients, or sugar
  • Ready in 5 minutes
  • Lasts a long time in the pantry
  • Perfect for seasoning meats, vegetables, and even pasta
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What Is In Jerk Seasoning?

This section explains how to choose the best jerk seasoning ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

  • AromaticsOnion powder and garlic powder add flavor, aroma, and depth.
  • Smoked Paprika – Adds a smoky flavor and a vibrant reddish-brown hue. You can substitute sweet paprika if you like.
  • Hot Peppers – Both cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes bring heat to the seasoning. If you want even more fiery flavor, use ground habanero pepper or ground scotch bonnet peppers instead of the 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper.
  • Dried HerbsDried thyme and parsley provide herbal flavors that balance the smoky and spicy elements.
  • Cumin – Adds intense, smoky flavor to the seasoning blend, while balancing the sweetness and heat.
  • Sweet SpicesNutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cinnamon create a well-rounded, complex flavor that also adds warmth and sweetness to the blend. You could also add ground ginger or brown sugar (or Besti Brown for a sugar-free option).
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper

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Does Caribbean jerk seasoning have salt?

Some jerk seasoning recipes have salt and some do not, but most do. This makes it easy to use without having to add salt, but you could also omit the salt and add it to your dish separately.

Jerk Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (4)

How To Make Jerk Seasoning

Stir the homemade jerk seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl, then place in an airtight container orsmall glass jar.

If you prefer a powdery texture, you can grind the spices in a coffee grinder, spice grinder, food processor, powerful blender, or even mash with a mortar and pestle.

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Storage Instructions

Store jerk seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

You can usespice jars with lids, small multi-purpose jars(I love these), orspice organizersin the pantry. This mix will last 1-2 years, but is best used within a year for the best flavor.

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Ways To Use Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

This seasoning is a flavorful blend of spices that can take your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some ways you can use it to make a delicious dish:

  • Chicken – This spice mix makes the best jerk chicken seasoning! Simply replace the spices in roasted chicken and vegetables, Mediterranean grilled chicken kabobs, quick and easy air fryer chicken wings, or juicy baked chicken breast with this blend.
  • Fish – This Jamaican jerk spice mix adds a kick to grilled salmon, but it’s just as good with a halibut recipe, or baked cod recipe. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate your fish in the seasoning (with oil and lime juice) before cooking.
  • Vegetables – Try it on oven roasted potatoes, replace the garlicky flavor in roasted broccoli, make a Caribbean vegetable stir fry, or add it to roasted cauliflower.
  • Soups and Stews – Add this mix to hamburger soup (for a Jamaican burger soup), vegetable soup, or even pork stew.

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TIP: Use a rule of thumb to decide how much to use.

Use 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat or chicken, 3/4 tablespoon per pound of seafood, or 1/2 tablespoon per pound of vegetables. The amount needed for soup and stews can vary.

More Spicy Homemade Seasonings

If you like this mix, try these other peppery spice blends you can make in just a few minutes:

Cajun Seasoning

Brisket Rub Recipe

Fajita Seasoning

Lemon Pepper Seasoning

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Recipe Card

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Jerk Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!)

This 5-minute Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe blends Caribbean-style herbs and spices together for a zesty addition to meats and vegetables.

Prep: 5 minutes

Total: 5 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 32 (adjust to scale recipe)

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Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them.

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. Stir all ingredients together.

  2. Store in an airtight jar.

  3. Use 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat, or 3/4 tablespoon per pound of seafood. (Serving size is 1/4 tablespoon because this is the amount of seasoning for 1/4 pound of meat, which is a typical serving.)

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  • Healthy Baked Chicken Breast

  • Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 tablespoon

  • Makes ½ cup.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories4

Fat0.1g

Protein0.1g

Total Carbs0.8g

Net Carbs0.5g

Fiber0.3g

Sugar0.1g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course:Condiment

Cuisine:Jamaican

Keywords:jamaican jerk seasoning, jerk seasoning, jerk seasoning recipe

Calories: 4 kcal

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂

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FAQs

What is the secret in jerk chicken? ›

The Real Deal: How Jerk Chicken Is Traditionally Prepared

The process starts with pieces of chicken that are soaked overnight in a heavily seasoned marinade flavored with fiery Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice—the dried berries native to Jamaica that give jerked foods their characteristic warm spice aroma.

What is the difference between jerk seasoning and jerk marinade? ›

What is the difference between jerk seasoning and jerk marinade? Jerk seasoning is a dry spice blend and a jerk marinade comes in a liquid form. The spice blend is meant to be rubbed into your meat of choice and left in the fridge overnight before grilling. The marinade is a quicker version of the spice blend.

How long does homemade jerk seasoning last? ›

How Long Can I Store Jamaican Jerk Seasoning? Jerk seasoning can be safely kept in your pantry, if stored properly for about 1 to 2 years.

How do you use store bought jerk seasoning? ›

5 Interesting Ways to Use Jerk Seasoning
  1. Mix in with your scrambled eggs. You can bring a little creativity and lots of flavor to your scrambled eggs by adding a little jerk. ...
  2. Mix with Guacamole (avocado) for an awesome dip. ...
  3. Mix with Mayonnaise for an awesome sandwich spread. ...
  4. Jerk French Fries. ...
  5. Mix with Tuna.

Is jerk chicken African or Caribbean? ›

Jerk chicken is believed to have been conceived when the Maroons introduced African meat cooking techniques to Jamaica which were combined with native Jamaican ingredients and seasonings used by the Arawak Indians.

Is jerk chicken African or Jamaican? ›

jerk chicken, a spicy grilled-meat dish mostly associated with Jamaica but common throughout the Caribbean.

What meat is the best to jerk? ›

Jerk Pork: Pork is a delicious and versatile meat that works well with the bold flavors of jerk seasoning. Pork can be roasted, grilled, or barbecued for a delicious, smoky flavor. Jerk Lamb: Lamb is another popular choice for jerk cooking.

Is Caribbean jerk seasoning the same as Jamaican jerk seasoning? ›

While there is some overlap between the two, there are a few distinctions worth noting: Origin: Jamaican jerk sauce originates specifically from Jamaica, while Caribbean jerk sauce refers to a broader style of jerk seasoning used across various Caribbean islands.

Why is jerk seasoning so good? ›

The warm, earthy spices (nutmeg, cumin, allspice and cinnamon) are roused by the aromatic heft of ginger and garlic, and brightened by the punch of citrus. And at the heart is heat—in this case from piquant habanero chilies. These dynamic and nuanced flavors work well with a multitude of ingredients.

Do you refrigerate jerk seasoning after opening? ›

Once opened it needs to be refrigerated. It can also be frozen. Q: Can i freeze the jerk seasoning ? Yes.

Is jerk seasoning healthy? ›

Jerk sauce contains paprika and allspice for antioxidants, cayenne pepper for reducing blood pressure, garlic for immune boosting, nutmeg to aid in digestion and sleep, cinnamon for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, vitamin C from citrus plus many more!

Can jerk seasoning go bad if not refrigerated? ›

If you 'd prefer a flavorful, but mild, jerk marinade then by all means refrigerate. Otherwise, just keep the bottle at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. It will keep for several months.

What is close to jerk seasoning? ›

Both Cajun and Jerk Seasoning are spicy seasoning blends containing cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper.

Can jerk seasoning go bad? ›

If stored correctly in a cool, dry, and dark place, an opened container of jerk seasoning can retain its best quality for up to six months. For those purchasing jerk seasoning in bulk, the careful storage in containers with tight-fitting lids can extend its quality for about 2 to 3 years.

What do you eat with jerk chicken? ›

9 Sides for Jerk Chicken
  • 01 of 09. Jamaican Rice and Peas. Abby Hocking. ...
  • 02 of 09. Jamaican Callaloo. ...
  • 03 of 09. Jamaican Hot Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 09. Snapper Escovitch. ...
  • 05 of 09. Jamaican Chicken and Potato Curry. ...
  • 06 of 09. Kwame's Pepper Shrimp. ...
  • 07 of 09. Jamaican Jerk Pork Patties. ...
  • 08 of 09. Jamaican Coco Bread.
Mar 22, 2023

What gives jerk its flavor? ›

Jerk seasoning principally consists of allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers. Other ingredients may include cloves, cinnamon, scallions, nutmeg, thyme, garlic, brown sugar, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and salt.

What is jerk chicken seasoning made of? ›

What are the primary ingredients in jerk seasoning? The defining distinctive ingredients in Jerk Seasoning are cayenne pepper (or habanero pepper for the brave), allspice, and thyme. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg also round out the spice blend.

Why is jerk chicken pink inside? ›

The hemoglobin in chicken tissues can also create a heat-stable color that lingers even after the bird has been thoroughly cooked. A red or pink tinge can even be caused by the chicken's diet, the way the meat was frozen, or certain cooking methods such as grilling or smoking.

How long can I marinate jerk chicken? ›

We recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, and up to 24 hours. Marinating not only imparts amazing flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.

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