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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  • 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's the difference between Caribbean and 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.

What is the best way to use jerk seasoning? ›

The spice mix can be applied to meat and vegetables before cooking, or it can be used as a finishing seasoning. Jerk spice can be used on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop. If used as a marinade, it is best to let the meat or vegetables soak in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes.

What's a substitute for jerk seasoning? ›

That being said, if you are unable to find specific ingredients, take a Cajun Seasoning and add the following spices: allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Is Jerk Seasoning spicy hot?

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.

Is jerk seasoning unhealthy? ›

Health benefits of the Jamaican jerk chicken

The allspice seasoning is healthy. It helps digestion. On the other hand, thyme spice kills certain bacteria producing inflammations. Cinnamon is used in the recipe helping to relieve arthritis pain.

Why is jerk seasoning so good? ›

This seasoning blend is a fusion of everyday herbs and spices, like allspice, thyme and nutmeg, plus onions and Scotch bonnet peppers—even a little brown sugar. The seasoning delivers the lively flavor behind world-renowned jerk chicken.

Why do jamaicans like jerk chicken? ›

It was early 'fusion food'. Jamaican author, Carolyn Cooper, describes jerk as “one of the enduring legacies of the fusion of Taíno and African cultures,” referencing a period in the mid-seventeenth century where the indigenous island people and enslaved Africans came together, and cooked together.

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.

What is the difference between jerk and Jamaican jerk? ›

Jerk basically refers to a type of meat, whether it is chicken, pork, beef, fish, goat, fruit or vegetables, and in Negril, Jamaica, a Jamaican jerk is referring to how the food is cooked. This delicious style of cooking refers to using a paste or marinade that will at least include pimento.

Does jerk seasoning need to be 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.

Does Aldi have jerk seasoning? ›

Schwartz Jamaican Jerk Seasoning 51g | ALDI.

What are the ingredients in Mccormick Caribbean Jerk Seasoning? ›

SALT, SPICES (INCLUDING RED PEPPER), DEXTROSE, CARAMEL COLOR, CHIVES, AND SULFITING AGENTS.

Is Jamaican allspice the same as jerk seasoning? ›

Allspice is a single spice derived from the dried unripe berries of the Pimenta dioica plant. Jamaican spice, often associated with Jamaican jerk seasoning, typically includes allspice along with other spices like thyme, garlic, and scallions.

What gives jerk its flavor? ›

This seasoning blend is a fusion of everyday herbs and spices, like allspice, thyme and nutmeg, plus onions and Scotch bonnet peppers—even a little brown sugar. The seasoning delivers the lively flavor behind world-renowned jerk chicken.

What is jerk chicken seasoning made of? ›

Ingredients In Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Spices – Cumin, nutmeg, allspice, smoked paprika, cinnamon. Heat – Red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. Sugar – Just some brown sugar for a well rounded depth of flavor. Seasoning – Salt and pepper.

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.

What does jerk chicken contain? ›

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.

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