Homemade Jamaican Jerk seasoning is a preservative free, costs a fraction of buying store bought, it is made with pantry staple ingredients, and doesn’t have an artificial taste.
If you’re looking to heat things up in the kitchen, something that’s not too salty, then this Caribbean jerk seasoning blend is just for you. It complements chicken, fish, and any kind of red meat extremely well. Not to mention, it is cost effective.
Why Make Your Own Spice Blend?
It is a good way to use spices that has been sitting for a long time.
Better than store-bought version as it is homemade.
You can omit or reduce the level of heat in this blend.
Time and time again, if I want to spice things up in the kitchen or looking for a different flavor, I would prepare this mix.
To be honest, I especially love it with Salmon. I like it really spicy, so I often double the cayenne pepper measurement.
What Is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning?
We absolutely love mixing our own spice blend. Finding the right spice blend to elevate any dish will make a world of difference in the final stage of the dish.
This homemade Caribbean Jerk seasoning blend is simply amazing and is so incredibly easy to make.
Jamaican jerk seasoning is a combination of spices that’s made with peppers, sweet spices and dried or fresh herbs. This blend will provide you with the taste of the islands right in your kitchen.
Ingredients Used In This Seasoning
This recipe has been modified due to the ingredients that are readily available in our region. For example, we substituted scotch bonnet with cayenne pepper as this is a dry blend.
Authentic jerk seasoning always includes allspice, cinnamon, thyme, and nutmeg. These are principle ingredients that go into a jerk seasoning blend.
Jerk seasoning received its name because meats are marinated with spicy ingredients and the flavors are infused in the meat though the holes that are often poked in the meat.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp allspice
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika; not often used but creates an additional earthy flavor.
- 1 tbsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp white pepper; black pepper will also work.
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp savory herb (this herb is basically dried thyme – either will work in this recipe)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp brown sugar is used to balance out the savory flavor.
What Can I Use Jamaican Jerk Seasoning On?
You can use this seasoning in fish, vegetables, beef, chicken, goat, lamb, and in this Pasta Rasta Recipe.
To balance out the flavors, variations of sweet flavors are added, such as brown sugar.
Honey, pineapple or mango is added if you are making a wet version. During the summer, I like to prepare the wet version as it is great when grilling meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are many versions when it comes to making Jerk seasoning. But authentic jerk seasoning always includes allspice, cinnamon, thyme, and nutmeg.
Jamaican jerk has a Caribbean flavor and is often spicy.
You can purchase the jerk seasoning at any local grocery store or international markets.
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Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon savory
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients together. Place in an airtight container.
- Use as needed to season meat of your choice. Enjoy!
Hildy says
I have made wings with your recipe countless times. It is delicious. Mouth-watering, compliment-harvesting delicious. Only regret is not having found it earlier. It is earthy, rich, warming, soul-enhancing.
Here are a couple tweaks for fun:
1. use this entire recipe for 3 lbs of wings. Use the entire batch. The wings should be 100% coated and then some. Incredible, rich flavor.
2. wings: in addition to #1, add a heaping tablespoon of baking powder (not soda) to the recipe for crispiness.
3. Add a half teaspoon of kashmir chili powder (find it at an indian grocery store) for some fire.
Mirlene says
Hildy, thank you so much for the comment and more importantly, for the suggestions. I will use your suggestions in future recipes. Thank you so much for your supporting and making our recipes. Glad you liked it as well.
Wendy says
This jerk seasoning is looking very tasty. Can you tell me if the tablespoons and teaspoons are in powder of …… or in berries? Thanks in advance and take good care of yourselves. Excellent blog
Mirlene says
Hi Wendy,
Thank you very much!!!! Yes, the tablespoons and teaspoons are in powder.
Summer says
What is the savory spice?
Mirlene says
Hello Summer, you can obtain the Savory Spice here (affiliate link) or at your local grocery store.
Summer says
Thank you. Trying this out tonight ?
Stephanie says
This is so helpful! I’ll have to mix up some of this and keep it on hand in a jar for cooking chicken! Thanks for sharing!
Mirlene says
You’re welcome. Thank you.
Lathiya says
I love homemade spice powders…When we make dishes with them the flavors double up.The jamaican jerk seasoning looks fabulous
Maman de sara says
I have learned Jamaican jerk seasoning today , thanks for sharing !
Leslie says
Yaas! I love jerk, and sometimes make it at home, I like your spice blend, it looks wonderful!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Leslie!
Anne Lawton says
I love Jerk seasoning and have been looking for a homemade blend . Thanks for sharing!
Mirlene says
You are welcome!
Rick says
Hey,quick question, what is savory? I always use store bought jerk seasoning,now I want to make my own.
Mirlene says
Savory seasoning is a combination of herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sage.
jennifer says
I love that the heat level can be tapered to suit preferences . . . which is not the case with store bought! That and it is so budget freindly!
Mirlene says
For sure. That’s what I like about homemade spice blends. Thanks for reading.
Geetanjali Tung says
Fabulous! The ingredients which are used in this seasoning sound great. I am sure it lets a wonderful flavor and taste to any dish. I am just loving it.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Geetanjali!
Jori says
I’ve missed having good jerk chicken since I move out of Brooklyn. Can’t wait to give this a try and be able to have those flavours again!
Mirlene says
Oh no! Sorry to hear that. I hope you get to enjoy the flavors soon.
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says
I love making grilled Jerk Chicken in the summer months, and this summer I’m definitely making my own seasoning, thanks so much for the recipe!
Jacqueline Debono says
Love all the flavours in this seasoning! As you say such a good way to use up spices that have been sitting around for a while!
Linda says
Love this jar and all the spices here. Is it possible to make it extra spicy?
Mirlene says
Thank you! Definitely! You can make it as spicy as you’d like. Enjoy! 🙂
ChihYu says
I love jerk seasoning. Now I know how to make it at home!
April says
I get very excited about delicious recipes that are cost effective. Like this Jamaican jerk seasoning. And the presentation is just magnificent – can’t wait to have something similar in my house!
Mirlene says
You’ll love it! Thanks for reading 🙂
Laura Duffy says
I love spice mixes because they make it so easy to put a delicious meal together. Jamaican jerk seasoning is one of the most flavorful of them! I’m excited to try this!
paleoglutenfreeguy says
Ooh, love the idea of making my own.And I think I pretty much have all of the ingredients! I think I’ll aim for medium spice – enough to feel it, not enough to make me cry. 😉
Mirlene says
No, please don’t cry 🙂 definitely modify it to your taste level.
Maman de sara says
I have learned something today Jamaican Jerk seasoning, thanks for sharing!
Joni Gomes says
I love jerk seasoning and always wondered what was in it!
Byron Thomas says
I just have to have this!! I used to eat jerk chicken quite often, but when I moved, I have not been able to find a shop that sells the good stuff. Maybe making my own version is the answer. Thanks for sharing!
Stine Mari says
I love Jamaican jerk seasoning blends, they are so packed with flavor. This blend looks so delicious!
Raia Todd says
Oooh, I have almost everything to make this! Sounds delicious.
Mirlene says
You are welcome! Thanks for reading. 🙂
Danielle Wolter says
am def going to start making my own seasonings this year. i love jamaican jerk too, so def going to be saving this one!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Danille!
Irena Macri says
Making your own seasoning at home is such a great idea, and Jamaican jerk is a must-have. Love this recipe!
Gloria says
I love making my own seasoning blends. Makes a great hostess gift too. I always have a jar of jerk seasoning in the kitchen. Next time I have to make a batch, I will give this mix a try.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Gloria!
Kelly Anthony says
I’ve been buying this at our local grocery store but now I will be making it. This is so much cheaper than buying it already mixed. Thanks for sharing!!
Mirlene says
Thank you for reading!
Tessa Simpson says
I adore making my own spice blends!!! This one looks like it would season meat perfectly!
Mirlene says
Yes, it does. Thank you. 🙂
STACEY CRAWFORD says
This is so much better than the premade spice mix!
Kelly says
I bet this would taste good on so many things. I’d love it on meat as well as fish!
Lesli Schwartz says
I love Jamaican jerk seasoning but have never made my own, so I’m really looking forward to trying this!
Amanda says
Oh, I love jerk seasoning! The combination of the flavors is amazing, and I love how versatile your recipe is. Thanks for sharing! This will definitely be a pantry staple for me.
Hope says
Love homemade seasonings! This would make a great gift!