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 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; not often used but creates an additional earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon white pepper; black pepper will also work.
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon savory herb (this herb is basically dried thyme – either will work in this recipe)
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon 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!
Wendy
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
Hi Wendy,
Thank you very much!!!! Yes, the tablespoons and teaspoons are in powder.
Summer
What is the savory spice?
Mirlene
Hello Summer, you can obtain the Savory Spice here (affiliate link) or at your local grocery store.
Summer
Thank you. Trying this out tonight ?
Stephanie
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
You’re welcome. Thank you.
Lathiya
I love homemade spice powders…When we make dishes with them the flavors double up.The jamaican jerk seasoning looks fabulous
Maman de sara
I have learned Jamaican jerk seasoning today , thanks for sharing !
Leslie
Yaas! I love jerk, and sometimes make it at home, I like your spice blend, it looks wonderful!
Mirlene
Thank you, Leslie!
Anne Lawton
I love Jerk seasoning and have been looking for a homemade blend . Thanks for sharing!
Mirlene
You are welcome!
Rick
Hey,quick question, what is savory? I always use store bought jerk seasoning,now I want to make my own.
Mirlene
Savory seasoning is a combination of herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sage.
jennifer
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
For sure. That’s what I like about homemade spice blends. Thanks for reading.
Geetanjali Tung
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
Thank you, Geetanjali!
Jori
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
Oh no! Sorry to hear that. I hope you get to enjoy the flavors soon.
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday!
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
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!