Honey Jerk Sauce Recipe

The first time I tried honey jerk sweet sauce was with grilled chicken. It was my friend Andre; he invited me over for a backyard cookout. And after reaching there, some kind of smoky-sweet smell was snatching my attention. I cannot help but ask him, What is this smell? Then he told me about this sauce and its simple and easy recipe.

He told me that his aunt used to make this recipe back in Kingston. A very simple ingredient, yet amazing in taste.

So, in this article, I’ll tell you about this Jamaican sweet and spicy balanced sauce in detail with an authentic recipe.

What is Honey Jerk Sauce?

Honey jerk sweet sauce is a traditional Jamaican sweet and spicy balanced sauce that goes with any kind of meat item.

Classic jerk sauce is known for its bold and spicy flavour, but honey jerk sauce is a bit different and sweet. This sauce goes amazingly with chicken wings, grilled chicken, or shrimp, even with pork. It can make your vegetables go from boring to mind-blowing. Think of it as a honey BBQ jerk blend but with real island soul.

How To Make Honey Jerk Sauce At Home?

Ingredients You Need 

This homemade honey jerk sauce uses pantry staples and a few Caribbean essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Honey

½ cup of honey is the sweet pillar of the sauce. It helps to balance the hot pepper’s spiciness.

• Soy Sauce

 Take 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. It adds umami and salty flavour into the sauce.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar benefits to light up the flavours of the sauce. Only 2 tablespoons of ACV are sufficient.

• Lime Juice

Lime juice is here for acidity and tropical zest. Take advantage of this with a simple 1 tablespoon of lime juice. 

• Sugar 

Use brown sugar; it complements the honey. Use 2 tablespoons of it. If it feels too sweet, you can skip it or reduce it. 

• Olive Oil

Olive oil blends everything together and adds a rich texture in it. 1 tablespoon of olive oil is plenty for this dish. 

• Garlic

Take 2 cloves of garlic and mince them properly. It adds a fresh flavor.

• Green Onions

This is optional, but it adds freshness. Take 2 green onions and chop them if you’re using them. 

• Allspice 

1 teaspoon of allspice is key to jerk flavour. Grind allspice before using; otherwise, it will not blend well with other ingredients because of the moisture of other ingredients. 

• Cinnamon 

Cinnamon goes well with any meaty dish. Just ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder adds that warm depth which enhances the flavour of meat.

• Nutmeg 

Traditional honey jerk sauce uses nutmeg in the form of powder. So, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg can add a classic jerk note in the recipe.

• Thyme 

Add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for an earthy taste. Fresh thyme is better for this sauce. 

• Scotch Bonnet Pepper

The main classic ingredients of this sauce. Take one finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper or use 1 tsp hot sauce for milder heat. 

• Salt and Black Pepper 

Add salt and black pepper as per taste. 

Simple Steps To Make It

Step 1

First, grab a food processor or a blender. Then Put all the ingredients into it. Just be careful about the Scotch bonnet pepper. 

Step 2

Now, start the blender and blend it well until it is a smooth paste. It may take 3-4 minutes. 

Step 3

Following this, taste the sauce with a spoon; if it needs something, adjust that. In this part, you can add more spice or sugar as you prefer.  

Step 4

Now, it’s ready to use. It goes with any protein, and you can store it in the fridge for up to 10 days. 

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs with any kind of protein. Here are some ways to use this sauce:

• Marinade: Grilling any meat? Let the meat soak in the sauce for 1-2 hours before grilling. It will save time and make the dish gleaming. 
• Glaze: Brush it on grilled meats during the last 5 minutes of grilling. And your dish smells good. 
• Dipping Sauce: Use it directly as a dipping sauce with wings, nuggets, fries, or even sweet potato wedges. 
• Burger or taco topping: Drizzle it on a jerk burger or fish taco.
• Grilled veggie drizzle: This sauce is remarkably good on charred corn, zucchini, or sweet bell peppers.

Pro Tips

1. First, you must wear gloves when you’re handling pepper.
2. Start with a small amount of Scotch bonnet pepper. Then adjust it according to your taste.
3. If possible, use raw honey for natural sweetness and texture.
4. Gently toast allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a skillet for 30–60 seconds to boost their flavor and aroma.
5. Store the sauce in an airtight container.
6. Use the ice cube box and put the sauce in the deep fridge to last longer.

Conclusion

This Caribbean sauce recipe is the best for grilled chicken or roasted beef. It’s easy to make at home without too much effort. Now you can enjoy its magical balance of sweetness, heat, and depth. 

And since you made this at home, it will be a bit healthier than factory-made products, that is for sure. On top of that, I can assure you that using this sauce will be something that you are never going to forget. 

FAQs

What Meats Pair Well With Honey Jerk Sauce?

Any kind of meat pairs well with honey jerk sauce. Such as, grilled chicken, pork, or roasted beef.  

How Spicy is Honey Jerk Sauce?

Slightly spicy. It depends on the amount of Scotch bonnet you use. Start small and taste as you go!

Can I Use This as a Dipping Sauce?

Absolutely. It can be used as a dip for wings, fries, tacos, or sandwiches.

How Do I Store Homemade Honey Jerk Sauce?

You can store it in the fridge for up to 10 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in an ice-cube box.

Can I Make It Without Scotch Bonnet?

Yes, you can. Use hot sauce or jalapeño for a gentle version.