Jerk Seasoning Recipe

Jamaican flavors are famous for being spicy, bold, and aromatic. Jerk seasoning is a great example of enjoying Jamaican flavors. Traditionally, people use this seasoning for grilled or smoked chicken.

The spices, herbs, and balanced heat of seasoning create the perfect Caribbean taste. You can combine this flavorful seasoning with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or any other seafood. 

Preparing the authentic Jamaican Jerk seasoning requires a few secret ingredients and proper guidelines. If you are a beginner, don’t be afraid. This article presents the easiest dry Jerk chicken seasoning recipe with special tips for you. So! Stay tuned to the end. 

Why You Must Try This Recipe at Home?

If you want to enjoy pure magic in a jar, try making your own homemade Jerk seasoning. We agree that store-bought mixes are convenient. But the homemade version has vibrant depth and fresh flavors because of using fresh spices.

Additionally, you have control over the spice level and ingredients by making it yourself at home. That means you can easily customize the taste according to your preferences.

It is a dry seasoning, which means you can store the seasoning for a long time. Once you make this tasty seasoning at home, you can easily season your meal with it to enjoy Caribbean flavors any time.

Then, why waste time? Do follow our recipe and experience why Jerk seasoning is a global favorite. 

Ingredients and Substitutions You Need for This Recipe 

There is a long ingredient list for the Homemade Jerk Seasoning recipe. We recommend using all the spices in an accurate amount to get the authentic Jerk seasoning. Besides, we are adding substitutions in case you don’t have the original ingredient.

Ingredient	Amount	Substitutions/Notes
Ground allspice	1 tablespoon	Essential for authentic jerk flavor
Brown sugar	1 tablespoon	White sugar or honey
Dried thyme	1 tablespoon	Fresh thyme (Finely chopped)
Ground Cinnamon	1 teaspoon	Optional
Ground nutmeg	½ teaspoon	Allspice can cover its absence
Ground cloves	½ teaspoon	Don’t overuse to avoid bitterness
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon	Fresh minced garlic (2 cloves)
Onion powder	1 teaspoon	Fresh minced onion (1 tablespoon)
Smoked paprika	1 teaspoon	Regular paprika
Salt	1 teaspoon	Use according to your taste
Ground black pepper	1 teaspoon	Experts suggest using freshly ground black pepper
Cayenne pepper	½ teaspoon	Red chili powder
Crushed red pepper flakes	½ teaspoon	Optional
Ground ginger	½ teaspoon	Freshly grated ginger (1 teaspoon)
Scotch bonnet pepper	1 piece	Habanero

• Allspice is an essential for this recipe to get the original flavors.
• Brown sugar provides a sweetness and balances the spicy flavor.
• Dried thyme brings a nice herby flavor.
• Ground cinnamon adds a sweetness and satisfying fragrance.
• Ground nutmeg and cloves provide a depth and warm flavor.
• Garlic and onion powder are for savory and aromatic flavors.
• Smoked paprika, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes are used to intensify the spiciness of this seasoning.
• Ground ginger adds a zesty flavor. 
• Salt is used to balance the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Jerk Seasoning: Easy 6 Steps

Jerk chicken seasoning is popular worldwide. You can find enormous recipes on the internet. Yet, our recipe is special. We have divided the whole recipe into 6 easy steps. This step-by-step guideline will help you. Additionally, our chef’s tips are a bonus for you. Therefore, do follow our steps.

Step 1: Collect and Measure all the Required Ingredients

The seasoning jerk starts with collecting all the required ingredients. You can check the ingredient list and collect all the required ingredients on a table where you will prepare the seasoning.

• Our experts suggest using all the original ingredients to get the authentic Jerk seasoning. However, if you are missing any ingredients and it is not possible to collect them, you can go with a substitution. But ground allspice is a must for this recipe. You can’t skip this ingredient.
• After collecting all the spices, we recommend measuring them one by one using the specific measuring spoons into separate bowls. Early measuring will help you to focus on the recipe. 

Step 2: Combine the Spices

Now, it’s time to combine all the ingredients into a bowl.

• Take a medium-sized bowl.
• Put the measured ingredients one by one into the bowl.
• Do it carefully.  

Step 3: Mix Well

All the ingredients are combined in a bowl. Now, you have to mix them well to get the perfect dry seasoning.

• Take a whisk.
• Mix the ingredients using the whisk.
• To mix them perfectly, move the whisk in a circular motion.
• After gently mixing for 2 to 5 minutes, you will get your homemade jerk seasoning.   

Step 4: Adjust Heat (Optional)

This optional step is to get a desired spice level. If you want to customize the seasoning according to your taste, you can add this step to your recipe. You can skip this step to get the Jamaican spice level.

• Take a pinch of prepared Jerk seasoning and taste it.
• You can add Scotch bonnet, cayenne, or red pepper flakes to get spicier Jerk seasoning.
• Similarly, you can reduce these ingredients or add extra sugar to adjust the spice to your tolerance level. 

Step 5: Store

The shelf life of this dry Jerk seasoning is up to 6 months. But you should maintain a proper storage method to keep the fresh and vibrant flavors.

• Transfer the dry seasoning from the bowl into an airtight glass jar . Experts suggest avoiding plastic jars to control microplastic contamination. 
• Keep the jar in a dry and cool place.
• Professionals suggest avoiding direct sunlight exposure. 

Step 6: Use

The Jerk seasoning is ready to use.

• Rub the seasoning on chicken, shrimp, tofu, vegetables, or seafood.
• Then, grill, roast, or pan-fry them to enjoy a delicious meal within a few minutes. 

Chef’s Notes and Tips

We have already provided an overall guideline on a homemade Jerk chicken seasoning recipe. You are getting 4 useful chef’s tips to make the seasoning like an expert here.

• Always use high-quality spices to get the pure taste and aroma. If you can, it is better to use freshly ground spices that will bring the flavors to another level.
• You can easily make wet Jerk marinade from the dry Jerk seasoning by adding 3 tablespoons of dry seasoning with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Jerk seasoning tastes better if you rest it overnight. Therefore, experts suggest preparing the seasoning at least one day ahead of preparing the meal with this Jerk seasoning. 
• According to the professionals, wearing hand gloves is mandatory while handling Scotch bonnet to habanero peppers to keep your hands safe.

Conclusion

There is no better seasoning to enjoy bold Jamaican cuisine than the Jerk seasoning. It is more than just a spice mix. The spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors make it a seasoning that can enhance the taste of any dish.

After preparing the seasoning at home, store it in an airtight seasoning jar.  Then, spice up your ordinary meal with the Caribbean-ready spice mix. That’s how you can enjoy a delicious meal any time.

FAQs

Is Jerk Seasoning Always Spicy?

Yes. Traditionally, Jerk seasoning has a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. However, you get a perfect balance of spice in this seasoning because of brown sugar and cinnamon powder. If you want less spicy, you can increase the amount of sugar and ground cinnamon.   

What Meats Taste Best With Jerk Seasoning?

Chicken and pork are most commonly seasoned with Jerk seasoning. However, you can also use this seasoning to season the shrimp, beef, tofu, and even vegetables. 

How Long Should I Marinate Meat With Jerk Seasoning?

Overnight marinating is ideal to get the best Jerk meat. But, if you do not have enough time, you marinate the meat with the Jerk seasoning for at least 2 hours to get proper flavors.