Smoky, sweet, savory and spicy--this Jerk Seasoning has it all! Bold but nuanced, it combines heat and flavor and works great on proteins, but also pasta and vegetables. Great for summer bbq's, or anytime you need to have a taste of summer!
Jamaican jerk seasoning is a great addition to chicken, seafood, meats, and pasta recipes! Make a batch in less than 10 minutes with 13 ingredients and have it on hand whenever you need to spice up your dinner.
I love making spice blends in my kitchen, because I know exactly what is in them, and I can customize to my spice preference. They're healthier and cheaper than the store-bought packets and jars, and they boost the flavor of side dishes and proteins.
Recipe Ingredients
For the most complete taste, use all of the ingredients from the recipe.
Onion powder: Brings a concentrated savory and sweet onion flavor, and is an important ingredient to build the flavor.
Garlic powder: Earthy and savory, but more mellow than fresh garlic. It enhances the other flavors as well, so don’t omit it if possible.
Cayenne pepper: Adds heat, but also a fiery flavor. Add more or less, depending on your preference.
Ginger: A zesty and warm spice with a touch of sweet. For this recipe, you'll need dried ginger instead of fresh.
Allspice: Also known as Jamaica pepper, this can be substituted with cloves if you don’t have it at home.
Coconut sugar: Made from the sap of coconut palm trees.
Smoked paprika: Smoky and sweet with a mild heat, it adds flavor and color.
Salt & pepper: These enhance all of the other flavors in the blend. You can customize both to your preferences.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Also known as hot pepper flakes, they are made from dried and crushed chili peppers and used to add heat.
Cinnamon: Sweet, warm and a little spicy, don't omit for the best flavor.
Parsley: Adds a fresh and bright flavor, and should be included if possible.
Thyme: Earthy and savory with a note of citrus, it's another important flavor in this spice blend.
How to Make Jerk Seasoning
Be sure to see the recipe card for full ingredients and instructions.
- Add & Combine. Add all the ingredients to a shallow bowl or a plate. Mix to combine.
- Store. Transfer to a closed jar/container and store away from direct sunlight.
Recipe FAQ's
Additives and preservatives are often added to store-bought spice blends to prolong the shelf life. By making your own jerk spice blend, you ensure that there are only the flavor-building ingredients. In addition, you can reduce the amount of salt if you're on a salt-restricted diet.
Jerk seasoning blends, sometimes called Caribbean seasoning, often contain allspice, peppers, thyme, and a variety of other spices. Traditional recipes often call for Scotch Bonnet peppers, which are really hot. This recipe focuses on spices often found in a spice cupboard, so cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes are substituted.
Top Tips
- Sprinkle jerk seasoning over vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli or brussels sprouts before roasting in the oven.
- Mix with a splash of olive oil and spread over breadsticks or red potatoes before baking them for a bold flavor boost.
Recipe Variations
- Create a marinade for meat by mixing the seasoning with olive oil and lemon juice, and use on pork, chicken, lamb, beef, and seafood.
- If you don't have smoked paprika on hand, you can use regular paprika instead.
- Adjust the salt to your preference, omitting it completely if you're monitoring your salt intake.
- If you don't have coconut sugar, you can substitute white or brown sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
Dishes to Use Your Jerk Seasoning With
If you want to keep things super simple, use your jerk seasoning as a rub on chicken, pork, or your favorite protein. If you're up for putting in a little more effort, here are some easy main dish and side dish ideas that will go well with the flavors in this recipe:
- Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes
- Coconut rice or cilantro lime rice
- Black beans
Storage
- To store: Place in an air-tight jar/container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use within 3 months for the best flavor.
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
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Jerk Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ Tablespoon cayenne pepper
- ½ Tablespoon ground ginger
- ½ Tablespoon ground allspice
- ½ Tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a shallow bowl or a plate. Mix to combine.
- Transfer to a closed jar/container and store away from direct sunlight.
Notes
- To store: Place in an air-tight jar/container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use within 3 months for the best flavor.
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