When it came to spices and getting the right flavor out of the food you make, my mother always swore by her own homemade jamaican jerk seasoning recipe. She passed the recipe down to me. And I have to tell you how much it makes a difference when it comes to getting the flavor of food right.
The jerk seasoning recipe that I am going to share with you today is bold, spicy, smoky, and so very aromatic.
This kind of homemade jerk seasoning actually originates from the Caribbean and Jamaica. Yes, this Caribbean seasoning was first made using Caribbean and Jamaican spices, and people use it all around the world today.
Let me get into more detail about what this seasoning is all about, what to use it on, variations to make, and so much more. Not to forget, the recipe itself will be shared!
Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
- Jamaican jerk seasoning has a deep and bold flavor profile.
- More flavor than store-bought, with no preservatives
- The level of heat you want from this seasoning is in your hands.
- This dry jerk seasoning is easy to make, and you will probably have all the ingredients in your pantry.
- It even works as a dry rub seasoning or base for any kind of marinade.
What Is Jerk Seasoning and Why Is It Called “Jerk”?
Jerk seasoning forms from Caribbean and Jamaican flavors. Here, “jerk” actually comes from a Spanish word, “charqui,” which means dried or cured meat.
Also, jerk actually refers to both a flavor profile and a cooking technique, where you marinate meat and slow-smoke it over allspice wood in an earthen pit. Eventually, the seasoning comes out spicy, smoky, savory, and slightly sweet.
Ingredients for Jerk Seasoning
- Warm Spices: You can use warm spices like allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. Here, allspice is necessary because it gives the seasoning its foundational flavor and structural warmth.
- Savory Spices: As savory spices, you can use garlic powder, onion powder, etc.
- Herb: Different herbs, like dried thyme, give the jerk spice blend a herbal backbone and add more aromatic scent.
- Heat: You can use cayenne or chilli powder as your source of heat for the spicy seasoning blend.
- Smoky Depth: This smoky, spicy seasoning demands a little bit of paprika.
- Seasoning Base: As a base, you need the standard salt and black pepper.
- Sweetness: You can use brown sugar to add sweetness to the seasoning.
How to Make Homemade Jerk Seasoning
- First, measure and add all the spices and dried herbs to a bowl.
- Mix by using a whisk until everything is evenly combined.
- Use right away or store in an airtight jar for later.
Dry Jerk Seasoning vs Jerk Marinade
While both jerk seasoning and jerk marinade have allspice and Scotch bonnet flavor, the seasoning is a dry rub with herbs and spices, and the marinade is a thick and moist paste with onions, ginger, oil, etc.
When you cook something crispy, like chicken wings or skin-on thighs, you would usually use the seasoning. Whereas, you will use the marinade for things like pork shoulder or large roast to tenderize them.
How to Use Jerk Seasoning
- You can use jerk chicken seasoning on chicken wings or other chicken dishes.
- Pork or ribs taste great with this jerk pork seasoning.
- Seafood also gets its flavors enhanced by jerk seasoning.
- You can also use it for rice or roasted potatoes.
Flavor Variations
- Mild Jerk Seasoning: If you prefer less heat, you can easily make a mild jerk seasoning by reducing the amount of spice.
- Extra Spicy Version: If you want extra heat, use more cayenne to make an extra spicy version.
- Smoky Version: Use more paprika for a smokier version.
- Slightly Sweeter Version: You can use a bit more brown sugar to make a slightly sweeter version.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use less salt for a low-sodium version.
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Ginger Powder
- 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Dried Thyme
- 2 tsp All Spice
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground Clove
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Black Pepper
Equipments
Instructions
Measure the Spices
- Measure all of the spices you need to use to make the jerk seasoning with a measuring spoon.
Mix Until Evenly Combined
- Now add onion powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, dried thyme, allspice, cumin powder, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground clove, salt, band lack pepper into a bowl.
- Now, mix all the spices together until they are combined evenly.
Adjust Heat Level
- If you added too much heat, add more brown sugar to balance the heat.
- If you do not think that you added enough heat, you can add as much as cayenne and paprika as you want.
Store for Later Use
- If you want to store the jerk seasoning properly, you need to put it in an airtight jar or container.
- You also have to make sure that you don’t store it in a warm or moist area.
Notes
- Seasoning Too Spicy: If your seasoning becomes too spicy for your tongue, you can add more brown sugar to neutralize the heat.
- Too Salty: If it’s too salty, you can add a bit of brown sugar and onion powder
- Flat Flavor: Add more garlic powder, allspice, and thyme if the flavor is too flat.
- Clumping: You need to keep the seasoning in an airtight container or jar where there is no heat or moisture to keep it from clumping up.
Recipe FAQs
Can I leave out the salt or sugar?
Yes, you can leave out salt and sugar, but it might make the seasoning too bland.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
No, fresh herbs are not recommended for this dry seasoning blend, as they add moisture and can cause it to spoil. However, fresh herbs can be used if you are making a Jamaican jerk marinade instead.
How should this be stored, and how long does it last?
You should store it in an airtight jar in a moisture-free space. If you store the seasoning properly, it could last for 1 to 2 years.
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