Homemade jerk seasoning recipe

I’ve resisted trying Jamaican jerk seasoning for years. It seemed strange to me to add cinnamon to salty dishes. Then I met Cincinnati style chiliWhich also uses cinnamon in a delicious dish (with chocolate!). I realized that cinnamon can go well with savory flavors.

I thought that if I could learn to love cinnamon in chili, I could learn to love it in chicken or other dishes, too. So I tried to make my own Jamaican chicken seasoning at home. My first attempt was not successful. It turns out that cinnamon must be kept in a very delicate balance. Too much, and it overshadows everything else.

Since then, I’ve perfected the recipe and really love the combination of sweet, spicy, and cinnamon in this spice blend. These flavors can be an acquired taste, so don’t give in if they seem strange at first. A good Caribbean jerk seasoning balances heat, sweetness, and earthiness in a way that is bold but still versatile.

What is jerk spice?

Traditionally, it is a blend of bold Jamaican spices used to season meats. Especially chicken And pork before grilling or smoking. The original mixtures can be made as a dry powder or paste, depending on how they are used. This homemade jerk seasoning version uses pantry spices so it’s easy to keep on hand and customize to your taste.

What spice is jerk made of?

While recipes vary, classic jerk seasoning ingredients often include allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a spicy ingredient such as cayenne pepper or Scotch bonnet pepper.

The three main components of flavoring spices are allspice, thyme and cayenne pepper as the primary flavours, with layers of supporting spices. So what gives the flavor its flavour? The distinctive taste comes from warm, aromatic spices (especially allspice and cinnamon) mixed with heat, herbs, and a touch of sweetness. It’s this combination of spicy, salty, and slightly sweet that makes jerk seasoning so special (and addictive!).

How to make jerk spice at home

If you’re wondering how to make flavored spices, the good news is that they’re easy to mix as a dry spice powder. You can also blend the spices into a paste with oil, vinegar, and/or honey. This Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe can be customized for the level of heat and sweetness, depending on your family’s preferences.

This seasoning is usually added to chicken, but it’s also great with grilled vegetables, other meats, and even grilled seafood. I like to mix this seasoning with equal parts honey and coconut oil to make a marinade or scrub. I’ll use it on different meats and vegetables, in particular When grilling. The sweet, spicy, and earthy combination adds a caramel and smoky flavor that’s hard to beat.

Jerk seasoning recipe

This homemade Jamaican seasoning recipe with onion powder, cinnamon, and other spices and herbs provides depth and flavor to many dishes.

Nutrition facts

Jerk seasoning recipe

Amount per serving

Calories 3

% Daily Value*

Sodium 39mg2%

Carbohydrates 0.6 grams0%

Fiber 0.2 grams1%

Sugar 0.2 grams0%

protein 0.1 grams0%

*Percent Daily Values ​​are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Try mixing the spice with equal parts honey and coconut oil to rub on meat or other foods.

Another difference

I’ve tried this recipe over the years and the above is the updated version. If you’re looking for the original product that has a stronger onion and cinnamon flavor, try this.

What’s the closest thing to jerk seasoning?

Looking for an alternative to jerk spice? If you don’t have all the spices on hand, a mixture of allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper is a good starting point. It won’t be identical to the authentic blend, but it captures the overall flavor.

If that’s not your thing, check out my other DIYs Herb and spice blends To replace expensive store-bought spice blends. Making your own allows you to control ingredients, skip fillings, and adjust flavors. Plus, once you start experimenting with spice blends like these, it’s hard to go back to pre-made blends.

Have you used Jamaican jerk seasoning before? What are your favorite ways to use it? Leave a comment and let us know!