How To Make Jamaican Jerk Seasoning (Dry Recipe)

If you want to spice up your meals, this authentic Jamaican Jerk Seasoning blend is where it’s at! This vibrant blend of spices and herbs brings a spicy flavor that can transform simple dishes into something extraordinary. Whether you’re grilling chicken, marinating tofu, or adding a kick to your veggies, jerk seasoning is the secret ingredient to make your taste buds dance.

Making your own dry jerk seasoning is easier than you might think, and the best part is you can adjust it to suit your own taste preferences. No more store-bought options that lack that authentic touch! You’ll have full control over the ingredients and can customize the heat level to your liking. Let’s bring this versatile spice blend and a taste of the Caribbean into your kitchen!

If you are looking for more homemade seasoning recipes, I have a few more you might want to try. Another way to add some spiciness to your recipe is with Cajun seasoning, and this recipe will show you what you need. You can also try a Cuban spice blend for another Caribbean dish hint.

Still in the mood for more spicy recipes? Why not try this chili lime Mexican street corn?

Why We Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavour: This dry jerk seasoning captures the true essence of Jamaican cuisine, allowing you to enjoy bold and complex flavors in your dishes.
• Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spiciness to match your preference, whether mild or fiery hot.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for various proteins and veggies, this seasoning can elevate anything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of pantry staples, creating your jerk seasoning is quick and straightforward. It will give you fresh and flavorful results without any fuss.

What Is Jamaican Jerk?

Jamaican Jerk is a cooking style that started with the indigenous Taino people and later picked up influences from African, Spanish, and British cuisines. The word “jerk” likely comes from the Spanish “charqui,” which means dried strips of meat, hinting at traditional seasoning and cooking methods. This method mainly involves marinating meat, like chicken, pork, or fish, in a spicy mix of seasonings that includes allspice (pimento), Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, garlic, and ginger. 

The jerk marinade needs some time to soak into the meat, usually a few hours or overnight, to really boost the flavors. After marinating, the meat is commonly cooked over an open flame or on a grill, which gives it that distinct smoky flavor profile of typical jerk dishes. The final result is bold, spicy, and super aromatic, making it a favorite in Jamaican homes and Caribbean-inspired cooking worldwide. Plus, jerk seasoning is versatile enough for vegetarian dishes, adding fantastic flavor to various ingredients.

What’s in This Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe? 

• Onion Powder: A key base in many spice blends, onion powder provides a sweet and savory depth of flavor without the moisture of fresh onions. It blends well with other spices, enhancing the overall taste of the jerk seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Known for its robust and aromatic flavor, garlic powder adds a subtle sweetness and rich taste that complements the heat of the other spices. It is convenient for seasoning, as it offers the essence of garlic without needing to peel and chop.
• Crushed Red Pepper: This ingredient adds heat to the seasoning, contributing to Jamaican jerk’s signature spiciness. The crushed flakes also add a vibrant color, making the seasoning visually appealing and flavorful.
• Black Pepper: A staple spice in kitchens worldwide, black pepper adds a warm, pungent bite that elevates other flavors in the blend. It’s known for enhancing the overall aroma and taste of dishes.
• Salt: Salt is crucial in seasoning blends because it enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients and balances the heat from the peppers.
• Paprika: This mild spice offers a sweet and smoky flavor, essential for creating depth in jerk seasoning. Paprika also contributes a beautiful red hue, making your dishes visually inviting.
• Allspice: Often hailed as the “secret ingredient” in jerk seasoning, ground allspice provides warm notes that resemble a spice mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Its unique flavour ties together the other components and is a hallmark of Caribbean cuisine.
• White Granulated Sugar: Adding a touch of sweetness, sugar helps to balance the spicy and smoky flavors of the jerk seasoning. It also contributes to caramelization when grilled, enhancing the overall taste of the meat.
• Ground Ginger: Ginger lends a warm and zesty note to the seasoning, complementing the heat while providing additional depth. Its aromatic qualities contribute to the overall allure of jerk spice dishes.
• Ground Clove: This spice offers a strong, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor, which can enhance the complexity of the seasoning. Just a pinch can transform the blend, adding to the warmth characteristic of the Jamaican cooking style.
• Dried Thyme: Thyme rounds out the seasoning with its earthy and herbal notes, a traditional herb prominently featured in Caribbean dishes. Its pungency complements the other spices, tying the whole seasoning together.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Substitutions and Additions

• Onion Powder: Use fresh minced onion for a more pronounced flavor, but remember it will add moisture to your seasoning blend.
• Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can be used; remember to alter the quantity as it has a stronger flavor than garlic powder.
• For a different heat: Replace crushed red pepper with cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, or use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
• Black Pepper: White pepper can be used for a more subtle heat and a lighter color in your seasoning.
• For a lower sodium option: Consider using potassium salt or a salt substitute instead of regular salt.
• For a sweeter profile: Try using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a unique twist.
• Add some citrus: Incorporating grated lime or lemon zest can add a refreshing zing to your seasoning blend.
• Fresh herbs: For a brighter flavor, swap dried thyme for fresh thyme, but use about three times the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Use different sweeteners: Brown sugar or coconut sugar can also provide a different sweetness while enhancing the richness of the seasoning.

How to Make Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning (step-by-step directions)

1. Mix all your ingredients in a small bowl. (Photo 1)
2. Stir until well combined. (Photos 2 & 3)

Recipe Tips

• Taste as You Go: Start with smaller amounts of the hotter spices, like crushed red pepper and ground ginger, and adjust according to your heat preference. It’s easier to add more spice than to try to tone it down.
• Experiment: Don’t hesitate to tweak this easy recipe according to your taste preferences. Adding different herbs or spices can create a unique jerk seasoning tailored to your palate.

Storing Tips 

Proper storage is essential to maintaining the freshness and potency of your homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning. Place the seasoning in an airtight container or a clean, dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep out moisture and air. Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry or cupboard. 

Serving Suggestions 

Jamaican jerk seasoning is incredibly versatile, elevating a variety of dishes. The most traditional use is to marinate chicken, pork, or beef, creating that authentic jerk flavor through grilling or smoking. Simply rub the seasoning onto your meat and let it marinate for at least a few hours, preferably overnight, for the best results. 

Additionally, you can use this seasoning to enhance seafood, such as shrimp or fish, before grilling or baking. Vegetarians will also find it delightful—try tossing it with roasted vegetables, tofu, or legumes for a flavorful twist. For adventurous cooks, it can be incorporated into soups, stews, or even as a seasoning for rice and beans, providing a unique kick to classic side dishes. 

Recipe FAQs

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• See all our spice recipes!