DIY Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Spicy, savory, salty, sweet? Jamaican jerk seasoning has it occurring! When a recent craving arose for the daring, balanced flavors of this Caribbean spice mix, we got into the kitchen attempting to copy its magic with ingredients we had readily available.

Our inspired version comes together in only 5 minutes with easy-to-find ingredients! It’s so versatile and adds quick flavor to the whole lot from chicken to plantains, veggies, chickpeas, and more. Let’s spice it up in here!

Origin of Jamaican Jerk Cooking

When it involves Jamaican cuisine, “jerk” refers to a type of cooking that traditionally involves marinating meat in a spicy seasoning and cooking it over a wood fire for a smoky flavor. This method is believed to have originated with indigenous peoples in Jamaica.

The spicy, warming seasoning typically incorporates Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice as key ingredients. Since it’s difficult to search out Scotch bonnet in our area, we got here up with an inspired twist using cayenne pepper. For a version using Scotch bonnet peppers and other fresh ingredients, take a look at this more traditional recipe from Island Style Kitchen.

How to Make Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

The term “jerk seasoning” is usually used to discuss with a dry spice rub and sometimes to a marinade.

To keep things super easy and convenient, we prefer to make a dry spice rub with sugar, salt, and spices. This dry mixture keeps well for months within the pantry, and if you must make a marinade, it’s as easy as stirring in a number of liquid ingredients!

For the jerk spice rubwe mix onion powder, granulated garlic, ground allspice, brown sugar, sea salt, and dried thyme with ground coriander, black pepper, cayenne, and cinnamon. You can use this rub as is, or turn it right into a marinade by adding oil, tamari, and maple syrup. Either way, it’s DELICIOUS!

We hope you LOVE this Jamaican jerk seasoning! It’s:

Spicy
Savory
Subtly sweet
Balanced
Easy to make
& SO versatile!

Enjoy it on the whole lot from chickpeas, tofu, and cauliflower (recipe coming soon!) to roasted plantains, mushrooms, and other veggies. It’s so flavorful that it might probably even make cardboard taste good 😜 (not beneficial, though!).

More Caribbean-Inspired Recipes

If you are trying this recipe, tell us! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photograph @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!