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Jerk Seasoning is a bold and nuanced spice blend that adds a huge kick of flavor to endless savory dishes. It is incredibly simple to make and customizable to your liking.
Authentic Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
During a trip to Jamaica, I fell in love with the food. Everything was the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory.
Lucky for me (and you!), I was able to take several cooking classes from an authentic Jamaican chef. He shared with me several recipes, one being his Jamaican Jerk Seasoning.
Made with a blend of dried spices, this nuanced seasoning takes me right back to my time in Jamaica. It adds heat, warmth, and a bit of sweetness to a variety of recipes. It is intricate in taste and really helps to deliver authentic Jamaican flavor.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Recipe Highlights
Ingredients in Jerk Seasoning
You will find the full list of ingredients, along with quantities in the recipe card. Below is a quick glance at what you need and tips to help you make the right selection.
- Dried Spices: Garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried thyme leaves, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, crushed red pepper flakes, and nutmeg. A long list, but it is what gives this blend its authentic flavor.
- Salt: Kosher salt is best in spice blends, as it helps to enhance the flavor without making it taste overly salty.
- Sugar: This recipe calls for granulated sugar, which will help to balance out the heat in this spice blend and help the meat or vegetables to caramelize when cooked.
- Optional: For a massive kick, feel free to add 1 teaspoon of dried habanero powder. It is a bit too much for my family, so I typically don't add it.
Kristen's Tip
For optimum flavor, be sure you use dried herbs that are no more than 6 months old. As spices sit in the pantry, they begin to lose their flavor.
Storage Instructions
Once the spices, salt, and sugar are combined, transfer to an airtight container or jar and store in a cool, dark pantry or cabinet. It is best used within 6 months for optimal flavor, though it remains safe to consume after that.
How to Use Jerk Seasoning
You can use this homemade jerk seasoning in any recipe calling for a dry jerk seasoning or to add a Jamaican flare to dinner! Let your imagination or the following suggestions guide you.
- Make Jerk Chicken Kabobs: With a wet marinade, jerk seasoning, and fresh pineapple, these Jerk Chicken Kabobs bring the flavor!
- Add to a Dressing: I use jerk seasoning in my dressing for my Caribbean chicken salad--sweet, tangy, spicy, and so good!
- Swap out Cajun Seasoning for Jerk Seasoning: I have found that by swapping out the cajun seasoning for jerk seasoning in recipes like Instant Pot jambalaya, blackened mahi mahi, or blackened chicken gives the dish a tropical vibe.
- To Season Protein: Add a Jamaican twist to dinner by replacing the spice blend with this jerk seasoning in recipes like grilled shrimp, baked cod, pan-seared tilapia, air fryer pork chops, or air fryer chicken wings.
- To Season Veggies: Replace the dried onion soup mix with ½ tablespoon of homemade jerk seasoning for delicious sweet and spicy vegetable kabobs.
More Homemade Spice Blends
- Taco Seasoning
- Greek Seasoning
- Fajita Seasoning
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Adobo Seasoning
- Chili Seasoning
- Seasoned Salt
Did you make this recipe?
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Jerk Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, *more or less depending on heat level
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add all the spices to a small jar or bowl. Shake or mix to combine.
- Store the spice blend in an airtight container for up to 6 months in a dark, cool place, such as the pantry or spice cabinet.
- Use in any recipe that calls for Jerk Seasoning.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally shared in 2020 and updated in 2025.
Can this be used to make beef jerky in a food dehydrator? I'm wondering how it would turn out if I just used it as a rub or if any liquid should be added to it
Hi AnnMarie! I have never personally made beef jerky. I do know that dry rubs work well to season beef before dehydrating, but this jerk seasoning alone may be a bit too spicy when concentrated in jerky. I am sorry I can't offer more guidance.
Thank you
Definitely has some kick to it
I used this on chicken tonight and it was fantastic! It will be great to have on hand in my pantry.
It really does add flavor--glad you had the same experience.
This is a great recipe for jerk seasoning. Delicious and full of flavor!