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    Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

    Homemade Staples May 9, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 4 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Jamaican Jerk Seasoning a versatile spice blend that adds a huge punch of flavor to a variety of dishes. This homemade jerk seasoning blend will add heat, sweet, and incredible depth to a variety of recipes. 

    This recipe for Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning is a versatile spice blend that adds a huge kick of flavor to endless savory dishes.

    Use this jerk seasoning blend to impart sweet and spicy flavor to dishes like Grilled Shrimp, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Kabobs, or Grilled Pork Tenderloin.

    Glass jar of homemade jerk seasoning.


    While you will always find Seasoned Salt, Chili Seasoning, and Taco Seasoning in my pantry, Jerk Seasoning is a relatively new staple in my spice cabinet.

    During a trip to Jamaica, I fell in love with the food. Everything was the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory!

    And I was fortunate that during my vacation, I was able to take a cooking class from an authentic Jamaican chef, where he shared with me his award-winning recipe for 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.

    Ingredients in Jerk Seasoning

    Spices for jerk seasoning on white platter.

    While there are quite a few dried spices in homemade jerk seasoning, chances are you will find most of them already stashed in your pantry.

    • Spices in Jerk Seasoning: Garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried thyme leaves, dried parsley, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, crushed red pepper flakes, and nutmeg. This blend has heat, depth, and warmth, giving the blend its classic 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.

    ∗ important to remember ∗

    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.

    How to Make Homemade Jerk Seasoning

    This recipe could not be any easier to prepare! Simply mix together the dried spices with the salt and sugar in a small bowl to evenly combine.

    Once combined, use the jerk seasoning right away or transfer the spice blend to an airtight jar or container for storing.

    How to Store Jerk Seasoning

    Store homemade jerk seasoning in an airtight jar or container. You want to make sure you store your spice seasoning in a sealed container to keep the moisture out and so that it will not absorb flavors from other spices in your spice cabinet.

    Jerk seasoning will last up to 6 months, and while safe to consume after 6 months, it has the best flavor in that time frame. After 6 months, dried spices begin to lose their potency.

    How to Use Jerk Seasoning

    Jerk Seasoning is classically used to flavor Grilled Chicken or Grilled Pork. However, it is also fabulous on fish, vegetables, tofu, and beef. Let your imagination guide you when it comes to using this Jamaican spice blend.

    • Jamaican Jerk Seasoning makes a fabulous seasoning for grilled shrimp, baked cod, pan-seared tilapia, air fryer pork chops, or air fryer chicken wings.
    • In place of the wet Jerk marinade in Grilled Chicken Kabobs, use this dry rub and grill immediately.
    • Add this jerk seasoning to dishes like Instant Pot Jambalaya, Caribbean Rice and Beans, or Instant Pot Rice and Beans for a tropical vibe.

    More Homemade Spice Blends

    • Taco Seasoning
    • Greek Seasoning
    • Onion Soup Mix
    • Cajun Seasoning
    • Fajita Seasoning
    • Old Bay Seasoning
    • Adobo Seasoning

    If you tried this recipe for Jerk Seasoning, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Jar of Jamaican Jerk Seasoning next to teaspoon.

    Jerk Seasoning

    This Jamaican Jerk Seasoning is made with nuanced blend of common spices and packs an authentic punch of Jamaican flavors to endless savory dishes.
    4.86 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: Jamaican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 10kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
    • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
    • 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
    • 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, combine the spices, salt, and sugar together. Mix until well combined.
    • 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

    Spices: Use dried spices no more than 6 months old for optimum flavor. Be sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor.
    Decrease Heat: Decrease red pepper flakes for a less spicy result. 
    More Heat: Add in up to 1 teaspoon of dried habanero powder for a massive kick. 
    Salt: Feel free to decrease the salt in half for a lower-sodium jerk seasoning. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 10kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 389mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 372IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    « Shredded Chicken Tacos
    Greek Quinoa Salad »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Eric T Butler

      June 07, 2021 at 12:51 am

      4 stars
      Definitely has some kick to it

      Reply
    2. Krystle

      June 22, 2020 at 10:55 pm

      5 stars
      I used this on chicken tonight and it was fantastic! It will be great to have on hand in my pantry.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 23, 2020 at 7:21 am

        It really does add flavor--glad you had the same experience.

        Reply
    3. Nellie Tracy

      June 22, 2020 at 9:44 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great recipe for jerk seasoning. Delicious and full of flavor!

      Reply

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    Jamaican Jerk Seasoning a versatile spice blend that adds a huge punch of flavor to a variety of dishes. This homemade jerk seasoning blend will add heat, sweet, and incredible depth to a variety of recipes. 

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

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    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    Jamaican Jerk Seasoning a versatile spice blend that adds a huge punch of flavor to a variety of dishes. This homemade jerk seasoning blend will add heat, sweet, and incredible depth to a variety of recipes. 

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