Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe (Plus Video)

Content… Why Homemade Is Better What You Need How to Make It Recipe Variations FAQs Storage Instructions More Easy Seasoning Recipes Watch How to Make It

Why Make Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Homemade spice blends are where it’s at. You can customize them to fit your personal taste preferences and make them diet- or kid-friendly.

And not only do homemade seasonings taste way better, but they’re also cost-effective! Homemade seasonings can save you a ton of money. Feel free to pass up those fancy pre-made jerk seasonings at the supermarket because your homemade version is going to be killer. 🙌

What You Need

Okay, so there is a long ingredient list for homemade jerk seasoning, but don’t let it scare you. These are mostly pantry staples you already have at home, with only a few exceptions. And with this kind of mega blend, if you don’t have one or two ingredients, there’s no need to worry; it will still be great.

1. Aromatics – You’ll need onion and garlic powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. These add aroma, flavor, and a nice zing to the mix.
2. Seasonings – Thyme, white pepper, and smoked paprika add earthy notes with a subtle mintiness that always benefits savory dishes. If you don’t have smoked paprika and are okay with a little heat, replace it with ground chipotle.
3. Sweetness – Coconut sugar adds sweetness to the mix, but you can always use brown sugar instead.
4. Flavor Enhancers – Bouillon powder is a must, too, but using chicken or vegetable variety is up to you.
5. Heat – Finally, we bring the heat with chili powder. You can use any spicy seasoning you love here, whether red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or just plain old chili powder.

Pro tip: I also like adding homemade dried green onion flakes. Chop a few green onions and let them dry for 2-3 days during dry summer months (or in a low oven for a few hours). Store them in an airtight container and save them for garnishes or adding flavor to any kind of dish.

How to Make the Best Jerk Seasoning

Mix the ingredients in a medium bowl, then store your Jamaican jerk seasoning in an airtight jar. How easy is that?

Recipe Variations

1. Make it mild. You can omit the spicy pepper powders if you aren’t a heat seeker like me. Or adjust the heat to your desired level. 
2. Add your favorite flavors. Some people like to include bay leaves, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, and other spices. You can do the same. Homemade seasonings are all about making it your own. 
3. Make it a sauce. Easily turn this seasoning blend into a sauce by adding a good amount of the dry seasoning to ¼ cup of pineapple juice. Add a dash of soy sauce with a little cooking oil, and then use it as a marinade for meats and veggies. (This is also an excellent technique for grilling.)

FAQs

How to Use and Store It

Jerk seasoning typically seasons chicken and pork, but honestly, it goes great on just about any meat or fish. You can use it to replace Cajun or blackened seasonings for delicious results in any meal. Grilled jerk seasoning chicken wings is one of my absolute fave recipes, Caribbean jerk BBQ ribs are a must-have for cookouts, and leftovers from either one make drool-worthy jerk tacos. 🤤

I store my jerk seasoning sealed in a glass jar on my spice rack. It should last two years if you don’t use it up before that.

More Easy Seasoning Recipes to Try

1. Creole Cajun Seasoning
2. Blackened Seasoning
3. Zaatar Seasoning
4. Everything Bagel Seasoning
5. Taco Seasoning

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was first published in April 2015 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video