I resisted making an attempt Jamaican jerk seasoning for years. It appeared unusual to me so as to add cinnamon to savory dishes. Then, I used to be launched to Cincinnati-style chiliwhich additionally makes use of cinnamon in a savory dish (together with chocolate!). I noticed cinnamon actually may get together with savory flavors.
I figured if I may be taught to like cinnamon in chili, I may be taught to love it in hen or different dishes as effectively. So I tried to make Jamaican jerk hen seasoning at house. My first attempt wasn’t profitable. It seems, cinnamon needs to be stored in a really cautious stability. An excessive amount of, and it overwhelms the whole lot else.
Since then, I’ve perfected the recipe and actually love the candy, spicy, and cinnamon mixture of this spice mix. These flavors will be an acquired style, so don’t quit if they appear unusual at first. Caribbean jerk seasoning balances warmth, sweetness, and earthiness in a means that’s daring however nonetheless versatile.
What Is Jerk Seasoning?
Historically, it’s a daring Jamaican spice mix used to season meats, particularly hen and pork, earlier than grilling or smoking. Genuine blends will be made as a dry powder or a paste, relying on the way it’s used. This home made jerk seasoning model makes use of pantry spices so it’s straightforward to maintain readily available and customise to your tastes.
What Is Jerk Seasoning Made Of?
Whereas recipes differ, traditional jerk seasoning components typically embrace allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a spicy factor like cayenne or Scotch bonnet peppers.
The three important components of jerk seasoning are allspice, thyme, and sizzling peppers because the core flavors, with supporting spices layered in. So what offers jerk its taste? The signature style comes from the nice and cozy, fragrant spices (particularly allspice and cinnamon) mixed with warmth, herbs, and a contact of sweetness. It’s that blend of spicy, savory, and barely candy that makes jerk seasoning so distinctive (and addictive!).
Tips on how to Make Jerk Seasoning at Dwelling
Should you’re questioning the way to make jerk seasoning, the excellent news is that it’s easy to combine as a dry spice powder. It’s also possible to mix the spices right into a paste with oil, vinegar, and/or honey. A Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe will be personalized for warmth degree and sweetness, relying on your loved ones’s preferences.
This seasoning is often added to hen, however it’s additionally nice on roasted greens, different meats, and even grilled seafood. I really like mixing this seasoning with equal components honey and coconut oil to make a marinade or rub. I’ll apply it to completely different meats and greens, particularly when grilling. The combo of candy, spicy, and earthy provides a caramelized, smoky taste that’s onerous to beat.

Jerk Seasoning Recipe
Selfmade Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe with onion powder, cinnamon, allspice, and different herbs offers depth and taste to many dishes.
Vitamin Information
Jerk Seasoning Recipe
Quantity Per Serving
Energy 3
% Each day Worth*
Sodium 39mg2%
Carbohydrates 0.6g0%
Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugar 0.2g0%
Protein 0.1g0%
* P.c Each day Values are based mostly on a 2000 calorie eating regimen.
Attempt mixing the seasoning with equal components honey and coconut oil to rub onto meat or different meals.
One other Variation
I’ve performed round with this recipe through the years and the above is the up to date model. Should you’re searching for the unique that has a stronger onion and cinnamon taste, then give this a attempt.
What Is the Closest Factor to Jerk Seasoning?
On the lookout for an alternative to jerk seasoning? Should you don’t have all of the spices readily available, a mixture of allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne is an efficient place to begin. It received’t be similar to an genuine mix, however it captures the final taste profile.
If this simply isn’t your factor, try my different home made herb and spice blends to interchange dear store-bought spice blends. Making your individual allows you to management the components, skip fillers, and modify the flavors. Plus, when you begin experimenting with spice blends like this, it’s onerous to return to pre-made mixes.
Ever used Jamaican jerk seasoning? What are your favourite methods to make use of it? Depart a remark and tell us!
