Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Experience the flavors of the Caribbean with this Jamaican Jerk Seasoning! It’s a combination of warm spices, a touch of sweetness and just the right level of heat, and it’s so easy to make at home with spices you already have in your pantry!
I love making my own spice blends because they taste so much fresher than store bought seasoning packets. There are no mystery ingredients that can’t be pronounced, and I can control them to suit my tastes.
My taco seasoning, pumpkin pie spice and chai spice mix are staples in my pantry, and this Jamaican Jerk Seasoning has a spot there as well.
It’s a fun way to change up the dinner routine!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- This jerk seasoning recipe is a combination of warm spices, aromatics, sugar and a bit of heat, which adds delicious layers of flavor to your dishes.
- It includes commonly used spices that you probably already have on hand.
- It tastes fresher because there are no preservatives unlike store bought seasoning packets.
- You can customize it to suit your tastes. Make it as mild or spicy as you like!
Recipe Ingredients
Jamaican jerk seasoning is an amazing blend of aromatics, warm spices, sugar and a touch of spicy flavor that make any recipe exciting!
How to make this recipe
This recipe is beyond easy to make. Simply round up your spices and measuring spoons and get started!
- Place all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk or stir well to combine.
FAQs
What is jerk seasoning?
It’s a spice rub that originated in Jamaica, and includes ingredients such as onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, thyme and cayenne pepper, to name a few.
Jerk cooking refers to meat, most commonly chicken, that is coated in a spice rub and wet marinade or sauce. It’s then slow cooked over a fire or grill, and the smoke is a key component to the flavor in the dish.
The term jerk derives from the Spanish word charqui, meaning dried strips of meat similar to jerky.
Is this seasoning spicy?
Jerk sauce and seasoning are notorious for being very spicy. The sauce or marinade typically includes scotch bonnet peppers, which are similar to habaneros. See the Spruce Eats Authentic Jerk Sauce recipe if you’d like to try it!
This jerk seasoning recipe is not spicy as I made it to please my family. It’s mild in heat, but you can make it as spicy as you like!
How long does homemade seasoning last?
Store seasoning in an air tight container in a cool, dark place and it will last for up to 1 year.
Recipe notes
- Customize this jerk seasoning recipe to be as mild or spicy as you like!
- Store in an air tight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Ways to use this seasoning
This spice blend is extremely versatile and works well as a dry rub or seasoning on just about any type of protein or vegetables.
Below are some great ways to use it:
- Chicken wings
- Fish taco bowls
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled vegetables
- Jerk Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
- Pulled pork
Did you make this recipe? If so, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and rate it below, or tag me at @flavorthemoments on Instagram!
Easy Homemade Jerk Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Whisk the spices until well combined and there are no lumps. Enjoy!
Notes
- Customize Jamaican jerk seasoning to be as mild or spicy as you like!
- Store in an air tight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
