I resisted attempting 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 chili, which additionally makes use of cinnamon in a savory dish (together with chocolate!). I noticed cinnamon actually might get together with savory flavors.
I figured if I might be taught to like cinnamon in chili, I might be taught to love it in hen or different dishes as effectively. So I tried to make Jamaican jerk hen seasoning at residence. My first strive wasn’t profitable. It seems, cinnamon must 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 may be an acquired style, so don’t surrender if they appear unusual at first. An excellent Caribbean jerk seasoning balances warmth, sweetness, and earthiness in a approach 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 may be made as a dry powder or a paste, relying on the way it’s used. This do-it-yourself jerk seasoning model makes use of pantry spices so it’s simple to maintain available and customise to your tastes.
What Is Jerk Seasoning Made Of?
Whereas recipes differ, traditional jerk seasoning components usually embody allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a spicy factor like cayenne or Scotch bonnet peppers.
The three essential components of jerk seasoning are allspice, thyme, and scorching peppers because the core flavors, with supporting spices layered in. So what provides 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!).
Methods to Make Jerk Seasoning at Residence
Should you’re questioning tips on how to make jerk seasoning, the excellent news is that it’s easy to combine as a dry spice powder. You can even mix the spices right into a paste with oil, vinegar, and/or honey. A Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe may be personalized for warmth stage and sweetness, relying on your loved ones’s preferences.
This seasoning is normally added to hen, but it surely’s additionally nice on roasted greens, different meats, and even grilled seafood. I like mixing this seasoning with equal components honey and coconut oil to make a marinade or rub. I’ll apply it to totally different meats and greens, particularly when grilling. The combo of candy, spicy, and earthy provides a caramelized, smoky taste that’s laborious to beat.

Jerk Seasoning Recipe
Do-it-yourself Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe with onion powder, cinnamon, allspice, and different herbs supplies 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 primarily based on a 2000 calorie weight loss program.
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 strive.
What Is the Closest Factor to Jerk Seasoning?
Searching for an alternative choice to jerk seasoning? Should you don’t have all of the spices available, a mixture of allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne is an effective place to begin. It received’t be similar to an genuine mix, but it surely captures the overall taste profile.
If this simply isn’t your factor, try my different do-it-yourself herb and spice blends to interchange expensive store-bought spice blends. Making your personal helps you to management the components, skip fillers, and regulate the flavors. Plus, when you begin experimenting with spice blends like this, it’s laborious 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!









