Jerk Seasoning Recipe

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It’s so easy to make your own Jerk Seasoning with a handful of ingredients in just minutes to add warm Caribbean-inspired flavor to meats, veggies, and all your favorite recipes! And the best part is that you probably already have all the ingredients in your spice cupboard!

Overhead view of individual spices in a small bowl for jerk seasoning.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Recipe

We’re all for saving time with store-bought mixes and sauces. However, requiring just five minutes to make, this jerk seasoning recipe comes together in less time than it takes to run to the store! Plus, it is:

Made with pantry staple seasonings.
Easy to customize.
Great to make ahead of time and keep on hand.
Versatile and easy to use.

What Is Jerk Seasoning?

Jerk seasoning, also referred to as Jamaican jerk seasoning, is a blend of common herbs and spices that are used to add warm flavor with a hint of heat to a variety of recipes. It’s the secret behind the flavor of infamous jerk chicken recipes!

You can find pre-made jerk seasoning blends and sauces at your local grocery store. However, it’s also incredibly easy to make at home.

An overhead view of jerk seasoning marinade in a small pottery bowl.

What Is Jerk Seasoning Made Of?

Featuring bold flavors and lots of depth, jerk seasoning uses quite a handful of ingredients, but we’re willing to bet you already have most, if not all of them, on hand!

Five clear pinch bowls filled with different spices on a wooden board.

Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Dried Parsley
Cayenne Pepper
Coconut Palm Sugar
Paprika – Use smoked paprika or sweet paprika depending on your preferences.
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
Ground Allspice
Dried Thyme
Red Pepper Flakes
Ground Nutmeg
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Cumin – This is technically optional, but we love the warmth it adds!
Ground Ginger – Substitute ground cloves, if preferred.

Note: Some jerk seasoning recipes use salt and others don’t. Feel free to omit it, if preferred.

Recipe Steps

This seasoning is so simple, we can hardly call it a recipe!

Combine. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl.
Mix. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.
Store. Transfer the mixture to a spice jar or airtight container.
To Use: Make a paste of jerk seasoning, oil, lemon juice, and tamari or soy sauce, brush on to meat or veggies, marinate, and cook as usual.

An up close view of spices in a bowl to make jerk seasoning.

A brush in a bowl of homemade jerk seasoning marinade.

Ways to Use Homemade Jerk Seasoning

If we’re being honest, there’s not much this blend can’t be used on! However, some of our favorite ways to use it are with:

An overhead view of hands holding a white plate with jerk salmon and roasted veggies.

Jerk chicken thighs served on a bed of fluffy white rice in a black skillet, topped with chopped green onions and lime wedges on the side.

Chicken (roasted, kabobs, baked, grilled)
Fish (salmon, halibut, cod, etc.)
Vegetables (roasted, air fried, or grilled)
Soups and Stews

How to Store

Once combined, transfer your jerk seasoning blend to an airtight container, and keep it stored in an airtight container for up to 1 year!

Pro-Tip: For the best results, use fresh herbs and spices! You’ll know your seasoning mix has gone stale if the color dulls and the aroma fades.

Common Questions

Why is it called jerk?

Jerk is a term used to refer to a style of cooking popular in Jamaica that involves poking holes into meat so that it can absorb more flavor. This technique is often referred to as jerking. In addition, the unique flavor of the seasonings used in the process has become known as jerk seasoning.

What’s the difference between jerk sauce and jerk seasoning?

Jerk seasoning is a dry spice rub, and jerk sauce is a liquid poured over ingredients or served as a dip.

Is jerk flavor sweet or spicy?

Jerk seasoning is predominantly known for being spicy with just a touch of sweetness. However, the spice level will depend on the ingredients used and how much of each spice you include!

More of Our Favorite

Flavorful Seasonings and Sauces

If you enjoy this jerk seasoning recipe, you won’t want to miss out on more of our favorite ways to add flavor to all your meals!