Homemade Jerk Seasoning Recipe
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Making your own Jerk Seasoning is so easy. With the right spices, you can whip up your own blend in 5 minutes flat and for a fraction of the price. It’s really easy and fun to mix these spices together—think sweet brown sugar with a kick of red pepper flakes and a hint of warm nutmeg. There’s always a jar ready at hand in my house!
I love jerk seasoning, not only in dishes like Jamaican rice and beans but also in lots of other dishes. It tastes delicious. Think sweet brown sugar with a kick of red pepper flakes and a hint of warm nutmeg.
Sprinkle it on tofu, stir it into a veggie stew, or toss it with roasted vegetables. It’s a great way to make your meals pop with an authentic Caribbean flavor, and since you’re making it yourself, you can tweak the spiciness to match just how you like it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Jerk Seasoning with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Making jerk seasoning is ridiculously easy, in fact, you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it before!
Combine the Spices
Grab a bowl and mix all the spices together until everything is evenly blended. This is your chance to play around and get those spices perfectly intermingled.
Store for Freshness
Scoop your spice mix into an airtight container. This keeps your Jerk Seasoning fresh and flavorful, ready for whenever you need them.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
It’ll probably take a little experimentation to get the perfect spice blend for your palate. Here are some of my top tips to achieve it.
- Adjust the Heat: The red pepper flakes are key to the authentic jerk kick, but you can dial it back or ramp it up based on your heat preference. It’s easy to tailor the spiciness to make sure it’s just right for you.
- Toast for Depth: For an extra depth of flavor, toast the spices in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes before mixing them together. This step brings out a richer, more complex taste that really makes your dishes stand out.
- Balance Your Flavors: If the heat overwhelms you, upping the brown sugar a bit can provide a nice counterbalance, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the fiery spices.
- Versatility in Use: This Jerk Seasoning isn’t just for traditional dishes; it’s fantastic on grilled or roasted vegetables, sprinkled over popcorn for a snack with a twist, or even added into your breakfast scrambles for a morning with a kick.
How to store Jerk Seasoning
Keep your seasoning fresh by storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This helps maintain the vibrant flavors of all the spices for up to six months.
More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes for You to Try at Home
Once you start making your own spice blends, it’s difficult to stop, I have so many, here are some more for you to try.
- Fajita Seasoning Mix
- Taco Seasoning Recipe
- Burrito Seasoning Recipe
- Pizza Seasoning Recipe
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder
Instructions
- Mix everything and store in an airtight container.1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ginger powder, 1 tablespoon oregano powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: The red pepper flakes are key to the authentic jerk kick, but you can dial it back or ramp it up based on your heat preference. It’s easy to tailor the spiciness to make sure it’s just right for you.
- Toast for Depth: For an extra depth of flavor, toast the spices in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes before mixing them together. This step brings out a richer, more complex taste that really makes your dishes stand out.
- Balance Your Flavors: If the heat overwhelms you, upping the brown sugar a bit can provide a nice counterbalance, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the fiery spices.
- Versatility in Use: This Jerk Seasoning isn’t just for traditional dishes; it’s fantastic on grilled or roasted vegetables, sprinkled over popcorn for a snack with a twist, or even added into your breakfast scrambles for a morning with a kick.
