• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Sauces & Seasonings » Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe

Published: April 19, 2022 Last Modified: April 19, 2022 By Sara 15 Comments

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
This homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that creates a complex and bold flavor for fish, meat and poultry.
This homemade jerk seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that creates a complex and bold flavor.
This homemade jerk seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that creates a complex and bold flavor.

This homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that creates a complex and bold flavor for fish, meat and poultry. The spice mix takes just minutes to put together and tastes so much better than the store bought version!

I love to make my own seasoning mixes including taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning and this Jamaican jerk seasoning. It’s a great way to make an ordinary meal extra special without a lot of effort.

A jar of Jamaican jerk seasoning surrounded by fresh herbs.

I love jerk chicken, and the secret to a fabulous Jamaican inspired dish is homemade jerk seasoning. This spice blend contains ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and is so quick to make.

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Ingredients

Small glass bowls of herbs and spices.

Jerk seasoning is a blend of both sweet and savory spices, along with dried herbs and some chili peppers for heat.

  • Savory Spices: Garlic and onion powder form the basis of this spice mix. It also contains both sweet and smoked paprikas. The other savory spices include cumin, salt and pepper.
  • Sweet Spices: Cinnamon, allspice, ginger and nutmeg make up the spices that form a sweet undertone to the seasoning. A spoonful of brown sugar also goes into the mix to offset the heat from the chilies.
  • Dried Herbs: Dried thyme leaves and dried parsley are classic additions to jerk spice and add a fresh flavor.
  • Other Ingredients: Crushed red chili flakes and cayenne pepper bring a blast of heat! If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce the amounts by half.

How do you make jerk seasoning?

Place all the ingredients in a bowl. Stir until well combined, then transfer the seasoning to a jar or other airtight container. Use immediately, or store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Step by step process shots showing how to make spice blend.

Tips for the perfect spice mix

  • This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. I always make at least a double batch so that I have extra on hand for quick meals.
  • I use freshly ground black peppercorns and I grate my own whole nutmegs for the best flavor.
  • This seasoning mix contains salt, which means you will not need to add any extra salt to your meat when you cook it. I recommend using kosher salt for best results.
  • It’s worth it to use both the sweet and smoked paprika varieties in the seasoning blend. The smoked version adds a ton of extra flavor and is readily available in the spice aisle of many grocery stores.
A bowl of spice mix with a spoon in it.

Recipe FAQs

What is jerk seasoning made of?

Jerk seasoning is made from a blend of various herbs and spices, including ingredients such as paprika, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, thyme, parsley and chili peppers.

What is the flavor of Jamaican jerk seasoning?

This spice blend produces a unique and complex flavor that blends both sweet and savory spices, along with a fresh flavor from the herbs, and heat from cayenne pepper and chili flakes.

Chicken coated with Jamaican jerk seasoning, served with rice and beans.

Ways to use Jamaican jerk seasoning

This seasoning blend can be used in so many different ways!

  • Classic Jerk Chicken: Mix 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning with 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Rub the mixture all over 1 1/2 pounds of bone in chicken pieces. Let the chicken marinate for up to 8 hours if possible. Bake or grill until chicken is tender and cooked through, then serve.
  • Marinades: Add 1 tablespoon of your seasoning blend to 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to make a versatile marinade that works with chicken, pork or shrimp.
  • Steak: Mix together 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 teaspoon chopped chives and 3/4 teaspoon jerk seasoning. Place a spoonful of the seasoned butter onto a cooked steak.
  • Potatoes: Cut potatoes into eights to create wedges. Toss the potatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil and 2-3 teaspoons of seasoning. Bake on a greased sheet pan at 425 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Veggies: Toss broccoli, carrots, zucchini or cauliflower with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1-2 teaspoons jerk spice. Roast at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are browned and tender.

I hope your family loves this easy and versatile seasoning as much as mine does!

More spice blends to try

  • Turkey Rub
  • BBQ Rub
  • Steak Seasoning
  • Brisket Rub
  • Blackened Seasoning

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Video

A jar of homemade jerk seasoning.
Print Pin
5 from 15 votes

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

This homemade jerk seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that creates a complex and bold flavor for fish, meat and poultry. The spice mix takes just minutes to put together and tastes so much better than the store bought version!
Course Seasoning
Cuisine Jamaican
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 15kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper cut this in half if you don't like spicy food
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg freshly ground if possible
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  • Place all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

Notes

  1. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to keep on hand for future use.
  2. This seasoning mix contains salt, which means you will not need to add any extra salt to your meat when you cook it. I typically use kosher salt.
  3. Jerk seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition

Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 874mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 454IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Sauces & Seasonings

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « 30 Summer Dessert Recipes
    The BEST Steak Marinade »

    Comments

    1. Anita says

      April 29, 2022 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great seasoning for chicken. Even chicken breasts taste absolutely yummy with this. I think it’ll be great with tofu too!

      Reply
    2. Kris says

      April 29, 2022 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      So rich and flavorful! Will definitely be my go-to. 🙂

      Reply
    3. Cynthia says

      April 29, 2022 at 6:58 pm

      5 stars
      This was so flavorful! Next time I will be making a double batch so that I always have it on hand because it really amps up the chicken flavor!

      Reply
    4. Kathleen says

      April 29, 2022 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      We love homemade seasonings and this one did not disappoint! Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Anjali says

      April 29, 2022 at 3:19 pm

      5 stars
      This seasoning was so unbelievably delicious!! It was perfectly spiced and worked great as an addition to the grilled tofu and veggies we made for dinner last night!

      Reply
    6. Seema Sriram says

      August 30, 2021 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      This, Jerk seasoning, is a handy seasoning to keep in the pantry. Works on most of the veggies too. I love them with root vegetables.

      Reply
    7. Julie says

      August 30, 2021 at 6:58 pm

      5 stars
      I love making homemade seasonings. This one will be used quite often as I love the flavors and how versatile it is.

      Reply
    8. Angela says

      August 30, 2021 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      This jerk seasoning is amazing! I love to sprinkle it over potatoes, chicken, really anything! Thanks for the great recipe.

      Reply
    9. Biana says

      August 30, 2021 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      This seasoning sounds amazingly flavorful! Will be great to use on grilled chicken.

      Reply
    10. Denay DeGuzman says

      August 30, 2021 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of those delicious recipes that never need tweaking. This time around, I made 2 batches of this tasty jerk seasoning. I kept one for my husband and gifted the other to a friend.

      Reply
    11. Teodora Grujic says

      August 17, 2021 at 1:52 pm

      Oh, this is great! It could be a very nice gift also!

      Reply
    12. Tara says

      August 17, 2021 at 1:51 pm

      5 stars
      I love making homemade seasoning mixes! This looks so good with so much flavor. Love all of those spices.

      Reply
    13. Jessica Formicola says

      August 17, 2021 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      I love making my own seasonings, and this jerk seasoning is perfection! I will definitely keep a jar of this in the pantry!

      Reply
    14. Alina says

      August 17, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      This is a spice and herb bomb. Good to have it on hand, when cooking meat!

      Reply
    15. Beth says

      August 17, 2021 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a great seasoning and great to have on hand! I can’t wait to make chicken tonight with this seasoning! My family is going love this, so excited!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Winter Soups

    A bowl of matzo ball soup with chicken, garnished with parsley.

    Matzo Ball Soup

    A pot of Olive Garden minestrone soup loaded with vegetables, beans and pasta.

    Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

    A bowl of vegetarian chili topped with shredded cheese and sour cream.

    Vegetarian Chili

    Chicken vegetable soup full of chicken, veggies and potatoes in tomato broth.

    Chicken Vegetable Soup

    A pot full of cabbage roll soup garnished with parsley.

    Cabbage Roll Soup

    A pot of turkey chili served with cornbread.

    Turkey Chili Recipe

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    A pile of crispy coconut shrimp on a sheet pan with cilantro leaves for garnish.

    Coconut Shrimp

    This orange shrimp and broccoli with garlic sesame fried rice is the perfect quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight or for entertaining guests. Ad

    Orange Shrimp and Broccoli

    Baked rosemary chicken in a lemon sauce, garnished with fresh herbs.

    Rosemary Chicken

    A hand putting a piece of bread into artichoke dip.

    Artichoke Dip Recipe

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food