"I'm Not A Player" Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Mix

If you want to make what's basically Jamaican soul food then you'll need a recipe for a homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning blend. This one is spicy and fragrant adding that authentic jerk flavor to dishes like chicken, pork, and seafood.

 Note this is a recipe for the dry jerk seasoning mix vs the wet marinade/paste that is traditionally referenced in the context of jerk chicken, snapper, etc. By dry seasoning, I mean dry spices that are mixed together and used similar to a spice rub.

If you don't like bold flavors then stay away from this dry spice mixture! It's not for the boring no faint of heart.

Wet jerk seasoning is what's used to make Jerk Chicken or this Jerk Onion Steaks, the popular dish that is made by marinating chicken in jerk seasoning before grilling or smoking. Jerk pork is another popular Jamaican dish that is made by marinating pork in jerk seasoning before cooking.

Jerk seasoning can also be used to flavor seafood, such as jerk salmon, snapper, or jerk shrimp. Vegetables can also be seasoned with jerk seasoning, giving them a delicious Jamaican flavor.

Dry jerk seasoning allows you to broaden the application of jerk flavor across a variety of types of dishes including vegetables.

Beats and Eats Pairing

 I joke frequently that I’m not Jamaican, I Just Jerk a lot as a play on the Big Pun song, “I’m Not A Player.” This jerk seasoning is so versatile that you can jerk out pretty much any dish including vegetables.

I make a big batch and keep it on hand for any daypart and occasion.

Jerk Seasoning provides that taste of the Caribbean, but specifically Jamaica. If you've spent time on the island, you've undoubtedly had a chance to enjoy jerk chicken which jerk seasoning is traditionally associated with. Once you've mastered it, you will be inspired to try it beyond just poultry.

This delicious spice blend is just a great way to spice up any dish or Caribbean-ish meal without getting on a flight. Jerk seasoning has both sweet and savory ingredients which give it more versatility than most people realize. It's made its way onto many different dishes in my house and across different meal occasions including dessert and breakfast.

What Does "Jerk" Refer To?

""Jerk" depending on the context can mean the traditional Jamaican style of cooking which includes using a wet paste to marinade meat (chicken and pork most common) and then grilling it over pimenton wood fire. Jerk could also refer to the wet paste/marinade. It's also referenced as a flavor, especially when using the dry seasoning mix.

What Is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Blend Made Of

Jerk seasoning is a dry spice mix that originates from Jamaica. It typically includes allspice, thyme, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and Scotch bonnet peppers but consists of many different spices. Don't confuse it with a jerk marinade which depending on the recipe will have a combination of liquid ingredients like lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, or an oil like olive oil.

Depending on the recipe you're looking at anywhere from 10 to 15 ingredients. Though the flavor is exotic, the spices used are simple. The good news is most of the spices you're likely to have on hand save a few. However, all are readily available in any grocery store spice aisle.

Jerk seasoning is used to flavor meat, fish, and vegetables. The allspice and cloves give the jerk seasoning its unique flavor profile.

Homemade jerk seasoning gives you more flexibility. Traditional jerk spice blends are heavy on thyme, allspice, and nutmeg. those are the core but you can explore using another dried herb like cilantro or dial complementary spices like garlic powder, ginger, brown sugar, and cinnamon, up or down depending on your taste profile preference.

The biggest question is almost, how much heat to include. This version is mild-medium depending on your palate so you'll want to moderate how much ground habanero/cayenne you use.

Ingredients Needed To Make This Dry Jerk Spice Recipe

The three main ingredients for this Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe are allspice, ground chili pepper, and thyme but there are several other dry spice considerations to master that authentic Jamaican jerk flavor. Seems like so many spices but the recipe is worth it!

• Ground Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Ground Cinnamon
• Brown Sugar
• Ground Habanero (substitute cayenne pepper)
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Kosher Salt
• Ground Black Pepper
• Dried Thyme
• Dried Chives (optional)
• Ground Sage
• Ground Ginger

Tips For Making Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Blend

A good jerk dry rub or spice mixture should be a staple in your spice cabinet. Ain't nothing like good island cooking vibes whether for your summer barbecues or those cold winters when you need a mental break from it all.

• Adjust the spice ratios to your preferences so be prepared to mix and taste as you go. This is especially true for brown sugar and the ground habanero pepper. You can use them against each other to balance heat vs. sweet
• KEY FLAVOR TIP - Use whole nutmeg and grate it into your sub
• If you have access to it, definitely make the effort to use ground habanero. Habenero is the chili closest in flavor profile to the traditional scotch bonnet chili pepper common in the Caribbean. Otherwise use cayenne or red pepper as a substitute.
• I tend to go heavy on the dried thyme cause I like that woodsy herbal flavor.
• If I'm making for immediate consumption I'll be a little more involved and use whole allspice berries that I toast in a skillet to add a little more potency to the flavor.
• Good jerk seasoning blend is balanced meaning one or two key ingredients don't dominate and overpower other spice flavors.
• Post grilling jerk seasoned food I like to add a bit of lime juice which brings out the flavors a bit more.

How To Store Your Delicious Spice Blend

To ensure the longevity and freshness of your beloved jerk seasoning, here are some tips for proper storage:

1. Air-tight Container: Transfer your jerk seasoning into an air-tight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help to keep out moisture and prevent the spices from losing their flavor and potency.
2. Cool and Dark Location: Store the jerk seasoning in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like the stove or oven. Exposure to light and heat can cause the spices to deteriorate faster.
3. Avoid Moisture: Moisture can lead to clumping and spoilage of the jerk seasoning. Make sure the container and the spices are completely dry before sealing them. If the seasoning becomes clumpy due to moisture, you can use a clean, dry spoon or a fork to break it apart.
4. Label and Date: It's always a good practice to label your seasoning container with the name and date of preparation. This will help you keep track of its freshness and ensure you use it within a reasonable time frame.

By following these storage tips, you can extend the shelf life of your jerk seasoning and continue to enjoy its vibrant flavors and aromatic essence in your culinary creations.

What Can I Use with Jerk Spice?

Jerk seasoning is a versatile spice blend and is good with all types of savory dishes. Jamaican Jerk chicken is obvious, but other meat proteins including lamb, pork chops or tenderloin, seafood, and beef are enhanced greatly by a good jerk spice blend.

I use it throughout the day from breakfast dishes like Fried Eggs to any number of dinner options (vegan and non-vegan). Whole Smoked Cauliflower is my favorite vegan recipe for using jerk spice, but I've also made Roasted Broccoli Head seasoned with it.

Other vegetable-focused recipes featuring jerk spice include Smoked Mac and Cheese on Air Fryer Corn on the Cob that's topped with Jerk Compound Butter.

If you prefer to make jerk chicken (chicken breasts or chicken thighs) indoors these simple and easy Pan-Roasted Jerk Chicken Thighs will be perfect for you or even these Instant Pot Chicken Thighs. Jerk spice is great as a seasoning for fried chicken. As a matter of fact my Jerk Fried Chicken is one of my more popular recipes.

For beef options featuring the spice rub this Air Fryer Steak is a winner. It's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!

Jerk pork tenderloin is common, but I've been using jerk seasoning as a rub for my ribs. These Jerk Baby Back Ribs are one of my favorite rib recipes.

Most of the seafood recipes featuring jerk flavor have been focused on jerk wet marinades, with this Grilled Shrimp being the exception. If you're a fan of grilled cedar plank fish, this Smoked Trout could be converted simply by replacing the homemade spice rub with the jerk spice blend.

After you've used the great seasoning mix to make a dope batch of jerk chicken, use this guide 21 Recipes To Serve With Jerk Chicken to help you decide on what to serve with it.

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Does Jerk Spice Taste Like?

Jerk seasoning is savory and sweet. It's also hot (level depends on how much chili pepper you add) with a bit of smoky undertones. It can be intense, so don't expect to use it in a secondary role. It will be the star in terms of flavor.

What are good resources for spice blends or spices in general?

A few mainstream grocery stores will carry jerk seasoning spice mixes, but their more readily accessible at a store that specializes in ethnic cuisine. For my fellow Texans, Fiesta carries a lot of Caribbean spices and seasonings. It may be easier to go the online ordering route.

My go-to spice shops online include Penzy’s, Spice House, and Pendery’s. They each have great selection of all things spices as well as specialty blends like jerk. Check your local area for a spice shop as well. Here in Austin, I use Savory Spice Shop.

I still prefer a homemade spice blend since it allows me greater control.

How Long Will This Seasoning Blend Last?

Spices don’t actually spoil like your normal foods. However, they can lose potency over time, but this varies by spice a great deal. Still Tasty does a good job of tracking the shelf life of spices.

The key to a longer-lasting jerk seasoning spice blend is starting with fresh spices plus proper storage. Store Jamaican jerk seasoning in a dark place like a cabinet distanced from your cooktop to avoid the heat.

Is This Jerk Spice Blend High In Sodium?

If buying store-bought jerk seasoning spice blends you might encounter a mix with a high sodium content. You'll know right away with a pinch to taste. Traditionally salt is not a dominant ingredient as the flavor is so diverse with spices it's unnecessary. This homemade recipe is on the lower end.

Is Jerk Spice Really Spicy?

Spicy food is relative. Jerk dry rub can be, but it’s totally up to you as you can control it by how much habanero you add. If you find yourself with too hot a batch, you can plus up other ingredients (chiefly brown sugar and cinnamon) to balance things out.

For More Recipes Like This Spice Blend, Try These:

Smoked Pork Ribs with African Spice Rub

Beer Steamed Shrimp with Jollof Spice Rub

Stewed Eggplant with South African Braai Spice Rub

Aleppo Pepper Spiced Melon

Grilled Prawns in Spiced Lemon Butter Sauce

Make This Jerk Seasoning Recipe

As you can see, it’s easy to make your own dry homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning mix. All of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry, and if not, they are all easily accessible at most grocery stores. The next time you want to put a delicious spin on Jamaican jerk chicken or pork chops, give this fantastic recipe a try!

If you use this Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe blend for any future recipe, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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