No need for store-bought when you can make your own homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning with the herbs and spices already in your cupboard. This simple and flavorful seasoning adds loads of flavor to a variety of proteins and is easily customizable to your own tastes.
You really can’t beat the freshness of homemade seasoning mixes, which is why I love to whip them up whenever I can. Chances are, you already have the ingredients you need to make the seasoning blends and when you make them at home, you can avoid all the preservatives and MSG store-bought versions often include.
This Jamaican Jerk Seasoning uses a variety of dried herbs and spices to make a perfect seasoning mix that goes with just about any protein. It gets a kiss of sweetness from some brown sugar and a kick of heat from cayenne pepper but not too much (as is, it is mildly spicy). The beauty of making your own seasoning mix is that you can easily adjust the heat to suit your own taste. Add more or less, depending on what you prefer.
If you love making your own spice mixes, be sure to also check out my recipes for Authentic Taco Seasoning Recipe and Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice.
Why we love this recipe
- You likely already have all the ingredients needed in your spice cabinet already. No need to go out and buy another bottle of seasoning when you can make it for free at home.
- Homemade seasonings are less expensive than store-bought.
- It takes just 5 minutes to make!
- You avoid all the extra additives added to many store-bought seasoning mixes. No MSG, anti-caking agents, or preservatives needed when you make it fresh in your own kitchen.
- It’s completely customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to make a blend that is perfect for you. Add more heat for a spicier seasoning or use less if you aren’t a fan.
Ingredients in Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
- Aromatics: onion powder.
- Heat: cayenne pepper. You can also add a little dried red chili flakes for additional heat, if desired.
- Spices: smoked paprika, all spice, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and cumin.
- Seasoning: salt and black pepper.
- Dried herbs: Dried thyme and dried parsley.
- Sugar: brown sugar.
**Note: Ingredient quantities and full instructions are in the recipe card at the end of this post.**
How to make Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
- Mix it all together. Add all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together to mix (or place it in a jar and shake to combine).
- Store. Store in an airtight jar as you would any other spice.
As I mentioned above, feel free to adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or even adding chili flakes for more heat.
Storing the seasoning mix
For best results, store the jerk seasoning in a glass jar with a secure lid. As with all dried herbs and spices, the seasoning mix will lose potency over time. Provided you made it with fresh herbs and spices, it should keep well for a year.
How to use Jerk Seasoning
- As a rub. You can rub Jerk seasoning to a variety of proteins by simply rubbing it onto the protein. Depending on your desired potency and the type of protein you are using, you can use about 1-2 tablespoons per pound of meat.
- As a marinade. Jerk seasoning can be mixed with olive oil, lime juice and zest, and soy sauce to make a marinade.
- Make a sauce. Add a dash to mayonnaise or other sauces like ketchup, mustard, or even guacamole to add flavor to sandwiches and so much more.
- Season vegetables, rice, and more. Add a dash to grilled, sauteed, or roasted vegetables for flavor. Add some flavor to plain rice by adding a dash of seasoning mix.
I hope you enjoy this better way of making your own spice mix! More than anything, it is super easy to do and far more economical!
Love making your own spice mixes and sauces? You may like:
Authentic Taco Seasoning Recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Sweet Chili Sauce
How to Dry and Store Garden Herbs
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Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons dry thyme
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (add more for a spicier seasoning)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground all spice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together to mix (or place it in a jar and shake to combine).
- Store in an airtight jar as you would any other spice.
Note: Metric ingredient measurements are provided as a courtesy using a third-party calculator and are rounded to the nearest unit. The recipes provided on this site have not been tested with metric measurements and their accuracy cannot be verified.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is based on third-party calculations and is an estimate only. Accurate nutritional facts will vary based on the particular brands used, portion sizes, measurement accuracy and more.
