Selfmade Jerk Seasoning Recipe

I resisted attempting Jamaican jerk seasoning for years. It appeared unusual to me so as to add cinnamon to savory dishes. Then, I used to be launched to Cincinnati-style chili, which additionally makes use of cinnamon in a savory dish (together with chocolate!). I spotted cinnamon actually might get together with savory flavors. 

I figured if I might be taught to like cinnamon in chili, I might be taught to love it in hen or different dishes as nicely. So I tried to make Jamaican jerk hen seasoning at dwelling. My first attempt wasn’t profitable. It seems, cinnamon must be saved in a really cautious steadiness. An excessive amount of, and it overwhelms every little thing else.

Since then, I’ve perfected the recipe and actually love the candy, spicy, and cinnamon mixture of this spice mix. These flavors could be an acquired style, so don’t hand over if they appear unusual at first. A very good Caribbean jerk seasoning balances warmth, sweetness, and earthiness in a manner that’s daring however nonetheless versatile.

What Is Jerk Seasoning?

Historically, it’s a daring Jamaican spice mix used to season meats, particularly hen and pork, earlier than grilling or smoking. Genuine blends could be made as a dry powder or a paste, relying on the way it’s used. This do-it-yourself jerk seasoning model makes use of pantry spices so it’s straightforward to maintain available and customise to your tastes. 

What Is Jerk Seasoning Made Of?

Whereas recipes differ, traditional jerk seasoning elements usually embrace allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a spicy factor like cayenne or Scotch bonnet peppers.

The three most important elements of jerk seasoning are allspice, thyme, and sizzling peppers because the core flavors, with supporting spices layered in. So what provides jerk its taste? The signature style comes from the nice and cozy, fragrant spices (particularly allspice and cinnamon) mixed with warmth, herbs, and a contact of sweetness. It’s that blend of spicy, savory, and barely candy that makes jerk seasoning so distinctive (and addictive!). 

Methods to Make Jerk Seasoning at Residence

Should you’re questioning the way to make jerk seasoning, the excellent news is that it’s easy to combine as a dry spice powder. You can even mix the spices right into a paste with oil, vinegar, and/or honey. A Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe could be custom-made for warmth stage and sweetness, relying on your loved ones’s preferences.

This seasoning is normally added to hen, but it surely’s additionally nice on roasted greens, different meats, and even grilled seafood. I really like mixing this seasoning with equal components honey and coconut oil to make a marinade or rub. I’ll apply it to totally different meats and greens, particularly when grilling. The combo of candy, spicy, and earthy provides a caramelized, smoky taste that’s laborious to beat.

One other Variation

I’ve performed round with this recipe over time and the above is the up to date model. Should you’re on the lookout for the unique that has a stronger onion and cinnamon taste, then give this a attempt.

What Is the Closest Factor to Jerk Seasoning?

In search of an alternative to jerk seasoning? Should you don’t have all of the spices available, a mixture of allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne is an efficient place to begin. It received’t be similar to an genuine mix, but it surely captures the overall taste profile.

If this simply isn’t your factor, take a look at my different do-it-yourself herb and spice blends to switch dear store-bought spice blends. Making your personal helps you to management the elements, skip fillers, and modify the flavors. Plus, when you begin experimenting with spice blends like this, it’s laborious to return to pre-made mixes.

Ever used Jamaican jerk seasoning? What are your favourite methods to make use of it? Depart a remark and tell us!