Jamaican jerk seasoning

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Caribbean Jerk Rub

Experience the vibrant soul of Jamaica with this bold and aromatic jerk seasoning that captures the authentic spirit of Caribbean cuisine. This powerhouse blend combines an audacious amount of chilli powder with the warming embrace of traditional Jamaican spices, creating a rub that’s both fiery and flavourful. At its foundation, allspice—known as ‘pimento’ in Jamaica—provides the characteristic earthy notes that define genuine jerk seasoning, whilst ground cinnamon and cloves add deep, aromatic undertones. The generous portions of garlic powder and crumbled thyme leaves create a robust savoury profile, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar. Coarsely ground black pepper adds texture and heat, whilst fine sea salt ensures the flavours penetrate deeply into the meat. This potent blend promises to transport your taste buds straight to the smoking jerk pits of Jamaica, delivering that authentic combination of heat, sweetness, and aromatic spice that makes jerk chicken an international favourite.

Jamaican jerk rub
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Powders, rubs and flakes
Cuisine: Jamaican
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Jamaican jerk seasoning is the secret ingredient that will make your next BBQ a huge success. While it goes well with steak and fish, it really shines when used on chicken Simply rub on the seasoning to taste, allow it to rest for about 45 minutes ( remember to pierce the skin so it can penetrate into the meat) and then grill slowly l. Finejoy
Ingredients
  • Chilli powder – one cup ( see note *)
  • Black pepper – 6 tablespoons ( coarsely ground)
  • Dried thyme leaves – 7 tablespoons ( crumbled)
  • Ground cinnamon – 4 tablespoons
  • Fine sea salt – 1.5 cups
  • Brown sugar – ¾ cup
  • Garlic powder – 0ne cup
  • Ground cloves – 2 tablespoons
  • Allspice– 5 tablespoons
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or a bowl. Mix until well combined
  2. Place in an airtight container
  3. Sprinkle on food to be grilled ( chicken, fish, steak etc.) according to tase.( This is about a teaspoon per serving )
  4. Allow resting for about 45 minutes before grilling
Notes
* In Jamaica Scotch bonnet chillies are used to make this rub. Scoth bonnet chiili powder has not been specified in this recipe as Scotch bonnet it may be more difficult to get. IF using Scotch bonnet powder cut down the quantity to about quarter of that specified . This however is very much dependant on the specific powder being used as they can vary very much. The type specified in this recipe is based on a cayenne chilli powder type strength

This is a dry rub that you can use if you don't have the time to marinate your chicken etc for the true Jamican jerk experience. While it is very good , If you have the time, the recipe for Jamaican jerk chicken should definitely be tried

Keywords: Jamican jerk seasoning

 

Jerk recipes

 

Jerk chicken – Jamaica

Home | Jamaican

 
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
 
Author: 
Nutrition Information
  • Serving size: 100g
  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated fat: 3.5
  • Carbohydrates: 2.1
  • Sugar: 1.1
  • Sodium: 0.35g
  • Fiber: 0.6g
  • Protein: 15g
Recipe type: Grilled Chicken
Cuisine: Jamaican
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
When Columbus went in search of spices in India, instead of finding the East, he landed in the West Indies. It was here that he first encountered the Chilli. Jamaica is, of course, a country that is part of this region. Thus, not surprising that this dish has its home in a part of the world that had a role in getting the Chilli to where it is today. Whilst tasting great if done in the oven, for the real thing, barbequing is the only way to go. The spiciness and tanginess of the marinated chicken is elevated by the smokiness and crispness that only this method of cooking can provide. Fulljoy !
Ingredients
Meat
  • Chicken (spatchcocked) – 3 to 4 pounds (see note)
For the marinade
  • Honey - 2 teaspoons
  • Dried coconut- 2 tablespoons
  • Vinegar (malt or white) - ½ cup
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • Dark rum – 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh Scotch bonnet Chillies – 2 chopped (see note)
  • 0nion – 1 medium, roughly chopped
  • Spring onion/ scallions - 4, chopped
  • Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Ground allspice - 2 teaspoons
  • Ground cinnamon - 2 teaspoons
  • Ground nutmeg - 2 teaspoons
  • Ground ginger - 2 teaspoons
Seasoning
  • Dried thyme – 1 tablespoon
  • Ground black pepper – 2 teaspoons
  • Dried crushed red Chilli - ½ teaspoon
  • Garlic powder - 1 tablespoon
  • Onion powder - 2 teaspoons
  • Salt – ½ to 1 teaspoon
Instructions
  1. Combine all the ingredients lists under “for the marinade” and blend until a smooth paste.
  2. Pierce the chicken all over with a large fork to allow the marinade to be easily absorbed into the meat.
  3. Place chicken in a large zip-lock bag (Alternatively use non- metallic bowl covered with cling film) and pour in the blended marinade. Allow to marinate for 4 to 8 hours
  4. Once marinated remove chicken from the bag. Sprinkle ingredients listed under “Seasoning” over the skin of the bird, taking care to ensure that it is well distributed in equal proportions over the full area.
  5. Place remaining marinade in a pot and bring to the boil.
  6. Light barbeque and wait until coals are light grey. Grill slowly, ensuring that the fire does not get too hot (the oil can cause the fire to flare up and burn the chicken) If the fire flares up, move to a cooler part of the grill. Baste the chicken with remaining marinade. Ensure that it is well cooked through-out and nicely char-grilled on the outside. Remove from flames. Cover with aluminium foil and allow resting for 10 minutes. Serve
  7. Can also be cooked in the oven in the kitchen at a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius for 75 to 90 minutes. (Use recommended cooking time for the weight of chicken being cooked) Barbequing is best though!
Notes
Habanero Chillies can also be used

Spatchcocking is to cut the chicken in half so it lies flat on the grill

Traditionally served with Caribbean black beans and rice, but also great with a green salad


This recipe yields 4 - 5 portions

Keywords: Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Image credits

Recipe: Image by William Lind from Pixabay

Front page : stu_spivack /CC by 2.0 / via Flikr

Image credit:BBQ Junkie / CC BY NC 2.0 / via Flikr