Homemade Jerk Seasoning Recipe Leave a comment

I resisted making an attempt 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 noticed cinnamon actually may get together with savory flavors. 

I figured if I may study to like cinnamon in chili, I may study to love it in hen or different dishes as properly. 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 stability. An excessive amount of, and it overwhelms all the things else.

Since then, I’ve perfected the recipe and actually love the candy, spicy, and cinnamon mixture of this spice mix. These flavors will be an acquired style, so don’t surrender if they appear unusual at first. An excellent Caribbean jerk seasoning balances warmth, sweetness, and earthiness in a method 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 will 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 simple to maintain readily available and customise to your tastes. 

What Is Jerk Seasoning Made Of?

Whereas recipes differ, traditional jerk seasoning substances typically embody allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a spicy aspect like cayenne or Scotch bonnet peppers.

The three primary substances of jerk seasoning are allspice, thyme, and scorching 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!). 

Easy methods to Make Jerk Seasoning at Dwelling

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

This seasoning is normally added to hen, nevertheless it’s additionally nice on roasted greens, different meats, and even grilled seafood. I like mixing this seasoning with equal components honey and coconut oil to make a marinade or rub. I’ll apply it to completely different meats and greens, particularly when grilling. The combo of candy, spicy, and earthy provides a caramelized, smoky taste that’s onerous 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 in search of 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 readily available, a mixture of allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne is an efficient place to begin. It gained’t be an identical to an genuine mix, nevertheless it captures the final taste profile.

If this simply isn’t your factor, take a look at my different do-it-yourself herb and spice blends to interchange expensive store-bought spice blends. Making your individual enables you to management the substances, skip fillers, and modify the flavors. Plus, when you begin experimenting with spice blends like this, it’s onerous 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!