Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

For a jerk marinade, mix 6 to 9 Tbsp. jerk spices with 3 Tbsp. olive oil, 3 Tbsp. soy sauce, 6 Tbsp. vinegar, 6 Tbsp. orange juice, and 4 Tbsp. lime juice. Marinate 4-12 hours. To make a hotter version of Jamaican jerk, add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. habanero powder to 1/2 cup jerk seasoning.

We love this so much, we even served jerk chicken at our wedding and have been making it many times a year ever since. I think it’s hard to find a better flavor to use for jerk chicken here in the United States, mostly because we learned how to make ours properly in Jamaica.

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Renowned for their chicken wings, Olde Town Tavern sources this best-seller from our Littleton, CO spice store for authentic Caribbean flavor.

Jerk has been a favorite in our kitchen for years, we even served it at our wedding! But, it wasn’t until Janet and I traveled to Jamaica that we fully understood how central Scotch bonnet chiles are to the flavor. These little peppers are fiery, easily ten times hotter than a jalapeño, yet their heat comes with a fruity, tropical character that makes authentic jerk truly unique. Our jerk blend captures that balance of heat, herbs, and warm spice. Alongside Scotch bonnets, it’s layered with allspice, thyme, garlic, nutmeg, and cinnamon for a bold, aromatic blend that stays true to the island tradition. Using Jamaican Jerk at home: For a traditional jerk marinade, mix 6 tablespoons of seasoning with 3 Tbsp olive oil, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 6 Tbsp vinegar, 6 Tbsp orange juice, and 4 Tbsp lime juice. Marinate chicken or pork for 4 to 12 hours before grilling, then finish over high heat for that authentic jerk caramelization.

Ground scotch bonnet chiles, which are commonly used in Jamaican cuisine, register around 250,000 Scoville heat units, which is why we only put a few ounces into each 16 lb. batch of this jerk seasoning. Residents of the Jamaican climate eat hot food to induce sweating, which cools the body. Go Behind the Seasoning: Jamaican Jerk Seasoning to learn all about this Caribbean must-have.

To serve 4 to 6: Mix 6 to 9 Tbsp. spice with 3 Tbsp. olive oil, 3 Tbsp. soy sauce, 6 Tbsp. vinegar, 6 Tbsp. orange juice, and 4 Tbsp. lime juice. Marinate 4 to 12 hours.

To make a hotter version, add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. Ground Habanero Chiles to 1/2 cup jerk seasoning.

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Q&A

What is in Jamaican jerk seasoning?

Jamaican jerk seasoning is typically made up of ground scotch bonnet chiles, all spice and dried thyme. These 3 common jerk ingredients are often also paired with other herbs & spices.

What do you use Jamaican jerk seasoning for?

Jamaican jerk seasoning is most commonly used in jerk chicken recipes. but is also a good spice blend for beef, pork and seafood. Use Jamaican jerk seasoning to make a Homemade Jerk Marinade.