Jerk Seasoning

I love making my own seasoning blends because you can adjust the overall flavor to your personal liking and it is so much more cost effective to buy spice in bulk and make your own blends. This Jerk Seasoning is the perfect combination of spice for all your Cajun dishes, especially with the unique jerk ingredients! Try some of my other spice blends like this Southwest Seasoning.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Creating your own spice blends at home is so rewarding! Knowing this homemade jerk seasoning isn't loaded with preservatives and sodium is the best part of using these ingredients.

Ingredients You Will Need

Garlic powder:  imparts a concentrated and consistent garlicky essence to the seasoning blend.

Onion powder: adds a sweet and savory flavor to certain dishes that you can’t get from fresh onions.

Cayenne pepper: is a moderately hot chili pepper with a strong spicy but earthy flavor.

Smoked paprika:  introduces a distinct smoky flavor that complements the other spices, adding depth and a unique taste, essential for jerk seasoning.

Dried thyme: is a pungent herb that can withstand longer cooking times in stews and soups and adds a depth of flavor.

Dried parsley: Parsley brings a burst of fresh, herby goodness to soups, giving them a nice lift and adding a bit of vibrant flavor.

Salt: elevates the overall flavor of any dish. Always salt in moderation in accordance with your dietary preferences, even when creating your jerk seasoning.

Ground allspice: adds a depth of flavor to so many dishes and it has a savory-sweet flavor.

Red pepper flakes: are made from a mix of peppers from the capsicum annum family. They bring a little heat to the dish so you can adjust the amount according to your heat preferences.

Cinnamon: has a warm, sweet flavor and aroma. It is perfect in both sweet and savory dishes and is essential for jerk seasoning.

Ground nutmeg: adds a distinctive warm, sweet-spicy flavor.

Instructions

Combine: all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.

Store: in a glass jar.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Obtain balanced flavors: by adjusting the proportions of ingredients to achieve the desired balance of heat, smokiness, and earthy flavors based on personal taste preferences.

Grinding Fresh: for enhanced flavor try grinding your own nutmeg. This can add a unique twist to your seasoning blend.

Recipe Variations

Adjust the heat level: for an added kick, increase the cayenne pepper.

For less smokiness: use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika to modify your jerk seasoning.

Storage Tips

Storing your own spice mixes, like this Jerk Seasoning, in a sealed glass jar will maintain their freshness for up to a year!

FAQs About Jerk Seasoning

Can jerk seasoning go bad?

This seasoning blend will last up to a year or longer when stored properly.

Is Caribbean and jerk seasoning the same?

Jamaicans are proud of their trademark jerk seasoning, also known as Caribbean seasoning.

How much jerk seasoning should I use?

One tablespoon of the delightful seasoning per pound of boneless meat. Adjust to taste with more or less jerk seasoning.