Do-it-yourself Jerk Seasoning Recipe

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 spotted cinnamon actually might get together with savory flavors. 

I figured if I might study to like cinnamon in chili, I might study to love it in rooster or different dishes as nicely. So I tried to make Jamaican jerk rooster seasoning at house. My first attempt wasn’t profitable. It seems, cinnamon must be stored in a really cautious stability. 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 surrender if they appear unusual at first. A very good Caribbean jerk seasoning balances warmth, sweetness, and earthiness in a approach that’s daring however nonetheless versatile.

What Is Jerk Seasoning?

Historically, it’s a daring Jamaican spice mix used to season meats, particularly rooster 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 selfmade 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 range, traditional jerk seasoning elements usually embrace allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a spicy component like cayenne or Scotch bonnet peppers.

The three primary elements 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!). 

Methods to Make Jerk Seasoning at House

In the event you’re questioning the best way to make jerk seasoning, the excellent news is that it’s easy to combine as a dry spice powder. You can too 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 often added to rooster, nevertheless it’s additionally nice on roasted greens, different meats, and even grilled seafood. I like mixing this seasoning with equal elements 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 laborious to beat.

One other Variation

I’ve performed round with this recipe over time and the above is the up to date model. In the event 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? In the event 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, nevertheless it captures the overall taste profile.

If this simply isn’t your factor, try my different selfmade herb and spice blends to interchange dear store-bought spice blends. Making your individual permits you to management the elements, skip fillers, and alter 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? Go away a remark and tell us!