Jerk Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!)

Name: Jerk Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Onion powder; 1 tbsp Garlic powder; 8 tsp Sea salt; 2 tsp Smoked paprika; 2 tsp Cayenne pepper; 2 tsp Black pepper; 1 tsp Dried thyme; 1 tsp Dried parsley; 1 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tsp Cumin; 1 tsp Nutmeg; 1 tsp Allspice; 1 tsp Ground cinnamon

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This Jamaican jerk seasoning recipe adds a tangy and flavorful kick to any dish. With its origins in the Caribbean, this seasoning mix has an irresistible aroma and unique taste you can use on a variety of meats — and it only takes a few minutes!

Use this mix to spice up grilled meats and vegetables for a burst of heat and flavor, including my jerk salmon recipe. It’s a must-try for spice lovers!

What Is Jerk Seasoning?

Jerk seasoning is a mixture of herbs and spices used to give a spicy kick to dishes, like pork and chicken. Although this seasoning originated in Jamaica, it is popular in other Caribbean countries as well. It can range from mild to very spicy, depending on the ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Jerk Seasoning Recipe

Spicy, zesty, and aromatic
Common spices found at any grocery store
No preservatives, artificial ingredients, or sugar
Ready in 5 minutes
Lasts a long time in the pantry
Perfect for seasoning meats, vegetables, and even pasta

Jerk seasoning in a jar and on a wooden spoon.

What Is In Jerk Seasoning?

This section explains how to choose the best jerk seasoning ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

Aromatics – Onion powder and garlic powder add flavor, aroma, and depth.
Smoked Paprika – Adds a smoky flavor and a vibrant reddish-brown hue. You can substitute sweet paprika if you like.
Hot Peppers – Both cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes bring heat to the seasoning. If you want even more fiery flavor, use ground habanero pepper or ground scotch bonnet peppers instead of the 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper.
Dried Herbs – Dried thyme and parsley provide herbal flavors that balance the smoky and spicy elements.
Cumin – Adds intense, smoky flavor to the seasoning blend, while balancing the sweetness and heat.
Sweet Spices – Nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cinnamon create a well-rounded, complex flavor that also adds warmth and sweetness to the blend. You could also add ground ginger or brown sugar (or Besti Brown for a sugar-free option).
Sea Salt & Black Pepper

Does Caribbean jerk seasoning have salt?

Some jerk seasoning recipes have salt and some do not, but most do. This makes it easy to use without having to add salt, but you could also omit the salt and add it to your dish separately.

Jerk seasoning ingredients measured out in a bowl.

How To Make Jerk Seasoning

Stir the homemade jerk seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl, then place in an airtight container or small glass jar.

If you prefer a powdery texture, you can grind the spices in a coffee grinder, spice grinder, food processor, powerful blender, or even mash with a mortar and pestle.

Spices mixed together with a wooden spoon.

Storage Instructions

Store jerk seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

You can use spice jars with lids, small multi-purpose jars (I love these), or spice organizers in the pantry. This mix will last 1-2 years, but is best used within a year for the best flavor.

Ways To Use Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

This seasoning is a flavorful blend of spices that can take your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some ways you can use it to make a delicious dish:

Chicken – This spice mix makes the best jerk chicken seasoning! Simply replace the spices in roasted chicken and vegetables, Mediterranean grilled chicken kabobs, quick and easy air fryer chicken wings, or juicy baked chicken breast with this blend.
Fish – This Jamaican jerk spice mix adds a kick to grilled salmon, but it’s just as good with a halibut recipe, or baked cod recipe. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate your fish in the seasoning (with oil and lime juice) before cooking.
Vegetables – Try it on oven roasted potatoes, replace the garlicky flavor in roasted broccoli, make a Caribbean vegetable stir fry, or add it to roasted cauliflower.
Soups and Stews – Add this mix to hamburger soup (for a Jamaican burger soup), vegetable soup, or even pork stew.

TIP: Use a rule of thumb to decide how much to use.

Use 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat or chicken, 3/4 tablespoon per pound of seafood, or 1/2 tablespoon per pound of vegetables. The amount needed for soup and stews can vary.

More Spicy Homemade Seasonings

If you like this mix, try these other peppery spice blends you can make in just a few minutes: