Name: Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 3/4 tsp dried thyme; 3/4 tsp sweet paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp allspice; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ginger powder

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Time to dig through your spice cabinet! This classic Jerk Seasoning brings Caribbean flavor into any dish you use it on. It’s a robust, warm combination of sweet and spicy flavors that’s tasty no matter how you use it.

Overhead view of 3 small bowl with spices and some small spoons with spices

Have you ever tried a Jerk Caribbean seasoning? It’s unlike any other blend of spices and herbs! Originally created in Jamaica, Jerk Seasoning was designed to preserve meats and add warmth and smoky flavor. We love it for seasoning tempeh or tofu, sprinkling on roasted or barbecued veggies, or adding it to any dish that could use a bit of flavor!

What is Jerk Seasoning?

Jamaican jerk spice blend is a spicy rub of Caribbean origin that is made by mixing ingredients you probably already have in your spice rack! Some mixes use all of these spices, others use only some of them, and of course everyone who makes their own has opinions on how much of each should be included. We had way too much fun finding our just-right balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and warm for a homemade Jerk rub!

Spices for Jamaican Jerk on a round metal plate

Spices in Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Since we love playing around with spices, we have created our own combination that we've used on this delicious, flavor bursting blend! It’s rich, warm, and a little bit spicy.

Heat: Cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes
Aromatics: Garlic and onion powders
Herbs: Dried thyme
Sweetness: Sugar - Optional
Spices: Ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice

How to Use Jamaican Seasoning Recipe

This spice blend adds so much incredible flavor to your favorite protein, potatoes, eggs, soups...you name it! We love using it to season tempeh for a super flavorful vegan Jamaican jerk dish. It’s delicious sprinkled over veggies before roasting or grilling them, and you could even measure a few teaspoons into water before cooking rice, quinoa, or couscous for a delicious infused flavor.

Customizing Homemade Jerk Seasoning

One of the best things about making your own spice blend is controlling the amount of each ingredient, which is especially nice if you’re sensitive to spicy foods!

If you want a finely-ground, perfectly mixed seasoning, measure everything into the bowl of a food processor and pulse it until it’s super fine.
For a sweeter seasoning, use more granulated sugar or use brown sugar instead.
Spicy food lovers can add extra crushed red pepper or spicier cayenne!
Bump up the garlic or onion powder if you like those savory notes.
If you love aromatics and earthy flavors, use more dried thyme or add a pinch of dried parsley into the mix.

A clear bowl with Jamaican Jerk seasoning

How to Tell If Spices Are Fresh

You can’t go wrong with a taste test! Before using the spices in your cupboard, make sure they’re still vibrant in color, distinct in smell, and flavorful. Spices can go stale and lose their flavor after a while, so it’s always a good idea to double check.

How to Store Jamaican Seasoning

Once everything is just right and you love your homemade Jamaican spice, store it in an airtight container for up to a year. Mason jars work great for this, and it makes for a beautiful gift for friends or neighbors! We recommend keeping your jerk seasoning in a dark place, like a spice cabinet or pantry, for the longest-lasting results.

3 small bowls with different spices and five small spoons with spices to make Jamaican jerk

If you enjoyed this recipe, it would help us tremendously if you left us a star rating in the comments below or on the recipe card. Do you have any questions about the recipe? Do you need a swap for any of the ingredients? We are here to help, just leave us a question in the comments below.