Jerk Seasoning
A fiery Jamaican jerk seasoning blending Scotch Bonnets, sweet mango, aromatic herbs, and spices, perfect for grilling meats or vegetables with bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 Scotch Bonnet peppers
- 1 large mango or small papaya, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until roughly chopped and well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder jerk seasoning, reduce the number of Scotch Bonnet peppers or substitute with jalapeños. Fresh thyme can be replaced with dried thyme, but use about a third of the amount. If you want a sweeter kick, consider adding a small amount of honey or maple syrup to balance the heat. Always taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This jerk seasoning is fantastic on grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. It pairs beautifully with New Orleans Red Beans And Rice for a flavorful meal. Consider serving it alongside coconut rice or a fresh mango salsa to complement the heat and enhance the tropical flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover jerk seasoning in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in small portions using ice cube trays. When ready to use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat in a microwave to quickly use in your dishes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jerk Seasoning contains roughly 240 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this jerk seasoning ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the jerk seasoning in advance is a great idea! It allows the flavors to meld together. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it properly before use.
How spicy is this seasoning?
The spiciness of the jerk seasoning largely depends on the number of Scotch Bonnet peppers you use. They are quite hot, so if you're sensitive to spice, start with fewer peppers and adjust to your taste. You can also mix in milder peppers to tone down the heat.
What dishes can I use this jerk seasoning in?
This versatile jerk seasoning works well with grilled meats, seafood, and roasted vegetables. Try it on chicken skewers or shrimp tacos for a zesty twist. It can also be used to marinate tofu for a delicious vegan option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).