I gave up trying to speak Jamaican jerk for years. I find it strange to add cinnamon to savory dishes. Then I was introduced to Cincinnati-style chili, which also uses cinnamon in a sweet dish (including chocolate!). I really appreciate the cinnamon and the sweetness.
I figured if I could learn to love cinnamon in chili, I could learn to love it in chicken or other dishes. So I tried to make Jamaican jerk chicken at home. My first attempt was unsuccessful. It turns out, cinnamon will be kept in good balance. So much, that it drowns out everything else.
Since then, I have perfected the recipe and love the combination of sweet, spicy and cinnamon in this spice mix. These tastes can be an acquired taste, so don’t be discouraged if it seems different at first. A true Caribbean perfume balances heat, sweetness, and earthiness in a bold but still consistent way.
What is Jerk Seasoning?
Traditionally, it is a bold Jamaican spice blend that is used to season meat, especially chicken and pork, before frying or smoking. The mixture can be made fine as a powder or paste, depending on how it is used. This homemade jerky recipe uses pantry staples so it’s easy to keep on hand and customize to your liking.
What is Jerk seasoning made of?
Although recipes vary, jerk spices usually include allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and spices like cayenne or Scotch bonnet pepper.
The three main ingredients used in cooking jerky are allspice, thyme, and hot pepper as a flavoring agent, as well as a supporting ingredient for the spices inside. So what gives jerk its flavor? The signature flavor comes from hot, spicy spices (especially allspice and cinnamon) combined with heat, herbs, and a touch of sweetness. It’s the combination of spiciness, sweetness and mild sweetness that makes jerk food unique (and addictive!).
How to make jerk seasoning at home
If you’re wondering how to cook jerky, the good news is that it’s as easy to mix as chili powder. You can also mix the spices into a paste with oil, vinegar, and/or honey. This delicious Jamaican jerk recipe can be adjusted for heat and flavor levels, depending on your family’s preferences.
This recipe is usually served with chicken, but it’s also great with grilled vegetables, other meats, and even grilled seafood. I like to mix this ingredient with honey and coconut oil to make a marinade or stew. I would use it with different meats and vegetables, especially when grilling. The combination of sweet, spicy, and earthy adds a caramelized, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat.
Jerk Seasoning Recipe
Recipes to spice up Jamaican jerk with onion powder, cinnamon, allspice and other herbs give many dishes depth and flavor.
Food Facts
Jerk Seasoning Recipe
Cost per serving
Calories 3
% Daily Value*
Sodium 39 mg2%
Carbohydrates 0.6g0%
Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugar 0.2g0%
Protein 0.1g0%
* Percent Daily Value is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Try mixing the flour with equal parts honey and coconut oil to rub on meat or other foods.
Another change
I played around with this recipe for over a year and above is the updated version. If you’re looking for the original with a strong onion and cinnamon flavor, give this one a try.
What is the closest thing to jerk seasoning?
Looking for a substitute for cooking jerky? If you don’t have all the spices on hand, a mixture of allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne is a good starting point. It won’t look like a real blend, but it does bring out the general flavor profile.
If this isn’t for you, check out my other homemade herb and pepper mixes to replace expensive store bought mixes. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients, skip the fillers and adjust the flavor. In addition, once you start using a spice mix like the one being tested, it’s hard to go back to the previous mixes.
Have you used the Jamaican jerk flavor? What’s your favorite way to use it? Leave a comment and let us know!
