Best Jerk Seasoning

Jerk meat can be chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. Despite the differences, one thing that is common to all is seasoning. Jerk features a complex seasoning blend that adds warm, sweet, smoky, salty, and fruity notes. They include salt, pepper, thyme, and many other spices. Plus, the blends are versatile, and you can adjust them to your taste. Jamaicans poke holes into the meat for more flavor permeation. If you fancy a go, let us suggest a few jerk seasonings to try and how to do it.

Ingredients in Jerk Seasoning

Pepper is a staple ingredient in jerk seasoning. However, the exact type depends on the individual. For instance, ball pepper, cayenne pepper, and more. Other ingredients to try and their role in the mix include:

Powdered Onion and Garlic

Powdered onion and garlic are aromatics. They give the meat a savory and aromatic base, enhancing the overall flavor.

Cumin and Nutmeg

Cuming provides earthy and warm notes to the seasoning. Likewise, it contributes to depth and complexity. Meanwhile, nutmeg adds a similar warm, but slightly sweet flavor. Either way, it also adds depth and richness.

All Spices

All spices combine nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon into one. As a result, it is one of the crucial ingredients in jerk seasoning, as it provides an authentic jerk taste.

Smoked Paprika and Cinnamon

Cinnamon alongside all spices adds warmth and sweetness. It further balances the heat from peppers to create a well-rounded flavor. In contrast, smoked paprika gives a smoky element to the jerk.

Red Pepper Flakes and Cayenne Pepper

Red or cayenne pepper provides heat. If you combine them, you have more flexibility to adjust the spice level to your preference.

Brown Sugar and Salt

Sugar adds sweetness and allows you to balance the heat. Furthermore, it enhances meat caramelization and gives it a flavorful crust. Meanwhile, salt balances the sweetness and the heat, enhancing the overall flavor.

Parsley and Thyme

These two herbs contribute to herbal notes and freshness. Lastly, they introduce a layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile.

 

There are different ways to use jerk seasoning. For marinade, clean and pat dry the meat or score with a knife for deeper penetration. Then, rub the seasoning over the meat and ensure an even coat. Let it marinate for a few hours or overnight to allow deep flavor penetration.

 

Cook the meat until you are satisfied with its doneness and periodically baste with additional jerk seasoning or marinade. Alternatively, bake the marinated meat in the oven and baste with extra marinade at intervals. We recommend you use pimenta wood for a distinct Caribbean flavor.  

Best Jerk Seasoning

Now that you know how to season your jerk, below are the best jerk seasonings to try:

1. Fiery Flavors Gourmet Seasoning and Rub Collection $23.10 on Virginia Boys Kitchens

The art of jerking originated in Jamaica, so what is a jerk seasoning without this Taste of Jamaica seasonings blend? The gourmet seasoning and rub collection contains three tins, offering value for your purchase. Each rub is inspired by Jamaica, Morocco, and Louisiana Cajun cooking. As a result, they are authentic and spicy. The jerk-style flavor gives meats and veggies the full topical treatment. It balances spice, sweet, and savory flavors. Meanwhile, the seasonings are also ideal as dusters for popcorn, mashed potatoes, and French fries.  

Products in the Collection

• Taste of Cajun: Oregano, Thyme, Black Pepper, Ground Celery Seed, Red Pepper, Paprika, Salt, Onion, and Garlic.
• Taste of Morocco: Ginger, Basil, Red Pepper, Cumin, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Garlic, Sugar, Onion, Red Bell Peppers, Cilantro, Turmeric Extract, and Garlic Oil.
• Taste of Jamaica: Garlic, Thyme, Black Pepper, Cumin Seed, Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Red Pepper, Nutmeg, Sage, Onion, Paprika, Sugar, Salt, and Jalapeno.

 

2. Cuisines Of the World Gourmet Seasonings Collection $39.60 on Virginia Boys Kitchen

This gourmet seasoning collection contains six tins. They capture the essence of the richest cuisines of the world including Jamaica, Thailand, Morocco, Greece, Cajun, and Tuscany. The taste of Jamaica offers a piquant jerk flavor, while the taste of Morocco gives aromatic warmth and peppery notes. All ingredients are hand-crafted in small matches. Hence, they won’t waste. Plus, they come in magnetic tins that stick to metal surfaces and are ideal gifts for a jerk lover.

Products in the Collection

• Taste of Thailand: Ginger, Basil, Red Pepper, Cumin, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Peppers, Cilantro, Turmeric Extract, and Garlic Oil.
• Taste of Jamaica: Garlic, Thyme, Black Pepper, Cumin Seed, Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Red Pepper, Nutmeg, Sage, Onion, Paprika, Sugar, and Salt.
• Taste of Morocco: Chili Peppers, Coriander, Paprika, Red Pepper, Dehydrated Garlic, Salt, Cinnamon, Caraway, Ginger, Vegetable Oil.
• Taste of Tuscany: Basil, Oregano, Red Bell Peppers, Garlic, Green Bell Peppers, Black Pepper, Fennel, and Rosemary.
• Taste of Cajun: Oregano, Thyme, Black Pepper, Ground Celery Seed, Red Pepper, Paprika, Salt, Onion, and Garlic.
• Taste of Greece: California Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Oregano, Lemon Oil, and Marjoram.

FAQs

• What is Jerk?

It is a cooking style where the main ingredient is coated in jerk seasoning and cooked over pimenta dioica – Jamaica’s allspice tree native to the Caribbean.

• What gives Jerk its flavor?

Allspice and scotch bonnet peppers are the main ingredient in jerk. Others include cinnamon, garlic, thyme, sugar, salt, and ginger.

• How long does Jamaican jerk seasoning last?

Products in airtight containers stored in a cool, dark place last for 1-2 years. That said, don’t refrigerate the marinade, as the heat from the pepper will diminish in about a month. Instead, store at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

Conclusion

There is no one-size fit with jerk seasoning. In other words, feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your spice preference. Consider pairing it with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple or as a side to complete a dish.

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