The Coupon Project

Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe

I’ve been having fun making my own seasoning blends and saving money in the process! Yesterday I shared an easy and cost-effective recipe for homemade taco seasoning (so go back and check that out, if you haven’t already!)

Today I’m sharing another delicious homemade seasoning blend – Jamaican Jerk seasoning (inspired by this recipe as well as this recipe). This is a peppery, sweet and spicy seasoning that can be used as a rub on meats, or creatively in other dishes such as beans and rice.

Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Ingredients

Makes approximately 1 cup of seasoning:

• 2 tbsp allspice
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ tsp cloves
• ½ tsp cumin
• 4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pepper
• 4 tbsp minced onion
• ½ tsp cayenne (adjust up/down to taste)
• 1 tsp red hot pepper flakes

Mix the spices in a large bowl and then pour into an airtight container. I’m using small jars (9.47 oz size, to be exact) with latching lids. (Similar to these ones on Amazon.)  I prefer to store my spices in glass jars over plastic, but any airtight container you have should suffice.

Using Your Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

The easiest way to use your Jamaican Jerk seasoning is to take a bit of it, and add a little oil to almost form a “paste.” From there, you can rub it into your meat before cooking (chicken or steak is delicious!). Allow to marinate at least half an hour in the fridge before cooking or grilling.

This lovely chicken breast was my lunch today and man oh man, it was good! The seasoning is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. If you’re wondering how spicy, I’d probably rate it between 2 and 3 stars (can you tell I eat at Thai restaurants a lot?). If you wanted to make it more “family friendly,” cut the cayenne and red pepper flakes by half.

I estimate that making this Jamaican Jerk seasoning roughly cost me $1.50. I was able to keep the cost down by buying my spices in bulk at WinCo. If you don’t have a WinCo in your area, don’t despair! Many grocery stores sell spices in bulk containers. Buying them this way is a great way to save money!

If you missed it, make sure to check out my homemade taco seasoning recipe. I will also be sharing another seasoning blend early next week, so make sure to stay tuned.

How else would you use Jamaican Jerk Seasoning?