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The Recipe · No.762 · Jerk Marinade

Jerk Marinade, and where to source it

Jerk Marinade — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Jerk Marinade Jamaican 5best2buy.com

Scotch bonnet and whole allspice are what make it jerk, and both need to be the real thing: bonnets for the fruity fire and allspice berries ground fresh for the deep, clove-like perfume. Ground pre-milled allspice and a milder chili leave it flat and one-note.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook0 min
Makesabout 1.5 cups
CuisineJamaican
Cost$
Vegan
Contains  gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 cups
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Scotch bonnet chilies
The signature fruity heat; use whole with seeds for real fire. Fresh, bought local.
5recommended
Local / market
Whole allspice
Ground fresh for the woody, clove-like scent that names the marinade.
2 tbsprecommended
Source it →
Scallions and thyme
The fresh herbal body; a whole bunch of scallion and plenty of thyme. Bought local.
1 bunchrecommended
Local / market
Garlic and ginger
Pungent aromatics that anchor the paste. Fresh.
to tasteto taste
Source it →
Soy sauce and lime
Soy for salt and moisture, lime to cut the dense spice. Naturally brewed soy is best.
1/4 cup eachrecommended
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortEasy
Cook it with
GrillNo-cook
The Method
  1. Grind the allspiceGrind whole allspice to a coarse powder so it is fresh and fragrant.
  2. Prep the aromaticsRoughly chop the scallions, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnets for the blender.
  3. BlendBlend everything with the soy, lime, thyme, and a little brown sugar into a thick, dark paste.
  4. MarinateRub deep into chicken or pork and marinate at least a few hours before grilling.
The Toolkit

Blender · Spice grinder · Chef's knife

Straight Answers
Can you freeze Jerk Marinade? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Jerk Marinade ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it keeps in the fridge for several days; stir or shake it before serving.

Is Jerk Marinade gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Jerk Marinade vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.762

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