How to Make Jerk Seasoning — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Allspice is not one spice among several here, it is the defining one, and Jamaicans call it pimento for good reason. Scotch bonnet is the other non-negotiable — habanero is close, jalapeño is not the same thing at all. The wet version marinates far deeper than the dry rub and is what most jerk chicken actually uses.

The ratio2 tbsp allspice + 2 scotch bonnets + 1 tbsp thyme + 6 scallions. Wet marinade: blend with lime and soy.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 2 cups wet

Ground allspice

Two tablespoons. The defining flavour — do not reduce it.

2 tbsp

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Scotch bonnet

Two, seeds in. Habanero is the closest substitute.

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Thyme

A tablespoon dried, or a good handful fresh for the wet version.

1 tbsp

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Scallion and garlic

Six scallions and four cloves, for the wet marinade only.

6 / 4

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Brown sugar and nutmeg

A tablespoon of sugar, a teaspoon of nutmeg, half a teaspoon of cinnamon.

1 tbsp / 1 tsp

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Soy sauce and lime

A quarter cup of soy and the juice of two limes — wet version only.

¼ cup / 2 limes

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The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge

A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time

EffortA project

Cook it with

No-cook

The Method

Dry rub: just combineAllspice, dried thyme, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, dried chili, salt and pepper mixed and jarred. Keeps three months.
Wet marinade: blend itEverything including scallion, fresh chili, garlic, soy and lime into a processor until it's a coarse paste. This is the version worth making.
Wear glovesScotch bonnets are serious. Do not touch your face for the rest of the evening.
Marinate longChicken wants overnight, minimum four hours. Score the meat so it penetrates.
Cook over smoke if you canPimento wood traditionally, any wood smoke otherwise. Low and slow, then a hard finish over direct heat.
Make it yoursAdd a splash of dark rum to the wet marinade. Pineapple juice tenderises and sweetens. Works on pork, fish and cauliflower as well as chicken.

The Toolkit

Food processor · Gloves · Spice jars

Straight Answers

Can you make How to Make Jerk Seasoning in an air fryer? — Not needed

No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.

Can you freeze How to Make Jerk Seasoning? — 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 How to Make Jerk Seasoning ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is How to Make Jerk Seasoning 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 How to Make Jerk Seasoning vegan? — Yes

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

Community Notes

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How to Make Jerk Seasoning, and where to source it