This Jamaican jerk marinade brings bold Caribbean spice to your table. Research shows it pairs heat from scotch bonnet peppers with warm notes from allspice and thyme. It works well on chicken, pork, fish, or vegetables. Users often ask about heat levels—adjust peppers to suit your taste. Many search for easy versions or substitutes like habanero for scotch bonnet.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: Makes about 2 cups (enough for 2-3 pounds of meat)
I remember my first bite of jerk chicken at a local food fair. The mix of spice and smoke took me straight to a sunny beach. That day sparked my love for this recipe. Now, I blend it fresh at home for that same punch.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 4 scallions, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2-4 scotch bonnet peppers (use 2 for mild, 4 for hot; remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
Tips and Variations
- For extra smoke, grill over pimento wood if available.
- Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Try it on tofu for a plant-based option—marinate 30 minutes.
- Users wonder about dry versions: Mix spices without liquids for a rub.
Substitutions
- Swap scotch bonnet with habanero peppers.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free.
- Lemon juice works if no lime.
- White vinegar replaces apple cider vinegar.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Keep in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freeze in portions for 3 months—thaw overnight.
- Make ahead: Flavors improve after a day in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
- Marinate chicken 4-8 hours, then grill. Serve with rice and peas.
- Pair with fish for quick meals—marinate 30 minutes.
- Try on pork ribs, slow-cooked. For sides, check our 10 Vegetable Soup Recipes or Canned Green Bean Recipes.
For more spice ideas, see our Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts Recipe or Crack Green Beans Recipe. Learn about jerk history from The Spruce Eats.
Easy Jamaican Jerk Marinade Recipe Make authentic Jamaican jerk marinade at home with this simple blender recipe. Bold spices, adjustable heat, and ready in minutes—ideal for grilling chicken or vegg
Ingredient Comparison Table
| Ingredient | Common Amount | Purpose | Substitute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotch Bonnet | 2-4 peppers | Heat | Habanero |
| Allspice | 2 tsp ground | Warm spice | Cloves mix |
| Thyme | 2 tsp fresh | Herbal note | Dried thyme |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup | Umami | Tamari |
| Vinegar | 1/4 cup | Acid | White vinegar |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tbsp | Sweet balance | Honey |