Jerk It Up With This Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe.

Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe

Welcome to our recipe blog, where we explore the vibrant flavors of Jamaican cuisine. In this blog, we are diving into the world of Jamaican Jerk marinade sauce.

Bursting with a tantalizing blend of spices and herbs, this sauce is an essential element in Jamaican culinary traditions. 

Join us as we unravel the secrets behind this fiery, aromatic marinade and learn how to infuse your dishes with the irresistible flavors of Jamaica.

Whether you’re a fan of bold and spicy flavors or simply curious about trying something new, our Jamaican Jerk marinade sauce recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the sunny Caribbean shores. 

Before we  get started on this flavor-packed journey let’s learn a bit about  Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce.

Where Did Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Originate?

Originating from the beautiful island of Jamaica, jerk sauce is a culinary gem that has captivated taste buds around the world.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, jerk is more than simply a seasoning or a flavor; it is an entire culture.

This tantalizing marinade is deeply rooted in the rich history and vibrant culture of Jamaica, making it a true representation of the island’s culinary traditions. 

Furthermore, the birthplace of jerk sauce can be traced back to the indigenous Taino people, who inhabited Jamaica long before the arrival of European colonizers. 

The Taino inhabitants were resourceful people who developed a unique method of cooking meat over pimento wood, also known as allspice wood, which imparted a distinct smoky flavor to the food. 

In addition, this method, combined with a blend of locally available spices and herbs, laid the foundation for what would later become the beloved jerk sauce.

However, it was the arrival of African slaves to Jamaica during the colonial era that truly transformed jerk into the iconic flavor it is today. 

These skilled cooks brought with them a rich culinary heritage and an expertise in seasoning and marinating meat. 

They incorporated their traditional techniques and spices, such as scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, allspice, and cloves, into the indigenous cooking methods, creating a fusion of flavors that would define Jamaican jerk sauce.

Why Is It Called Jamaican Jerk Chicken?  

Originally, jerk was primarily used to prepare pork, but over time, the technique and sauce expanded to include other meats like chicken, fish, and even vegetables. 

The word “jerk” itself is believed to have African origins, derived from the Spanish word “charqui,” which means dried meat or jerky. 

This reflects the Taino and African influences on the development of jerk sauce, as well as its historical connection to the preservation of meat.

Who Invented The Jerk Sauce?

Jamaican jerk sauce gained popularity within the local communities of Jamaica before eventually catching the attention of international visitors. 

Today, it is celebrated worldwide for its bold and robust flavors, representing a true fusion of cultural influences. 

Whether you encounter it in a humble roadside jerk stand in Jamaica or a trendy restaurant in a cosmopolitan city, jerk sauce continues to enchant and delight adventurous palates.

So, the next time you savor a delicious plate of jerk chicken or pork, remember its humble origins and the diverse heritage that contributed to its creation. 

Jamaican jerk sauce is more than just a marinade; it is a testament to the vibrant history and cultural diversity of the island. 

Indulge in the flavors and let the spirit of Jamaica come alive on your plate.

Shop On Amazon Fresh

I have been purchasing on Amazon for years as an Amazon Prime member. I appreciate the fact that I can now order groceries from Amazon Fresh and have them delivered right outside my door in less than two hours.

Be sure to check  out the kitchen accessory and grocery links in this blog to learn more about the ingredients needed for this recipe.

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

If do not own of of these food processors, here are my links for your shopping convenience and more information


Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe

Here Are All The Jamaican Jerk Sauce Marinade Ingredients You Will Need

Below are some amazon ingredient affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click on each ingredient to learn more.

Your kitchen will need these utensils. Here are the links for your shopping convenience.

Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe

Easy Homemade Jamaican Marinade Sauce Recipe.

Kevin Foodie
If you have been following my blog, you may have seen that I use the Walkers Wood or Grace Jamaican Jerk Seasoning in a few of my recipes.
However, in this blog recipe, I will teach you how to make this easy Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce.
It functions both as a marinade for your meats or veggies and is used to make a delicious dunking or glaze sauce.
5 from 14 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine Caribbean, Jamaican

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Glass Jar Storage Container
  • Zester

Ingredients
  

  • 6 stalks Scallions, chopped
  • ½ cup Pimento Seeds (All-spice)
  • 4 medium Scotch Bonnet Peppers, quartered
  • 6 springs Fresh Thyme
  • 1 cup Cilantro
  • ½ cup Fresh Ginger slices
  • 6 cloves Garlic, peeled
  • 1 medium Onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 tbsp. Browning
  • 1 medium Lime, zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp. White Cane Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. Black Pepper Corns
  • 2 tbsp. White Cane Vinegar
  • 1 medium Lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 3 tsp. Salt

Instructions
 

  • Roughly chop/slice the scallions, cilantro ginger, onion, thyme, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers on a cutting board.
    Scotch Bonnet peppers are extremely hot and should be handled with extreme caution. Therefore, if you are not a fan of heat, you may want to use ½ to 1 scotch bonnet pepper for a milder flavor.
    NOTE: Before cutting the peppers, remove the stem, wear a glove and avoid touching your face or other parts of your body.
    Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe
  • Zest a medium lime and lemon with a zester. Juice each and set the juice aside.
    Jamaican Black Fruit Christmas Cake. lemon zest
  • Add the sliced ginger, scallions, garlic, cilantro, thyme, pimento seeds, black peppercorns, scotch bonnet pepper, salt, lime zest, and lemon zest to a food processor or blender.
  • Blend on medium until all of the ingredients are pureed. Blend in the lemon/lime juice, olive oil, vinegar, and browning sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until all of the ingredients are well combined.
    Soy sauce can be used in place of the browning sauce. However, I prefer to use the browning sauce because it gives the sauce a richer color and added flavor.
    Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe
  • Season your chicken, beef, pork, vegetables, or seafood with this spicy jerk marinade.
    The longer the meat marinates, the more tasty it becomes. I usually marinate my chicken or pork for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
    Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe, Jerk chicken
  • The Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce should be stored in a clean glass jar and may be left in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
    This sauce or marinade is ideal for any summer barbeque or for making this wonderful Jerk BBQ dipping sauce recipe below.
    Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe

Let's Make Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce

  • Jerk Sauce recipes vary from region to region in Jamaica. Every chef at a restaurant or cookshop puts their own stamp on this traditional recipe.
    Jerk sauces are available at grocery stores and online, but nothing beats a good homemade jerk sauce. Marinate or soak your favorite meat in it for a spicy explosion of flavor.
    Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe
  • In a saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of the Jerk Marinade, ½ cup tomato ketchup, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tsp. vinegar, 2 tbsp. white rum, and ½ cup pureed fresh pineapple or mango.
    For a sweeter note, you may add 2 tbsp brown sugar. (optional)
    Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe
  • Mix until all of the ingredients are distributed equally. You can serve it as is or cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly.
    Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe
Keyword Jamaican Jerk Chicken Marinade, Jamaican Jerk Marinade, Jamaican Jerk Sauce, Jamaican Marinade
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe

You may also want to check out these Jamaican Jerk Inspired recipes. They are easy to make and packed with flavors of the Caribbean.

Thanks for dropping by. I would love to know what you think. Leave a comment and star rating.

Click to rate this post!
[Total: 4 Average: 5]

45 thoughts on “Jerk It Up With This Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe.”

  1. 5 stars
    This is interesting, I wanted to try Jamaican food but could try this sauce recipe because it looks something is never seen like this. Thank you or sharing!

  2. 5 stars
    Thanks for sharing the recipe and the history. I wish more folks did so when providing a recipe. I printed this recipe and can’t wait to make it for an upcoming office party!

  3. I learned a little history from your post. For some reason I thought the Africans bring down the jerk cuisine.

    Will be trying it soon!

  4. I would love to try this Jamaican jerk sauce with some veggies, and my partner would like to try it with chicken! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

  5. 5 stars
    This sounds like a great sauce and seasoning to try on different meats and on vegetables. That sounds yummy. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    Lauren

  6. 5 stars
    So many awesome and healthy ingredients, herbs, and spices. Must be delicious. Thanks for sharing!

  7. When I was in NJ, my Jamaican friend used to always make something similar whenever we were having our gathering, but she never shared her recipe. Now I am going to make my own and send her the pictures. Thanks for sharing with us.

  8. Thank you for sharing such a great recipe consisting of healthy ingredients, herbs, and spices. Now I am going to make it myself.

  9. 5 stars
    this jerk marinade sounds amazing, cannot wait to try it and hopefully I can find all the ingredients 🙂

  10. This marinade looks incredible! I will definitely have to try this recipe out. Thanks so much for sharing!

  11. 5 stars
    This is such a helpful blog! I love the deep knowledge you have of Jamaican flavors. I’m going to need to try this easy Jamaican jerk sauce marinade recipe. The flavors sound amazing! Thank you for sharing.

  12. What I love most about this sauce is its versatility. Whether you’re grilling chicken, pork, fish, or even tofu, the Jamaican Jerk Marinade elevates any dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. The balance of heat and sweetness in the sauce gives it a unique and memorable character that leaves you craving more.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating