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.
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Jamaican Jerk Marinade Sauce Recipe
Here Are All The Jamaican Jerk Sauce Marinade Ingredients You Will Need
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Easy Homemade Jamaican Marinade Sauce Recipe.
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.
- Zest a medium lime and lemon with a zester. Juice each and set the juice aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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)
- 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.
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 the recipe. Were having a bbq in a couple weeks, I think we will try this. Also, I love that you share the history of jerk sauce.
Thanks for dropping by. Hope you enjoy your upcoming barbeque, Jerk it up!
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!
You are welcome Fransic. Thanks for dropping by.
I haven’t tried any Jamaican recipe before but this looks like something I would like to try this weekend. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe.
Thank you Valentina
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!
Thank you. I hope you enjoy Jerking up your chicken
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!
Thank you. glad you leaned something. The African did contribute to Jerk culture.
This recipe is new to me. Looks interesting..!!
Thanks for dropping by; appreciate your comment.
Definitely inspiring to try something authentic though I don’t eat meat.
Thanks for sharing..
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!
You are welcome Karalee. You both will love the burst of flavors with any food you marinate with this Jamaican marinade sauce.
Looks delicious!
Thank you, Kirsten.
Great recipe! Sounds really tasty.
Jamaican Jerk marinade definitely makes any dish flavorful. Thanks for dropping by.
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
Thank You Lauren. Hope you get to try my Jamaican Jerk Seasoning soon.
So many awesome and healthy ingredients, herbs, and spices. Must be delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Found this post really useful. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Penkasha. Appreciate you visiting.
Great recipe…I really enjoyed the history lesson with it! 🙂
Thank you Spicy Rocking Chair. Glad you found the jerk history informative.
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.
You are welcome, Marjie. You will definite enjoy the jerk flavor.
Thank you for sharing such a great recipe consisting of healthy ingredients, herbs, and spices. Now I am going to make it myself.
THANKS FOR DROPPING BY SPARK. APPRECIATE THE COMMENT.HOPE YOU GET TO TRY IT SOME DAY. YOU WILL LOVE IT.
Love jerk sauce! Been looking for a recipe like this! Thanks!
You are welcome Laurie. hope you enjoy jerking it up.
this jerk marinade sounds amazing, cannot wait to try it and hopefully I can find all the ingredients 🙂
Thank you Tianna. Hope you find the ingredients in your local stores. Most of the jerk ingredients can be found on Amazon Fresh: https://amzn.to/42lrxir or the affiliate links on blog.
This marinade looks incredible! I will definitely have to try this recipe out. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this mouthwatering recipe. I can’t wait to savor the delicious taste of Jamaica right in my own kitchen!
You are welcome Tan. Hope you get to enjoy it soon. Thanks for visiting.
You are welcome, Charity.
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.
Thank you Jenna, as always appreciate your support and kind words.
Your jerk chicken looks so good! Finally going to attempt making this jerk sauce tomorrow!
Thank you, LIV. Hope you enjoy your jerk chicken as as I did mine.
This recipe looks amazing!
I’ve saved it and will update with results.
We’ve been on a BBQ kick lately I’m loving it!
Thanks you for visiting and commenting, Anthony. Let me know how your Jamaican Jerk Chicken turn out.
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.