10+ Jerk Recipes Jamaica: Delicious Dishes to Spice Up Your Cooking

Jerk recipes from Jamaica are a delicious way to enjoy bold and spicy flavors in your cooking. These recipes highlight a unique blend of spices and herbs that create unforgettable dishes.

When you try jerk recipes, you’re diving into a rich culinary tradition. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply want to spice up a weeknight dinner, these recipes can bring the vibrant tastes of Jamaica to your table.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with the authentic flavors of jerk cooking!

Jerk cooking gives you plenty of options to explore and enjoy. From grilled meats to flavorful sauces, you can find a lot to love with jerk recipes.

1) Classic Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Classic Jamaican jerk chicken is a flavorful dish known for its spicy and smoky taste. It’s perfect for grilling, making it a great option for summer barbecues. The secret lies in the marinade, which features a mix of herbs, spices, and Scotch bonnet peppers.

To prepare your jerk chicken, combine fresh thyme, allspice, garlic, and other seasonings. Coat your chicken pieces well in this marinade. Let them soak in the flavors for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours for more intensity.

When you’re ready to cook, grill the chicken over medium heat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

• 4 chicken pieces
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons allspice
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 Scotch bonnet peppers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend thyme, allspice, garlic, and peppers into a marinade.
2. Coat chicken in the marinade and let sit.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

2) Authentic Jerk Pork Belly

To make authentic jerk pork belly, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The star is the pork belly, which should be tender and full of flavor. The jerk seasoning includes spices like allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers for that classic kick.

You’ll start by seasoning the pork with a marinade. Mix garlic, green onions, and spices in a food processor. Then, rub this mixture all over the pork. Let it marinate for at least a few hours, ideally overnight.

For cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast the pork belly for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until it’s tender and the skin is crispy. The perfect cooking method brings out the smoky, spicy flavors you want.

Ingredients

• Pork belly
• Garlic
• Green onions
• Allspice
• Dried thyme
• Scotch bonnet peppers
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend garlic, green onions, allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
3. Rub the mixture on the pork belly and marinate.
4. Place the pork belly in the oven.
5. Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes until tender and crispy.

3) Spicy Grilled Jerk Shrimp

Spicy grilled jerk shrimp is a delicious way to enjoy Jamaican flavors. The shrimp marinate in a mix of spices, providing a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

To prepare, start with fresh shrimp. You can use large or medium-sized shrimp for the best results. Let them soak in the jerk marinade for at least an hour.

Preheat your grill to about 400°F (200°C). Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred. This will give them a tasty smoky flavor.

Serve the grilled shrimp with a side of rice or fresh salad. You can also add a slice of lime for a zesty touch!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lime, juiced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix shrimp with jerk seasoning and olive oil.
2. Let marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C).
4. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Serve with lime juice.

4) Traditional Jerk Fish Tacos

Jerk Fish Tacos offer a delicious twist on a classic dish. You’ll enjoy fresh fish seasoned with jerk spices, bringing a burst of flavor to your meal. Pair it with a sweet and tangy pineapple pico for a perfect balance.

To make these tacos, start with your choice of fish. Salmon or tilapia work great. Make sure to marinate the fish in jerk seasoning to infuse it with rich flavors.

Cook the fish on a skillet at medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C), until flaky. Assemble your tacos with warm tortillas, add the fish, and top with pineapple pico. Enjoy every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound fish fillets (salmon or tilapia)
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Tortillas
• Pineapple pico (diced pineapple, onion, cilantro, lime juice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate fish with jerk seasoning for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
4. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
5. Assemble tacos with fish and pineapple pico.

5) Jerk Vegetable Stir Fry

A jerk vegetable stir fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish. It combines a variety of fresh vegetables with spicy jerk seasoning for a tasty meal.

Start with vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. You can also add onions and snap peas for extra crunch. The jerk seasoning adds a delightful kick.

You can serve this stir fry over rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onion and cook until soft.
3. Add the other vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in jerk seasoning and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot over rice or quinoa.

6) Homemade Jerk Seasoning Mix

Making your own jerk seasoning mix is simple and rewarding. With this blend, you can bring the flavors of Jamaica right to your kitchen.

For this recipe, you’ll need ingredients like allspice, thyme, and cinnamon. These spices give the mix its signature taste. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less pepper based on your preference.

To start, mix two tablespoons of allspice, two teaspoons of thyme, and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Stir well until mixed thoroughly.
3. Store in an airtight container for up to six months.

7) Jerk-inspired Pineapple Salsa

Jerk-inspired pineapple salsa adds a vibrant twist to your meals. The sweetness of the pineapple mixes perfectly with spicy jerk seasoning. You can use it as a topping for grilled meats or as a fresh dip.

To make this salsa, chop fresh pineapple and combine it with red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. The ingredients create a refreshing and zesty flavor that complements jerk chicken or tacos.

You can adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños or keeping it mild. This salsa is simple, healthy, and perfect for summer cookouts or any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional: 1 diced jalapeño

Cooking Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine diced pineapple and red onion.
2. Add chopped cilantro and lime juice.
3. Mix well and add jalapeño if desired.
4. Serve fresh as a topping or dip.

8) Smoked Jerk Turkey Wings

Smoked jerk turkey wings are a tasty dish that brings classic Jamaican flavors to your table. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the spices in jerk seasoning, giving you a delicious meal.

To start, marinate the turkey wings in a blend of jerk seasoning, garlic, and lime juice. This will help the flavors soak into the meat.

After marinating, smoke the wings at 300°F (about 150°C) for a few hours. This slow cooking method keeps the meat juicy and tender.

Enjoy these wings with your favorite sides for a complete meal. They are great for gatherings or as a special treat.

Ingredients

• 4 turkey wings
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2-3 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate turkey wings with lime juice, jerk seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Preheat the smoker to 300°F (150°C).
3. Place the marinated wings in the smoker.
4. Smoke for 2-3 hours, until cooked through.

9) Jerk Tofu Skewers

Jerk tofu skewers are a delicious and fun way to enjoy this classic Jamaican dish. They are packed with bold flavors and can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried.

Start by marinating the tofu in a mix of jerk seasoning, soy sauce, and lime juice. This way, the tofu absorbs all the tasty spices. Once marinated, skewer the tofu with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions for added flavor and nutrition.

Cook the skewers on the grill until they are golden and slightly charred. This can take about 10-15 minutes at a medium-high heat of 375°F (190°C). Serve these skewers as a main dish or a side at your next barbecue.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu (1 block)
• Jerk seasoning (2 tablespoons)
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• Lime juice (1 tablespoon)
• Bell peppers (1, chopped)
• Onions (1, chopped)

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and cube the tofu.
2. Mix jerk seasoning, soy sauce, olive oil, and lime juice.
3. Marinate tofu cubes for at least 30 minutes.
4. Skewer tofu with bell peppers and onions.
5. Grill or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.

10) Caribbean Jerk Curry

Caribbean jerk curry is a flavorful dish that combines the bold spices of jerk seasoning with a creamy curry sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a taste of the Caribbean.

To start, you’ll need chicken, which absorbs the spices well. You can also use vegetables for a vegetarian version.

The blend of spices gives the dish its unique taste. The spices make the dish flavorful.

Cooking this curry involves simmering the chicken in coconut milk. It adds richness and balances the heat from the spices. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 5-6 chicken breasts or mixed vegetables
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the chicken with jerk seasoning.
2. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and curry powder.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
6. Serve over rice.
7. Enjoy!