Suitable for Vegan and Gluten-Free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points. It is vibrant, fragrant, and full of aromatic spices that are when blended together pack an amazing flavor punch. It is easy to whip up with a few affordable ingredients and minimal prep and comes together in less than 10 minutes. Knowing exactly what goes in this Jamaican Jerk Sauce makes it a healthier than store-bought option and great for picky eaters or those with food allergies who may want to try things they may have been previously unsure of. Related Link : Best Ever Jamaican Rice and Peas. Everyone is always looking for a delicious marinade to use with their meat and this Jamaican Jerk Chicken Marinade hits the spot. You can even use this marinade in many other dishes to add a nice Caribbean flavor. It’s sooooo versatile and simple to make, you can thank me later folks.
What Is Jerk Sauce?
Jerk is a style of cooking that originated in Jamaica where a wet sauce or dry rub is applied to the meat of choice and then cooked. Jerk marinade or sauce tends to be spicy due to the classic use of scotch bonnet (a very spicy pepper option). Authentic versions should also include the use of allspice and thyme, as those ingredients really bring the right Jamaican flavors. Related Link : Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy – Less than 10 minutes is all it takes to easily whizz up this tasty marinade in your blender.Versatile – Can be used as a sauce, marinade, or a mix-in ingredient in so many different recipes.Affordable – making your own homemade jerk sauce using basic pantry staples is budget-friendly.
Tools Needed
A high powered blender.Mason jars for storing.Best ever sea salt flakes.
Jamaican Jerk Sauce Recipe Ingredients
Friends, this may look like a long list of ingredients, but most are simple everyday ingredients found in your pantry or refrigerator. This recipe uses:
scallionsgarlic cloves ginger ground pimento (allspice)dried ground nutmegground cinnamonscotch bonnet chilis tamari soy sauce (or regular soy sauce, if not gluten free)pineapple juice (or orange juice)dark brown sugarolive oilfresh thymelemon juicesalt
Ready to get down to Caribbean and Jamaican business and make some flavourful and easy to make this awesome sauce?! Gather up your ingredients and I will show you…..
How To Make Jerk Sauce
Caribbean Jerk Sauce Recipe Tips
To make the best Caribbean Jerk Sauce, make sure to blend it to your desired consistency. If you like more of a chunky Sauce, blend your ingredients a little less. Wear gloves when working with scotch bonnet or other hot peppers.Use a sharp knife to deseed your scotch bonnet chilis before using them, or your jerk marinade will be even hotter. Don’t forget to remove the woody stems of your fresh thyme sprigs. You don’t want to blend that up into your marinade.
Meal Prep and Prep Ahead
Prep Ahead – This sauce is ideal for meal prep and prepping ahead. Whip up this jerk marinade several days in advance, and store in the fridge or freeze until needed.
Add all of your ingredients to your blender.Blend it to your desired consistency.
Yeap folks, it really is that quick and easy!!! Store – You can store this in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Make sure you use an airtight jar or storage container. Freeze – Did you know you can freeze this sauce?! Simply follow the handy tips below for how to freeze this:
Portion the marinade into ice cube trays (using a silicone ice cube tray will make this much easier).Once frozen, pop out the individual ice cubes of seasoning and then add them into a labeled Ziploc freezer bag. Store in your freezer for up to 6 months.
Chef’s Tip ==> You can add the frozen cubes directly into soups, stews, or any recipe you are cooking. But if using them as a marinade, you will need to thaw the cubes first.
Recipe Variations
This is a base recipe for making the jerk marinade, so feel free to adapt with herbs and spices to suit your taste. Here are a few suggestions;
Make it chunky – toss in a handful of diced onion, bell pepper, or tomato.Vary the spices – try curry powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.Make it fruity – by adding a half cup of pineapple or mango.
FAQs
How Long To Marinate Chicken in Jerk Sauce?
Most recipes recommend marinating your meat in this homemade sauce somewhere between 24 hours and 48 hours. Any longer than 48 hours and the chicken is no longer considered safe to cook and eat. However, marinated meat can be frozen and stored inside the freezer for 2-3 months.
How Do You Make This Less Spicy?
To make this sauce recipe less spicy, you can reduce the amount of scotch bonnet pepper. Scotch bonnet is one of the hottest chiles you can have, so use them with care. Start with a small amount the first time and then add more as necessary to achieve your desired heat level. You can also use a milder chili option, like a serrano. And if you don’t want any heat at all, simply omit the chili peppers altogether. Another way to make your sauce less spicy is to add more lemon juice or lime juice or an extra teaspoon or so of the brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Make a Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Stew using this sauce.Use it to add tons of flavor to most any homemade soup recipe. I looooove mixing it into this Jamaican Carrot Soup. Serve it stir fried with the Best Ever Jamaican Rice and Peas.
More Marinades Recipes and Seasonings
Jamaican Curry Powder.Homemade Poultry Seasoning.Lemon Butter Sauce.
More Jamaican Recipes
Jamaican Rundown Recipe. Jamaican Oxtail Stew.Jamaican Sorrel Drink.Dump and Start Instant Pot Jamaican Carrot Soup.Jamaican Goat Curry.Jamaican Steamed Cabbage.Instant Pot Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge.Jamaican Vegetable Soup.Caribbean Tomato Choka.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 2 Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving of this. Originally published Jan 2020.
