Jamaican Jerk Marinade is a vibrant and flavorful blend of bold spices, fresh herbs, and heat that brings the taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. Known for its complex combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy elements, this marinade features ingredients like Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and lime juice, creating the perfect balance for grilling meats, especially chicken or pork. The key to authentic jerk flavor lies in marinating the meat long enough for the spices to penetrate, resulting in a smoky, aromatic, and slightly fiery dish that’s packed with personality. This versatile marinade is ideal for barbecuing or roasting, bringing a taste of Jamaica to any meal!
Ingredients
- 3-4 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habanero peppers for a milder heat), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 tbsp allspice berries (or 1 tbsp ground allspice)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, green onions, chopped onion, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Pulse until roughly chopped.
- Add the Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth, forming a thick paste.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer Scotch bonnet peppers depending on your spice preference.
- Marinate the Meat: Pour the marinade over your meat of choice (chicken, pork, or even fish) in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Make sure the meat is fully coated in the marinade. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Cook: Grill, bake, or roast the marinated meat to your liking. Baste with any remaining marinade during cooking for extra flavor.
This Jamaican Jerk Marinade delivers the perfect kick of spice, sweet, and tangy, giving your meats a rich, authentic Caribbean taste that’s hard to resist!
