10+ Jerk Recipes Jamaica: Delicious Flavors of the Caribbean

Jamaican jerk recipes are a delicious way to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. These recipes highlight the bold flavors and spices that make jerk cooking so unique and enjoyable. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking inside, jerk chicken, pork, and even vegetables can create a mouthwatering meal that impresses friends and family.

Getting started with jerk recipes can be fun and rewarding. You’ll discover a variety of ingredients and techniques that will elevate your cooking experience. Once you try these flavorful dishes, you will want to share them with everyone!

Jerk Chicken with Scotch Bonnet Peppers

Jerk chicken is a popular dish from Jamaica, known for its bold flavors and spicy kick. The key ingredient is Scotch bonnet peppers, which add heat and a unique fruity flavor.

To make jerk chicken, you start by marinating the chicken in a mix of spices. This includes the fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, along with garlic, scallions, and various herbs. The marinade helps infuse the chicken with rich flavors.

Once marinated, you can grill or bake the chicken. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor that complements the spices. Aim for a cooking temperature of around 375°F (190°C) for baking.

As you cook, the skin gets crispy while the inside remains juicy. Just be careful with the Scotch bonnet peppers; they pack a lot of heat!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or legs
• 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers
• 3 cloves garlic
• 4 scallions
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend Scotch bonnet, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, vinegar, oil, sugar, allspice, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
2. Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Cook chicken for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin

Jamaican jerk pork tenderloin is a delightful dish full of flavor. The marinade includes spices like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. These create a rich and spicy taste that makes your mouth water.

You can prepare this dish by marinating the pork overnight. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Roast the tenderloin for about 25-30 minutes. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve your jerk pork with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Jamaica right at home!

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1-2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons allspice
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
2. Coat the pork tenderloin with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Roast the pork for 25-30 minutes.
6. Let it rest, then slice and serve.

Jerk Fish Tacos

Jerk fish tacos are a tasty twist on traditional tacos. The fish is seasoned with jerk spice, giving it a spicy and aromatic flavor. You can use any firm fish, like salmon or snapper.

To start, cook the fish in a pan until it’s flaky. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C). While the fish cooks, prepare fresh toppings.

Add toppings like mango salsa or a zesty coleslaw. These add a sweet crunch that pairs well with the spicy fish. Warm your tortillas for the best texture.

Now it’s time to assemble your tacos. Place a piece of fish on a tortilla, add your toppings, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound firm fish (like salmon or snapper)
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup mango salsa or coleslaw
• Lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the fish with jerk seasoning.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Cook the fish for 4-5 minutes on each side.
4. Warm the tortillas.
5. Assemble tacos with fish and toppings.

Grilled Jerk Shrimp with Mango Salsa

Grilled jerk shrimp with mango salsa is a delicious and easy dish. The shrimp is marinated in a flavorful jerk seasoning, giving it a spicy kick. Pairing it with sweet mango salsa adds a refreshing touch.

To start, prepare your shrimp by marinating them in jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and honey. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavors.

While the shrimp is marinating, make the mango salsa. Combine diced mango, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro in a bowl. Add lime juice for extra zest.

Once you’re ready, heat your grill to medium (about 350°F or 175°C). Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.

Serve the shrimp topped with the fresh mango salsa for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Jerk seasoning
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Mango (diced)
• Red onion (diced)
• Bell pepper (diced)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate shrimp in jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and honey for 15-20 minutes.
2. Mix diced mango, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro in a bowl with lime juice.
3. Preheat the grill to medium (350°F or 175°C).
4. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked.
5. Serve with mango salsa on top.

5) Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers

Making Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers is a fun way to enjoy a flavorful twist on traditional burgers. You’ll start with ground turkey, which is leaner than beef but still juicy when cooked well.

Add ingredients like minced onions, soy sauce, and orange zest for a burst of flavor. You can also mix in some Jamaican jerk seasoning to spice things up.

Grill the burgers on a hot grill at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes per side. Avoid pressing down on the burgers while cooking as this can dry them out.

Feel free to top your burgers with fresh pineapple salsa for a sweet contrast to the savory spices.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
• Optional: fresh pineapple salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, minced onion, soy sauce, orange zest, and jerk seasoning.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
4. Grill the patties for about 5 minutes on each side.
5. Serve with optional pineapple salsa on top.

Vegan Jerk Jackfruit Tacos

Vegan jerk jackfruit tacos are a delicious way to enjoy a classic Jamaican flavor in a plant-based form. Jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork, making it an excellent meat substitute.

To prepare, you’ll need to cook jackfruit with spicy jerk seasoning. This gives it a bold, flavorful kick. Top it with fresh toppings like avocado and mango salsa for a refreshing contrast. Soft corn tortillas are perfect for wrapping all the goodness inside.

These tacos are not only tasty but also nutrient-rich. They provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that benefit your health. Enjoy these tacos for a lunch option or a fun dinner with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 can of young green jackfruit (in water or brine)
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 cup mango salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the jackfruit.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Add jackfruit and jerk seasoning; cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Use a fork to shred the jackfruit.
5. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan.
6. Assemble tacos with spiced jackfruit, avocado, and mango salsa.

7) Jerk Sweet Potato Fries

Jerk sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthy twist on regular fries. They combine the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the spicy flavor of Jamaican jerk seasoning for a delicious snack or side dish.

To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For the fries, cut your sweet potatoes into strips that resemble traditional fries.

Next, coat the fries with a bit of grapeseed oil and sprinkle jerk seasoning over them. This adds a nice kick and authentic flavor.

Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake them for about 25 minutes or until they turn brown and crispy.

Enjoy these fries hot out of the oven as a side or snack!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the sweet potatoes into strips.
3. Coat the fries with grapeseed oil.
4. Sprinkle jerk seasoning over the fries.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.

Jerk Tofu Stir-Fry

Jerk tofu stir-fry is a delicious and spicy way to enjoy tofu. The combination of bold Jamaican spices and fresh vegetables creates a vibrant dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that packs a flavor punch.

To make this stir-fry, start by marinating the tofu in jerk sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought jerk seasoning. This will infuse the tofu with rich flavors.

Next, stir-fry your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, and broccoli work well. Cook them until they are tender but still crisp. Combine the tofu with the veggies in the pan.

Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy, making it a fantastic choice for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooked rice or noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and drain the tofu, then cut it into cubes.
2. Marinate the tofu in jerk seasoning for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
4. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the tofu and set it aside.
6. Stir-fry the bell pepper, onion, and broccoli for 3-5 minutes.
7. Add the tofu back to the pan and mix well.
8. Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

9) Jerk Pineapple BBQ Sauce

Jerk Pineapple BBQ Sauce is a delicious and unique blend of flavors. The sweetness of pineapple pairs perfectly with the spicy notes of traditional jerk seasoning. This sauce adds a tropical twist to your grilled dishes.

To prepare this sauce, gather your ingredients. You will need pineapple juice, brown sugar, jerk spice, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients create a balance of sweet and spicy that enhances any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice and brown sugar over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add jerk seasoning, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Allow the sauce to cool before using it as a marinade or dipping sauce.

10) Jamaican Jerk Ribs

Jamaican jerk ribs are full of flavor and easy to make. The key is in the jerk seasoning, which blends sweet and spicy. You’ll want to use ingredients like Scotch Bonnet peppers for heat and a mix of spices for depth.

Start by preparing your ribs. Make sure to wash them with vinegar or lime juice to clean and tenderize the meat. Next, apply the jerk seasoning generously, rubbing it into all the crevices.

To marinate, place the seasoned ribs in a ziplock bag. Let them sit in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight if you can. This allows the flavors to soak in.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to about 300°F (150°C). Cook your ribs low and slow for the best texture. Aim for a cooking time of about two to three hours, turning occasionally for even cooking.

Ingredients

• Baby back ribs
• Jerk seasoning
• Vinegar or lime juice
• Garlic salt
• Paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the ribs with vinegar or lime juice.
2. Apply jerk seasoning generously.
3. Place ribs in a ziplock bag and marinate in the fridge.
4. Preheat the grill to 300°F (150°C).
5. Cook ribs for 2-3 hours, turning occasionally.