Authentic Caribbean Jerk Marinade
Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Authentic Jerk Marinade. Perfectly balanced with fresh herbs and spices, this marinade infuses your meats with a delightful heat and rich flavor. It's an excellent way to elevate chicken, pork, or even tofu dishes, giving them a memorable taste that speaks to the heart of Jamaican cuisine. Ideal for barbecues, grilling, or roasting, this marinade not only enhances your ingredients but also brings a touch of island spirit to your meals. Share it with friends and family for a tropical culinary experience!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
green onions
3 (chopped)
garlic
4 cloves (chopped)
small onion
1 (chopped)
habanero peppers
4 (stemmed and seeded)
fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (regular or low-sodium)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (extra virgin recommended)
salt
1 1/2 tablespoons (kosher or sea salt)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
ground allspice
2 teaspoons
ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing all your ingredients: chop the green onions, garlic, and small onion. Stem and seed the habanero peppers, and measure out the lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, brown sugar, thyme, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
2
In a blender, combine all the prepared ingredients. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3
Transfer the marinade into a large plastic zipper bag or a non-reactive bowl.
4
Add your choice of meat (chicken, pork, etc.) directly into the bag or bowl, ensuring the meat is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
5
Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 24 hours for optimal flavor infusion. If marinating larger cuts or meats, consider letting them sit for up to 48 hours.
6
When ready to cook, remove the meat from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Grill, bake, or roast the meat to your desired doneness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Authentic Caribbean Jerk Marinade?
It is a vibrant, spice-rich marinade designed to infuse meats like chicken, pork, or tofu with the authentic flavors of Jamaican cuisine.
How many servings does this marinade recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield enough marinade for approximately 6 servings.
What are the primary aromatics used in this recipe?
The main aromatics include green onions, garlic, and a small onion, all of which should be chopped before blending.
How many habanero peppers are required?
The recipe calls for 4 habanero peppers, which provide the signature heat of jerk seasoning.
How should the habanero peppers be prepared?
The peppers should be stemmed and seeded before being added to the blender to control the texture and heat level.
What type of citrus juice is recommended?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice for a bright, acidic balance.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifically states that you can use either regular or low-sodium soy sauce.
What type of oil should I use for this jerk marinade?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt or sea salt is recommended to provide the right seasoning level.
Is there sugar in the Caribbean Jerk Marinade?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar to balance the heat and acidity.
Which fresh herb is essential to this marinade?
Fresh thyme, finely chopped, is a key ingredient for the authentic herbal note.
What ground spices give the marinade its distinct flavor?
The distinct Caribbean flavor comes from ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare all ingredients by chopping the onions and garlic, seeding the peppers, and measuring out all liquids and spices.
How do I mix the marinade ingredients?
Combine all the prepared ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
What type of container should I use for marinating?
You should use a large plastic zipper bag or a non-reactive bowl to ensure the marinade doesn't react with the container.
How long should I marinate the meat for the best flavor?
For optimal flavor infusion, the meat should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 24 hours.
Can I marinate the meat for longer than 24 hours?
Yes, for larger cuts of meat, you can marinate them for up to 48 hours.
What should I do with the marinade when it is time to cook?
Remove the meat from the marinade and discard any excess liquid; do not reuse marinade that has touched raw meat.
What are the recommended cooking methods?
You can grill, bake, or roast the marinated meat until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While the marinade is often used for meat, it is excellent for flavoring tofu, making it suitable for vegetarian dishes.
Does the recipe include any cholesterol or fat data?
The provided nutritional data for calories, fat, protein, and cholesterol is currently unavailable for this specific recipe.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used to create this authentic jerk marinade.
Is this marinade considered spicy?
Yes, given the use of four habanero peppers, this marinade has a delightful and significant heat.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the recipe serves 6 people, a specific measured serving size per person is not provided.
Can I use this for a barbecue?
Absolutely, this marinade is described as ideal for barbecues and outdoor grilling.
What gives the marinade its 'authentic' island spirit?
The combination of allspice, thyme, and habaneros creates the traditional flavor profile associated with Jamaican jerk.
Should the onion be a specific size?
The recipe calls for one small onion, which is then chopped before blending.
How much allspice is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of ground allspice.
Is the ginger included in this version?
Based on the provided ingredient list, ginger is not included in this specific version of the marinade.
Can I use this for roasting in the oven?
Yes, the instructions specifically mention that roasting the meat is an excellent way to cook it after marinating.