Irresistible Jamaican Jerk Marinade
Bring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your kitchen with this authentic Jamaican jerk sauce. Bursting with zesty spices and heat, this marinade combines the warmth of allspice and the fiery kick of scotch bonnet peppers, creating a symphony of tastes that will elevate your meats and vegetables. Ideal for marinating chicken, pork, or tofu, this sauce will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Its easy preparation and long shelf life make it a must-have for spontaneous barbecues or flavorful weeknight dinners. Transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences with this irresistible jerk marinade!
8
Servings
26.25
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pimiento (allspice berries)
1/2 cup (whole)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Garlic cloves
6-8 (peeled)
Scotch bonnet peppers
4-6 (stems removed)
Ground thyme
1 tablespoon (or 2 tablespoons of thyme leaves)
Scallions (green onions)
1-2 bunches (chopped)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (to moisten)
Instructions
1
In a food processor or blender, combine the pimiento, brown sugar, garlic cloves, scotch bonnet peppers, ground thyme, scallions, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2
Blend on high speed until smooth and well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of soy sauce to achieve a desired consistency.
3
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or more scotch bonnet peppers for extra heat, if desired.
4
Transfer the marinade to a clean jar or container and seal tightly.
5
Refrigerate the jerk marinade for at least 2 hours before using, allowing the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate your choice of meat for 4-12 hours.
6
This jerk sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for extended periods; it will remain flavorful and spicy for weeks when properly sealed.
Nutrition Information
0.19
Fat
6.75
Carbs
0.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irresistible Jamaican Jerk Marinade?
It is an authentic Caribbean sauce featuring a symphony of flavors including allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What are the primary proteins this marinade is suitable for?
It is ideal for marinating chicken, pork, or tofu.
How long should I marinate my choice of meat?
For the best results, you should marinate your choice of meat for 4 to 12 hours.
How many calories are in one serving of this jerk marinade?
Each serving contains approximately 26.25 calories.
What are the main spices used in this jerk sauce?
The main spices include pimiento (allspice berries), ground thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
How many Scotch bonnet peppers are required?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 Scotch bonnet peppers with the stems removed.
Can I adjust the heat level of the marinade?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with additional peppers for more heat or use fewer for a milder flavor.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
You should use 6 to 8 garlic cloves that have been peeled before processing.
What equipment is needed to make the marinade?
You will need a food processor or a blender to combine the ingredients until smooth.
How should the scallions be prepared?
You should use 1 to 2 bunches of scallions that have been chopped.
Is there any sugar in this marinade?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar to balance the heat.
How long should the marinade rest before use?
It is recommended to refrigerate the jerk marinade for at least 2 hours before using to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the shelf life of this homemade jerk sauce?
When properly sealed and refrigerated, it will remain flavorful and spicy for several weeks.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 0.19 grams of fat per serving.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 6.75 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I substitute ground thyme with fresh thyme?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of ground thyme with 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves.
What should I do if the marinade is too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of soy sauce to achieve your desired consistency.
Does this marinade contain cholesterol?
No, this jerk marinade recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling?
Yes, it is specifically described as being must-have for spontaneous barbecues and grilling.
What kind of pimiento should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of whole pimiento, also known as allspice berries.
How much soy sauce is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to moisten the mixture.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 0.25 grams of protein.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Should I add salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste during the blending process.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this jerk marinade.
What is the prep for the pimiento berries?
The berries are used whole in the food processor.
What type of container is best for storage?
Transfer the marinade to a clean jar or container and seal it tightly before refrigerating.
Can this be used for weeknight dinners?
Yes, its easy preparation and long shelf life make it perfect for flavorful weeknight dinners.