One of the easiest ways to change up a BBQ is to swap out your regular seasonings. Jerk Seasoning is a delicious blend of aromatic spices giving a full depth with a little smoke and a tiny hint of spice. It's fantastic to rub into meats as a marinade or even to try sprinkled on large pineapple slices before you add them to the BBQ. This homemade Jerk seasoning is easy to mix up with the added advantage that you can make it to suit your family preferences.
Why is homemade jerk seasoning so good?
With homemade seasoning, you cut out all the additives, preservatives and coloring. You can keep salt / sodium to the level that you are happy with for your family too. If you don't like cinnamon you can cut it out. If you prefer a more smoky seasoning? No problem - just swap the salt for smoked salt or increase the quantity of smoked paprika.
Ingredients
Yield: Marinade For a 4 person BBQ
- 2 teaspoons allspice berries (crushed finely)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 6 cloves (crushed finely)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- A good grinding of black pepper
Instructions for homemade jerk seasoning
Grind the allspice berries until they are fine - add to a small bowl.
Grind the cloves until they are a fine powder and add to the spice bowl.
Add all the other spices and mix very well until evenly combined.
How to use homemade jerk seasoning
This delicious homemade jerk seasoning is delicious rubbed on chicken, vegetables or even fruit as a marinade before adding them to the BBQ. Cold jerk chicken is perfect cut into strips for a picnic and it's delicious in a summer salad. If it's not a BBQ type of night, try the seasoning sprinkled over a pork loin, wrapped in foil / aluminum wrap and cooked in the oven with a touch of apple juice to add moisture.