Think of this Jamaican all purpose seasoning like your go-to classic Caribbean spice blend! It’s a special blend of herbs and spices that instantly delivers that punchy aromatic flavour to a variety of dishes.
Whether you’re grilling chicken pieces, roasting vegetables, or going all in on a rich spiced curry, this versatile seasoning is the perfect way to load up every bite with authentic Jamaican jerk seasoning vibes!
This recipe was inspired by my Jerk Chicken Sandwich on this site. I love the Caribbean flavours and wanted a homemade seasoning that’s ready to use straight from the jar for a delicious jerk sandwich anytime.
Jump to:
What is Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning?
There’s lots to love about this island spice mix—a Caribbean cooking staple built around natural ingredients that perfectly balance heat, sweetness, and earthiness. The fiery chilli peppers, fragrant thyme, and warming Jamaican pimento (allspice) make an unbeatable combo.
Whether you’re seasoning chicken drumsticks or roasting veggies, this homemade Jamaican all-purpose seasoning fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma and delivers great flavour—it’ll quickly become a spice cabinet favourite!
Ingredients for Jamaican Seasoning
- Ground allspice
- Brown sugar (or Cane sugar)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Smoked paprika
- Black ground pepper (or white pepper)
- Ground sea salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cumin
- Cayenne pepper (or Crushed scotch bonnet chillies if you have access to it (adjust for heat level)
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Step 1:
- Thoroughly pound all the ingredients in mortar pestle. Or grind in spice grinder.
- Taste the seasoning mix and adjust for spice or salt preference.
Step 2:
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
- Give the seasoning a good stir before each use.
Hint: Crushed or powdered Scotch bonnet chillies are your ticket to that fruity, fiery Jamaican heat—perfect for jerk flavours. If you can’t find them, cayenne pepper is a good backup, but for an extra punch, mix cayenne with a little sweet red pepper or habanero.
How to Use Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning
- For Chicken, Pork, Fish, or Tofu:
- Coat your chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks generously in the seasoning. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the jerk flavours before grilling, roasting, or frying.
- For a deep pan roast, mix the seasoning with a little vegetable oil and few ml of water to form a marinade.
- For Vegetables & Rice Dishes:
- Toss your favourite vegetable dishes with a sprinkle of this seasoning and a touch of olive oil before roasting.
- Add it to rice flour batter for crispy coated veggies.
- Mix it into cooked rice for an easy, flavourful side dish. (Add a dollop of butter for extra richness.)
- For Stews & Curries:
- Enhance your curry or chicken by adding a spoonful of this seasoning for depth and warmth for a burst of flavour..
- Deglaze the bottom of the pan with broth after searing meat to capture all the flavours.
Recipe Ideas Using Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning
Jerk Spiced Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Marinate chicken pieces in the seasoning with a splash of vegetable oil and fresh spring onions.
- Grill over high heat until charred and cooked through.
- Serve with a sweet red pepper and mango salsa.
Spicy Roasted Potatoes with Tamarind Chutney
- Toss potato wedges in seasoning and tablespoon chicken seasoning for extra depth.
- Roast until crispy, then serve with a tangy chutney.
Jamaican Spiced Chickpea Salad
- Coat chickpeas in seasoning and roast for a crunchy topping.
- Toss with greens, fresh green pepper, and a garlic herbs dressing.
Storage Tip
Keep your Jamaican all-purpose seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This preserves its punchy aromatic flavour for up to 6 months. Give it a good stir before each use!
FAQ
They add that distinctly Jamaican, fiery kick and a fruity, slightly sweet undertone that sets this seasoning apart from other chilli peppers.
Absolutely—just use powdered or crushed Scotch bonnet chillies. They’ll bring a fruitier, hotter kick, so start with a smaller amount and work your way up. If you only have fresh Scotch bonnets, you’ll need to dehydrate and grind them first to keep the spice blend dry.
It depends on how much chilli you add! If you prefer milder heat, start with less and adjust upward. If you love the fiery chilli peppers vibe, be generous!
Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2
Description
The all-purpose Jamaican jerk seasoning will elevate the flavour’s of various dishes and give them a Caribbean twist. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste preferences and enjoy experimenting with this versatile spice blend!
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Ground allspice
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 2 tsp Dried thyme
- 2 tsp Paprika smoked
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
Instructions
- Place all the spices into a mortar and pestle, or a coffee/spice grinder if you have one.Â
- Pound or pulse the mixture until everything’s evenly blended, giving you a balanced punch of flavour in every pinch. Â
- Have a quick taste—adjust the cayenne pepper or other spices if you want more heat or complexity. Â
- Transfer your Jamaican all purpose seasoning into an airtight container or spice jar with a tight-fitting lid. Â
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It’ll stay flavourful for several months!
Notes
How to use this Jamaican all purpose seasoning?
- For Chicken, Pork, Fish, Shrimp, Beef, or Tofu:
Rub the seasoning mix generously on the protein of your choice, making sure it's well coated. For the best results, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer, if possible) before cooking. Grill, bake, pan-fry, or roast the protein until it's fully cooked and has absorbed the delicious Jamaican jerk flavors. - For vegetables:
Toss your favorite vegetables with a little olive oil and then sprinkle the Jamaican jerk seasoning over them. Roast the seasoned vegetables in the oven until they are tender and infused with the savory spice blend. - If you’re feeling adventurous and can find or make Scotch bonnet chilli powder, add a small pinch to amp up the fiery Jamaican heat. If you prefer a milder flavour omit the cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
If you enjoyed this seasoning recipe, you might also love our Tandoori Mayo recipe! It's a game-changer.
Beth says
My new favourite go to spice. Have it in jar ready to go, use it on tacos, burgers, veggies, eggs... love it!