My Convenient Kitchen

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
×
  • Cantaloupe salad in a white bowl, featuring melon balls, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, garnished with fresh mint and parsley.
    Cantaloupe Melon Salad
  • Two plates of crispy fried chicken bites coated in teriyaki sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, with one piece held by chopsticks, ready to be eaten.
    Easy Chicken Osaka recipe with teriyaki sauce
  • A brown plate with white rice topped with beef and onion stir fry, served with mushrooms, broccoli and coriander.
    Beef and onion stir fry
  • A cast iron skillet filled with roasted cherry tomatoes surrounding a ball of creamy burrata cheese, garnished with scattered fresh basil leaves and drizzled with balsamic glaze.
    Burrata Bruschetta
  • Golden brown wholemeal protein crumpets in a bowl with striped dish towel.
    Wholemeal Protein Crumpets
  • Beef udon noodles in a thick, flavourful sauce topped with fresh coriander, specks of chili, black sesame seeds, and a lime wedge on the side, on a white plate.
    Beef Udon Recipe
  • Juicy steak served on a bed of arugula steak salad with roasted sweet potato cubes, olives, and red onion, all plated on a vibrant orange dish.
    Arugula Steak Salad with Sweet Potato
  • A plate of tiger prawns and bok choy on a bed of jasmine rice, topped with crispy chili onion and black sesame seeds, served with a lime wedge on the side.
    Tiger shrimp with bok choy
  • Two sugar-rimmed glasses filled with pink grapefruit gin cocktails, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and slices of grapefruit.
    Grapefruit Gin Cocktail
  • Sliced crispy chicken served over a bed of brown rice, accompanied by a zucchini and cherry tomato salad, topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
    Spicy chicken rice bowl
  • A white bowl with blue rim filled with pasta with pancetta and peas, topped with torn basil leaves, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta.
    Pancetta Snow Peas with Fettuccini Pasta
  • Honey roasted macadamia nuts spread on a cookie sheet and inside a glass mason jar decorated with a Christmas ribbon.
    Honey roasted macadamia nuts
Home » Quick and Easy

Homemade Jamaican all purpose seasoning

August 14, 2023 by Ella @myconvenientkitchen

↓ Jump to Recipe

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.

A clear jar filled with mixed Jamaican seasoning, a small spoon resting inside, and a mortar and pestle in the background, ready for use. this recipe

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?
  • Ingredients for Jamaican Seasoning
  • How to make Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
  • How to Use Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning
  • Recipe Ideas Using Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning
  • Storage Tip
  • FAQ
  • Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning
  • Related
  • 8 Best Jamaican Foods to try

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.
Overhead view of a white plate holding individual mounds of spices—like ground allspice, cayenne, and thyme—ready to be blended into a Jamaican all-purpose seasoning.

How to make Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

A mortar and pestle set containing unblended Jamaican spice ingredients, ready to be pounded into a rich, aromatic 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.
A clear jar filled with mixed Jamaican seasoning, a small spoon resting inside, and a mortar and pestle in the background, ready for use.

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

Why are Scotch bonnets such a big deal?  

They add that distinctly Jamaican, fiery kick and a fruity, slightly sweet undertone that sets this seasoning apart from other chilli peppers.

Can I swap out cayenne for Scotch bonnet chillies directly?  

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.

How spicy will my dish be?   

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!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Overhead view of a white plate holding individual mounds of spices—like ground allspice, cayenne, and thyme—ready to be blended into a Jamaican all-purpose seasoning.

Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning


5 from 1 review

  • Author: Ella @myconvenientkitchen
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

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

Scale
  1. 2 tsp Ground allspice
  2. 1 tbsp Brown sugar
  3. 1 tsp Garlic powder
  4. 1 tsp Onion powder
  5. 2 tsp Dried thyme
  6. 2 tsp Paprika smoked
  7. 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
  8. ½ tsp Ground black pepper
  9. 1 tsp Sea Salt
  10. 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
  11. ½ tsp Ground nutmeg
  12. 1 tsp Ground cumin


Instructions

  • Place all the spices into a mortar and pestle, or a coffee/spice grinder if you have one. 
  • Pound or pulse the mixture until everything’s evenly blended, giving you a balanced punch of flavour in every pinch.  
  • Have a quick taste—adjust the cayenne pepper or other spices if you want more heat or complexity.  
  • Transfer your Jamaican all purpose seasoning into an airtight container or spice jar with a tight-fitting lid.  
  • 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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Tandoori mayonnaise in a blue bowl on a wooden board with mayonnaise dripping from a spoon into the bowl
    Tandoori Mayo Recipe
  • Chicken Taco seasoning ingredients half mixed in a bowl with an antique spoon
    Chicken Taco Seasoning
  • A wooden board with measured ingredients for Dijon Dressing, including Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, maple syrup or honey, extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper
    Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

If you enjoyed this seasoning recipe, you might also love our Tandoori Mayo recipe! It's a game-changer.

8 Best Jamaican Foods to try

« Jerk Chicken Sandwich
Baked Seabass »

Comments

  1. Beth says

    July 05, 2024 at 11:09 am

    My new favourite go to spice. Have it in jar ready to go, use it on tacos, burgers, veggies, eggs... love it!


Welcome!


We are big on food, family, and fun. But not so much the fuss! If you love short cuts, cheat sheets and tasty food, you came to the right place. We will share our favourite family recipes, recreate classics and show how you can enjoy cooking, without too much effort and time.

More about me

Popular

  • Golden brown Nutella tartlets with puff pastry, topped with whipped cream, a raspberry, and crushed hazelnuts, displayed on a wire rack.
    Nutella tartlets
  • Two bagels with hummus stacked one behind the other, each topped with layers of spinach leaves, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, Serrano ham, and mixed olives.
    Leftover Antipasti with Hummus Bagel
  • Bacon, egg, and cheese folded into a wrap with a nicely fried top on a wooden cutting board.
    Bacon and Egg Wrap
  • South African bunny chow, a hollowed-out ¼ loaf of bread filled with beef curry, topped with a dollop of yogurt and cilantro.
    Bunny Chow recipe - Curry in a Bread Bowl 

Seasonal

  • Thai Beef Noodle Salad on a light blue plate with peanuts, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, snow peas, fresh herbs, and beef on a blue and white tablecloth
    Thai beef salad noodles
  • Bright yellow pumpkin and carrot soup garnished with pepper in a white bowl, served with a side of crusty bread on a blue tablecloth.
    Carrot and Pumpkin Soup
  • Stack of fluffy golden brown protein pancakes on a plate
    High Protein Vanilla Buttermilk Pancakes
  • Sticky honey garlic ginger chicken pieces, garnished with scallions, black sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime, are arranged on a white plate.
    Honey Garlic Ginger Chicken

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Services
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

Copyright © 2025 My Convenient Kitchen

Overhead view of a white plate holding individual mounds of spices—like ground allspice, cayenne, and thyme—ready to be blended into a Jamaican all-purpose seasoning.