This authentic Jamaican Jerk marinade delivers a complex symphony of heat, sweetness, and aromatic warmth. At its heart are fiery Scotch bonnet chiles balanced by the earthy depth of toasted pimento berries (allspice) and nutmeg. Fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions add a bright, pungent kick, while lime juice and vegetable oil bind the flavors into a lush, vibrant paste. Perfect for marinating chicken, pork, or tofu, this mixture penetrates deep into proteins, creating a charred, spicy crust when grilled or roasted. It is an essential condiment for any home cook looking to bring the bold, rustic flavors of the Caribbean to their table. Store-bought versions rarely match the intensity and freshness of this homemade blend.
Chile Pepper Jamaican Jerk Marinade
Description
This authentic Jamaican Jerk marinade delivers a complex symphony of heat, sweetness, and aromatic warmth. At its heart are fiery Scotch bonnet chiles balanced by the earthy depth of toasted pimento berries (allspice) and nutmeg. Fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions add a bright, pungent kick, while lime juice and vegetable oil bind the flavors into a lush, vibrant paste. Perfect for marinating chicken, pork, or tofu, this mixture penetrates deep into proteins, creating a charred, spicy crust when grilled or roasted. It is an essential condiment for any home cook looking to bring the bold, rustic flavors of the Caribbean to their table. Store-bought versions rarely match the intensity and freshness of this homemade blend.Ingredients
Directions
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Dry roast the pimento berries in a small skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly darkened, about 2 minutes.
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Remove the berries from heat and crush them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
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Prepare the Scotch bonnet chiles by removing stems and seeds, then roughly chop them.
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Roughly chop the green onions, garlic, and fresh ginger.
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Place the crushed pimento, chopped chiles, green onions, garlic, ginger, onion, bay leaves, cinnamon, black pepper, vegetable oil, and lime juice into a blender or food processor.
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Blend the mixture on high speed until it forms a smooth, consistent paste or sauce, scraping down the sides as needed.
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Transfer the marinade to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before using, or up to one month for storage.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 46.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.8mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.0g4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
- Sugars 11.1g
- Protein 0.1g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
