Make Jerk Seasoning A Pantry Staple!
Why hop on a plane to the Caribbean Islands to get your hands on some good old fashion jerk style cooking when you can make your own in the comfort of your home using Jirie’s dry Jamaican Jerk Seasoning rub, (mild or spicy). Our delicious spice blend was tested, designed and perfected with all natural herbs and spices to mirror the traditional Jamaican recipe to share with the world.
Jamaica is well known for its music, its beautiful sandy beaches, its fast Olympic sprinters like Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and of course the infamous Jamaican Bobsled Team, and most recently, the Jamaican sweet, spicy and tangy “Jamaican Jerk Seasoning”.
Many retail outlets offer various types of jerk seasoning, but it can be hard to find the real authentic type from “back-a-yard” in Jamaica. Look no further, because Jirie’s Jerk Seasoning has crafted the very best, flavor-packed, authentic Jamaican dry Jerk seasoning with its unique blend of sweetness, spice, and optional intense heat or the mild blend for those that don’t like that scotch bonnet heat. It is all about getting the balance of spice, sweetness, and a bit of heat to the level of your tolerance.
But what is Jamaican jerk seasoning, and why should you consider it for your pantry?
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning is said to have been curated by African plantation slaves (Maroons) who escaped into the mountains in the 1600s. Unfamiliar with the environment, the Maroons were forced to use what was available in the mountains for survival. This gave birth to one of the most iconic seasoning blends to date- Jerk Seasoning.
The blend of Scotch Bonnet pepper, sugar, herbs, and spices were used to marinate and slow roast hunted wild hogs in cooking pits. The main ingredient in the seasoning blend- Pimento was abundant in the Jamaican mountains. It is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Caribbean and Central America. The pimento berries are used in the food and cooking process. The Pimento boasts a complex flavor profile combination of spices such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Naturally, European settlers labeled the Pimento berries “Allspice”.
The seasoning blend has migrated across the world by people from the Caribbean and by visitors to the tropical islands who praised the complex and unique blended flavors of the jerk seasoning in their home countries. It is considered a staple flavoring in the global food market.
Jamaican jerk seasoning is synonymous with Jerk Chicken but the seasoning is versatile and can be applied as a dry rub to poultry, beef, lamb, goat, pork, tofu, and all types of seafood.
Jirie’s Jerk seasoning is also a great way to add some tropical flavors to your vegetables to serve as the perfect side dish or entree if you are looking for a vegan or vegetarian friendly option.
These can be barbequed, grilled, roasted, stir-fried, or sautéed. In some Caribbean countries, the seasoning blend is added to meat stews and soups for a kick of flavor. The seasoning is notorious for its spiciness and mouth-numbing heat from the addition of Scotch Bonnet and Cayenne pepper in some recipes, but the heat levels can be adjusted to preference.
Dishes prepared with jerk seasoning pair excellently with light, dry white wines with flavors of fruit and citrus, pinot noir, and merlots.
Chefs, spice junkies, and avid foodies across the globe covet the best jerk-seasoning recipe some of which document the experiences through television and social media.
Recently, some of the possible health benefits of jerk seasoning were observed. The various spices in the seasoning blend are said to be a good source of important minerals including iron, calcium, and magnesium. The hot peppers make it an excellent source of capsaicin while the incorporated herbs can give a natural boost of Vitamin C and A.
The popular scotch bonnet peppers is also said to have the added benefit of being loaded with antioxidants.
The spice blend is not only used for flavoring meats by the Maroons in Jamaica back in the 1600s, but it was also brought to light that both thyme and allspice (pimento) used in the seasoning blend contain compounds with anti-fungal benefits, which may be beneficial for neutralizing microbes that cause food poisoning.
Without a doubt, Jamaican Jerk Seasoning is an all-rounded spice blend that should be included in your pantry if you want to up your cooking game with a tastes of the Islands. The intricate flavors of the jerk seasoning forged and endured through history and culture are guaranteed to amaze and entice your taste buds.
In Jirie’s all natural Jerk seasoning blend, there are No GMO* and No MSG*. It is Gluten Free * and Kosher.
Delight your taste buds with Jirie’s mouthwatering Jerk Seasoning and feel alright.
It’s Jamaican and it’s irie mon!
Jirie, Bringing The Caribbean Home To You.
Jirie Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Ingredients
- 5 Chicken thighs (bone-in & skin on)
- 2 Key limes or 2 lemons
- 1/4 Cup of white vinegar
- 2-3 tbsp Jirie's dried Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Dried garlic (finely grated)
- 1/4 tbsp Salt ( or to taste)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse meat under cold water. Take one lime or lemon to clean the chicken by generously squeezing the juices on the meat then rinsing the meat again under cold running water. Pat dry and set aside.
- Prepare a marinade in a bowl by adding all remaining ingredients with the juice from the other lime or lemon. Add chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring that the pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or zip lock bag and let the chicken marinate for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
- In a heavy skillet (cast iron if possible), heat skillet until searing hot then lay the chicken thighs skin side down (2-3 pieces at a time). Sear on both sides until seasonings are encrusted in chicken thighs
- Remove chicken thighs and place in a prepared baking dish and roast in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Alternatively, grill chicken thighs over medium to high heat, 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
