Sauces and Dips

Jerk sauce is a staple of Jamaican cuisine, known for its spicy, sweet, and aromatic flavor. Making authentic jerk sauce at home can bring a taste of the Caribbean to your dishes. It’s perfect for marinating chicken, pork, or even vegetables.

Here’s a recipe to make your own authentic jerk sauce:

Ingredients

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

4 to 6 garlic cloves, minced

2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeds removed and chopped (handle with care)

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves

2 teaspoons ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)

2 teaspoons black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the Scotch bonnet peppers. Remember to wear gloves when handling Scotch bonnet peppers to avoid skin irritation.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients listed. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste. If necessary, add a little water to help blend the ingredients smoothly.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the jerk sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Be careful with the heat level, as Scotch bonnet peppers are very spicy. If it’s too thick, thin it with a bit more vinegar or orange juice.
4. Marinate: Use the jerk sauce as a marinade for your choice of meat, seafood, or vegetables. Coat your protein or veggies generously with the sauce, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor absorption.
5. Cook: Cook your marinated items as desired — grilling or baking is recommended to get a charred, smoky flavor which is typical for jerk cooking.
6. Store: If there’s leftover sauce, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.