Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 sizzling spicy jerk recipes! Jerk seasoning, a blend of aromatic spices and fiery heat, has taken the culinary world by storm. Originating from Jamaica, this flavorful fusion has become a staple in many cuisines around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, these mouth-watering recipes will guide you through the art of infusing your dishes with that unmistakable jerk flair.
From classic jerk chicken and pork tenderloin to more adventurous options like vegan jerk jackfruit tacos and jerk-seasoned roasted sweet potatoes, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our collection of spicy jerk recipes and discover a world of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Classic Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Classic Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this classic jerk chicken recipe. This spicy and aromatic dish is a staple of Caribbean cuisine, perfect for grilling or baking.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup jerk seasoning (see note)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and ginger.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the jerk mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Note: Jerk seasoning can be found in most supermarkets or online. For a homemade version, combine 2 tablespoons allspice, 1 tablespoon thyme, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Cooking Time: 15-25 minutes
Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa
A sweet and spicy Caribbean-inspired dish that pairs tender pork with a tangy pineapple salsa.
Ingredients:
For the Jerk Pork Tenderloin:
– 1 (6 oz) pork tenderloin
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix jerk seasoning with olive oil.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the pork on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Meanwhile, combine pineapple chunks, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and honey in a bowl.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve the jerk pork tenderloin with the pineapple salsa spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jerk Shrimp Skewers with Mango Glaze
Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these flavorful Jerk Shrimp Skewers smothered in a tangy Mango Glaze. Perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup mango puree
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Thread shrimp onto wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill shrimp for 5-7 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango puree, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl.
6. Brush mango glaze over grilled shrimp during the last minute of cooking.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jerk Salmon with Coconut Rice
This Caribbean-inspired recipe combines the bold flavors of jerk seasoning with the creamy richness of coconut rice, perfectly paired with pan-seared salmon. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season salmon fillets with jerk seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-sear salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.
4. Cook coconut rice according to package instructions using coconut milk instead of water.
5. Serve pan-seared salmon atop coconut rice, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Jerk Turkey Burgers with Spicy Aioli
Elevate your burger game with the bold flavors of Jamaica and a creamy kick from spicy aioli.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
– Spicy Aioli (recipe below)
Spicy Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey breast, jerk seasoning, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4-6 patties, depending on desired size.
4. Grill turkey burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns and assemble with cheese (if using).
6. Spread Spicy Aioli on top of each burger patty before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jerk Beef Patties with Scotch Bonnet Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this mouthwatering recipe that combines tender beef patties with a spicy and tangy scotch bonnet sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 hamburger buns
– Scotch Bonnet Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, jerk seasoning, soy sauce, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
4. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked to desired doneness.
Scotch Bonnet Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Serve with jerk beef patties on hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (including sauce preparation)
Enjoy your delicious Jerk Beef Patties with Scotch Bonnet Sauce!
Vegan Jerk Jackfruit Tacos
Transform your taco Tuesday into a tropical fiesta with these vegan jerk jackfruit tacos! This flavorful and textured dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jackfruit (canned or fresh, drained)
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the jackfruit, jerk seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until heated through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with the jackfruit mixture and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jerk Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt
Experience the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the richness of lamb chops with the cooling freshness of mint yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 4 lamb chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup plain yogurt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the lamb chops.
4. Place the lamb chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. While the lamb is cooking, mix together chopped mint leaves and plain yogurt in a small bowl.
7. Serve the roasted lamb chops with a dollop of mint yogurt on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jerk-Seared Scallops with Citrus Slaw
Add a Caribbean twist to your seafood dinner with this flavorful and refreshing recipe.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season scallops with jerk seasoning and salt. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine orange and grapefruit segments, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve seared scallops with citrus slaw spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jerk Chicken Wings with Honey-Lime Dip
Elevate your snack game with these mouthwatering jerk chicken wings, smothered in a zesty spice blend and served with a refreshing honey-lime dip.
Ingredients:
For the jerk chicken wings:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 lime, juiced
For the honey-lime dip:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Add chicken wings and toss until fully coated.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix honey, lime juice, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
6. Serve baked chicken wings with honey-lime dip on the side.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jerk Tofu Bowls with Plantains
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional jerk seasoning, this recipe combines the spices with pan-seared tofu and roasted plantains for a deliciously unique bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. While the tofu cooks, toss the plantain slices with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the jerk seasoning. Add the cooked tofu back into the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve the jerk tofu over the roasted plantains, with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jerk Spiced Ribs with BBQ Glaze
Add a Caribbean twist to your rib game with this flavorful recipe, featuring jerk seasoning and a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds total)
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and brown sugar.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and season both sides with the jerk mixture.
4. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. While ribs are baking, combine apple cider vinegar, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
6. After ribs have baked for 2 hours, brush the BBQ glaze all over them.
7. Return ribs to oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15-20 minutes
Jerk Mahi-Mahi with Grilled Pineapple
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and aromatic Jerk Mahi-Mahi recipe, perfectly paired with grilled pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
Ingredients:
– 4 mahi-mahi fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch wedges
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the mahi-mahi fillets.
4. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, brush pineapple wedges with a little olive oil and season with salt.
6. Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
7. Serve mahi-mahi with grilled pineapple and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Slaw
Savor the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this twist on classic pulled pork sandwiches, infused with a spicy jerk seasoning and topped with a refreshing slaw.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup beer (optional)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Slaw ingredients (below)
Slaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker and add apple cider vinegar and beer (if using). Cover and cook for 6-8 hours or overnight.
5. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing shredded pork onto hamburger buns, topping with slaw, and serving immediately.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Jerk-Marinated Grilled Vegetables
Elevate your grilled vegetables with the bold flavors of jerk seasoning! This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy summer side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms)
– 1/4 cup jerk marinade (see below)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Jerk Marinade:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together jerk marinade ingredients.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove vegetables from marinade and brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the vegetables for 8-10 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jerk Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction
This Caribbean-inspired dish combines the bold flavors of jerk seasoning with the sweetness of cherry reduction, perfect for a special occasion or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 duck breasts, skin removed
– 1/2 cup jerk seasoning (allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, scotch bonnet peppers)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup cherry jam or preserves
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
3. Rub the mixture all over the duck breasts, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the duck breasts for 1-2 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the duck is cooking, combine cherry jam and chicken broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes or until reduced by half.
7. Serve the jerk duck breast with the cherry reduction spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jerk Seasoned Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your roasted sweet potatoes with the bold flavors of jerk seasoning, a Caribbean-inspired blend of spices and herbs. This recipe yields tender, caramelized sweet potatoes infused with warm, aromatic notes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean, then poke some holes in each with a fork.
3. Rub the olive oil all over the sweet potatoes, followed by a generous sprinkle of jerk seasoning.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast the sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Jerk Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
Elevate your seafood game with this Caribbean-inspired recipe that combines the sweetness of lobster with the bold flavors of jerk seasoning and garlic butter.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 lobster tails (about 1 pound)
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the lobster tails under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and minced garlic.
4. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush both sides of each lobster tail with the jerk-garlic mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
6. Dot the tops of the lobster tails with softened butter.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the lobster is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side (if desired).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 spicy jerk recipes! From classic Jamaican jerk chicken to jerk-seasoned sweet potatoes and even vegan jerk jackfruit tacos, there’s something for everyone. Savor the flavors of jerk pork tenderloin with pineapple salsa, or try your hand at jerk-seared scallops with citrus slaw. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of jerk tofu with plantains or a spicy jerk-lobster tail, these mouth-watering recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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