posted July 18, 2020, updated Mar 2, 2022, by Shana Thomas
This Jamaican Jerk Marinade is earthy, smokey, sweet, and mildly spicy. It’s so delicious that you’ll want to drizzle it over everything! If you love jerk food as much as I do, this recipe is perfect for you.
Experience the charm of my go-to homemade jerk-inspired sauce, a versatile vegan marinade that brings a taste of Jamaica to your table. Whether marinating overnight or enhancing BBQ gatherings, this easy and delightful sauce adds a hint of spice to any dish. Explore the soulful flavors of Jamaican jerk in a simple, yet sensational seasoning that elevates everything from tempeh scrambles to family gatherings. Capture the essence of Jamaica’s authentic jerk, where vibrant tastes crafted by locals deliver rich and satisfying flavors—no need for excessive heat. Immerse yourself in the warmth and flavor of this vegan jerk-inspired marinade.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers are a common ingredient used to make jerk seasoning & marinade. However, for less heat, I opted for a jalapeño because it’s a bit more accessible. If you enjoy more heat and can locate them then use the scotch bonnet peppers.
What is the difference between jerk seasoning and jerk marinade?
Jerk seasoning is a dry spice blend and a jerk marinade comes in a liquid form. The spice blend is meant to be rubbed into your meat of choice and left in the fridge overnight before grilling. The marinade is a quicker version of the spice blend. Both can be used on any food of your choice. Check out the Spruce Eats website, for a homemade jerk spice seasoning recipe.
3 Main Ingredients of Jerk Seasoning
The three main ingredients are scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and allspice.
What is Jamaican Jerk Marinade Made of
This recipe comes together quickly with a blend of herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients.
- Vegetable: white onion
- Herbs: thyme, scallion
- Spices: garlic, fresh ginger, jalapeño, salt, black pepper, ground allspice, cayenne pepper, ground nutmeg
- Vinegar/Oils/liquids: maple syrup, tamari, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, neutral oil (olive oil or avocado oil)
How to Make This Jerk Marinade
In a high-powered blender, combine the onion, scallion, garlic, ginger, jalapeno, maple syrup, thyme, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, cayenne, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, tamari, olive oil, and 1 cup of water and blend until smooth.
How long does this jerk marinade last
The jerk marinade lasts up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. For longer use, make a batch put it in an air-tight glass container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just unthaw, and drizzle over your quick, easy vegan lunch or dinner.
More Jamaican-Inspired Recipes
Sweet Coconut Rice & Pigeon Peas
This recipe is made with coconut milk, thyme, allspice, and fresh ginger. Works perfectly alone or as a side dish.
Jerk Tempeh Scramble
My delicious Jerk Tempeh Scramble is perfect for breakfast. It’s made with broccoli, cauliflower, bell pepper, spinach, and my jerk marinade.
Charred Cabbage & Carrots
This recipe by Ayesha Curry for Bon Appetit is one of my favorites. The cabbage is braised in lime juice, allspice, thyme, red pepper flakes, & much more. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is sure to steal the show.
Vegan Rum Cake
This rum cake by Bronwyn of Crumbs & Caramel is moist, soft, and delicious for any night of the week or the holidays.
Check out more vegan dips & sauces
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Homemade Jamaican Jerk Marinade (Ready in 5 Minutes)
Ingredients
- pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cop chopped white onion
- 1 small scallion white and green parts
- 1 small garlic clove
- one 1-inch knob fresh ginger can sub for 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 small jalapeno, seeded remove seeds for less heat
- 2 tsp maple syrup or coconut sugar
- 2 tsp fresh thyme sub for dried thyme
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp tamari sub for soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar sub for white vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions
- In a high-powered blender, combine the onion, scallion, garlic, ginger, jalapeno, maple syrup, thyme, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, cayenne, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, tamari, olive oil, and 1 cup of water and blend until smooth.
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This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my affiliate notice for details.
Originally posted in July 2020. Updated in March 2022.
Wow! I love this sauce so much. Great for veggie bowls.
Hi Gina, so glad you enjoyed this marinade. Thank you so much!!