Jamaican Jerk Rub

The Taste of the Caribbean

Who doesn’t love grilling and BBQ as much as I do? For the ultimate BBQ fun, you need a homemade rub. Rubs not only enhance the flavor of various meats but can also be used to season vegetables and other dishes.

When the temperatures rise and the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than the smell of freshly grilled meat wafting through the garden. Grilling and BBQ are more than just a cooking method—they’re a lifestyle. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pitmaster, there are always new techniques and recipes to discover that will take your BBQ experience to the next level.

Grilling brings people together. It’s the perfect occasion to gather friends and family, enjoy the outdoors, and share delicious meals. The combination of good food, fresh air, and a friendly atmosphere makes every BBQ a special event. Moreover, grilling offers a variety of cooking possibilities—from juicy steaks to marinated vegetables and sophisticated desserts from the grill.

BBQ goes a step further. It’s all about slow cooking at low temperatures, which intensifies the flavor of the meat and makes it particularly tender. The right mix of rubs, marinades, and smoke is essential to creating the perfect BBQ experience. Whether you’re a fan of classic spareribs, tender pulled pork sandwiches, or spicy jerk chicken, there are no limits to your creativity when it comes to BBQ.

 

A few tips for your next grilling adventure:

  1. Preparation is key: Marinating and seasoning can be done hours or even days in advance to intensify the flavor.
  2. Temperature control: A good BBQ thermometer helps you maintain the perfect cooking temperature and cook your food to perfection.
  3. Experiment: Try different types of wood for smoking to discover new flavors.
  4. Enjoy together: The best part of grilling and BBQ is sharing the delicious results with others.

Today, I’m taking you on a culinary journey to the Caribbean and presenting you with a recipe for a homemade Jamaican Jerk Rub. This spicy rub gives spareribs, meat, or poultry from the grill an incomparable flavor that will delight you and your guests. Homemade always tastes best, and with this simple recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Jamaica to your grill anytime.

Making the Jamaican Jerk Rub

Jamaican cuisine is known for its intense and versatile flavors. The Jerk Rub is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and slightly hot components, traditionally used in the Caribbean to marinate meat and poultry. With a few ingredients and a mortar, you can easily make this exotic seasoning blend yourself.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: ⚫⚪⚪⚪⚪
Jamaican Jerk Rub © Alexandra Gorsche
Jamaican Jerk Rub © Alexandra Gorsche

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp ginger powder
  • 1 tbsp coarse salt
  • 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp chili powder (Scotch Bonnet or Habanero)
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp Chickendales seasoning, if available
  • ½ tsp Black BBQ, smoked chili

PREPARATION

Finely grind all the ingredients in a mortar until you achieve a uniform mixture. That’s it!

Application:

  1. Before grilling, generously rub the mixture onto meat or poultry.
  2. Alternatively, you can mix the rub with a bit of oil and brush it onto the meat during grilling to add extra flavor and moisture.
TIP

If you make a larger batch, simply store the rub in a jar and use it as needed. This way, you’ll always have a supply of this delicious seasoning blend on hand and can give your grill dishes a touch of the Caribbean anytime.

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