Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Authentic Jerk Sauce Recipe

This authentic jerk sauce recipe captures the fiery, smoky, and aromatic essence of traditional Caribbean cuisine. Perfect for marinating meats, glazing grilled dishes, or serving as a bold dipping sauce, it’s loaded with Scotch bonnet peppers, fresh herbs, and warm spices that deliver a mouthwatering punch of flavor. This sauce is quick to make and adds a tropical twist to any meal.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 24 hours for flavors to meld)

Ingredients

Scale

To make authentic jerk sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 4 organic Scotch bonnet peppers (or 67 regular peppers)
  • ½ large red onion or 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 5 stalks scallion (green onions), chopped
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh pimento seeds (allspice), crushed
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons oil (olive or vegetable)
  • 7 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Remove stems from Scotch bonnet peppers and roughly chop them. Peel and chop the onion, garlic, and scallions. Strip the thyme leaves from the stems. Slightly crush the pimento seeds.
  2. Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  3. If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water.
  4. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more brown sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or extra pimento for smokiness.
  5. Pour the blended mixture into a sterilized glass jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Use immediately as a marinade, grilling glaze, or dipping sauce.
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Sauce/Condiment
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24 tablespoons
  • Calories: 20 per tablespoon