Jerk is a uniquely Caribbean way to season and prepare meat — spicy, smoked and grilled. As a seasoning, it is a complex blend of onion, scallions, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, allspice, black pepper and salt. Traditionally, in Jamaica, it is rubbed into the meat of choice — typically pork or chicken — then set upon a bed of pimento wood or sheets of metal used as griddles and slow-cooked to optimal tenderness.
To Caribbean people worldwide, jerk is a taste of freedom. It is the flavor of Maroon heritage, enslaved Africans who liberated themselves from the colonial oppressors and hid in the hills of Jamaica. The mix of spices and unique preparation method yielded smoked meats that could last for days without going bad.
Today, jerk is a cultural ambassador. Like reggae music, it is Jamaican by birth and a global citizen by association. Food, like people, language and culture, is ever-evolving and jerk seasoning is as well.
In the United States, October 24th, 2021 was National Jamaican Jerk Day. Caribbean people and lovers of jerk fired up their grills and slow cooked highly-seasoned, deeply marinated cuts of their favorite meats. But, variety is the spice of life, so we’re trying out some unique jerk recipes that expand the repertoire.
Jerk Banana Ice Cream
When it comes to unusual jerk recipes, jerk banana ice cream certainly ticks the box. A blend of sweet and savory, this one is for the culinary-adventurous spirit who can appreciate the umami flavor created when banana and mild jerk seasoning are paired with each other.
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Jerk Sweet Potato Fries
Seasoning recipes that utilize jerk tend to center around pork, chicken and seafood. Jerk sweet potato fries, however, take us on the vegan and vegetarian path while giving meat-eaters an excellent side dish addition to their menus. In this recipe, the fries are baked, which allows the paprika, allspice, and powdered ginger to come alive. Add more punch to the flavor by incorporating the smoked variety of paprika. Top with a sprinkle of cilantro for a mouthwatering experience.
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Jerk Popcorn
Spice up movie night with jerk popcorn. For lovers of savory snacks, this unique Jerk recipe certainly will hit the spot. The toasted coconut flakes are great for next-level crunchiness. Pair with your favorite fizzy drink and enjoy!
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Jamaican Jerk Pickle Chips
Jamaican jerk pickle chips certainly embrace the idea of slow food. After the pickling cucumbers have been prepared in a seasoning bath, it’ll be a week before you can take the first bite, but the wait is worth it. Steeped in an herbal tea of fresh thyme, cinnamon, allspice, garlic, honey and an assortment of peppers, you might like these smoked chips so much that it becomes a selfish snack.
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Jerk Bloody Mary
Bottoms up! And this cocktail might leave you that way, literally. It’s a creeper so go easy on the number of glasses you drink. This match-up of jerk seasoning and the cocktail we all know and love works because of the preexisting complementary relationship between tomatoes and jerk seasoning. The white rum slides smoothly in, offering up a nice buzz without disturbing the flavor.
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