Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe is a flavorful blend of spices, sweet and smoky ingredients that bring bold Caribbean taste to any dish.
The sauce delivers a delicious mix of heat and sweetness that I find irresistible every time I make it. I usually prepare this sauce in my kitchen while playing some reggae music to set the mood and connect with the culture.
The moment I decided to try making it was when I wanted to recreate authentic Jamaican flavors at home. Now, I’ll explain how to make this tasty Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce Recipe
You’ll love this Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe because it brings authentic Jamaican flavors right to your kitchen. The balance of spicy, sweet, and smoky notes makes every bite exciting and satisfying.
I enjoy how easy it is to prepare, yet it tastes like it took hours to make. This Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe adds a unique kick to grilled meats and even vegetables, making meals more memorable.
I also appreciate that the ingredients are simple and easy to find, so you can whip it up anytime. Once you try this, it quickly becomes a go-to for adding bold flavor to your cooking.
How To Prepare Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Condiment/Sauce
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Caribbean
Yield: About 2 cups of sauce
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Container or jar for storage
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 tablespoons Walkerswood Jerk Paste (medium heat recommended)
- 6 ounces canned pineapple juice
- 1 ¼ cups ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
Instructions
1. Start by heating a medium saucepan over medium heat. Put the Walkerswood Jerk Paste in the pan and let it warm up for about a minute until you can really smell the spices.
2. Next, add the canned pineapple juice and ketchup. Mix them together well so the ketchup blends smoothly with the juice.
3. Then pour in the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Whisk everything so the sauce becomes uniform and well combined.
4. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of kosher salt. Keep stirring so the spices mix in evenly without any clumps. Add the liquid smoke and stir once more to combine it all.
5. Bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down low. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then until it thickens a bit and the flavors come together nicely.
6. Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Once it’s not too hot, pour it into a jar or container. You can use it right away or keep it in the fridge for later.
Notes: This Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe is fantastic brushed over grilled chicken, pork, or fish for a true Jamaican jerk flavor. For a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve after cooking. If you prefer less smoky flavor, reduce the liquid smoke by half.
Nutrition Facts Of Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce Recipe
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 60 |
Fat | 0g |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Sugars | 13g |
Protein | 0g |
Sodium | 400mg |
Why My Recipe Works
My recipe works because it uses the right balance of spices and ingredients that bring out authentic Jamaican jerk flavors. I focus on layering heat, sweetness, and smokiness so the sauce never tastes one-dimensional.
Heating the jerk paste first helps release those rich spices, giving the sauce depth. Combining pineapple juice and honey adds just enough sweetness to balance the spice without overpowering it.
Cooking the sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld and thicken naturally. Every step builds on the last, creating a sauce that’s bold, balanced, and packed with flavor every time I make it.

Usage Suggestions
This Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe is incredibly versatile. I love brushing it on grilled chicken or pork for that authentic jerk flavor. It’s also amazing as a marinade just coats your meat and let it soak up the spices before cooking.
You can drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce for wings and fries. Sometimes, I even mix it into pulled pork sandwiches for an extra kick.
It works great as a glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to build a sticky, flavorful crust. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll find yourself using it on everything!
Health Benefits of Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce
While this Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe is primarily enjoyed for its bold flavor, it also offers a few health perks:
✔ Spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg have antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
✔ Ginger is known for aiding digestion and reducing nausea.
✔ Pineapple juice provides a natural source of vitamin C and brome laid an enzyme that may help with digestion and reduce inflammation.
✔ Using apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor and may support gut health and blood sugar regulation.
✔ The sauce contains natural sweeteners like honey, which can be a better alternative to refined sugars when used in moderation.
Tips And Variations
➤ Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, start with 1 tablespoon of jerk paste and add more gradually. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra jerk paste.
➤ Fresh Ingredients: If you can, use fresh ginger instead of ground for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
➤ Swap the Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice works beautifully and adds a fresher sweetness. You can also substitute with orange juice for a slightly different citrus twist.
➤ Make It Thicker: If you like a thicker, glaze-style sauce let it simmer longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken it up.
➤ Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in some chopped fresh thyme or scallions at the end of cooking for an herbaceous boost.
Substitutions
◆ Jerk Paste: If you don’t have Walkers wood, any good-quality jerk seasoning or paste will work. You can also make your own by blending allspice, thyme, scallions, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
◆ Pineapple juice: Orange juice or mango juice can be swapped in for a different fruity twist.
◆ Ketchup: Substitute with tomato sauce or tomato paste diluted with a little water if you want a less sweet or less thick base.
◆ Worcestershire sauce: Use soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option.
◆ Honey: Replace with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar to keep it vegan or vary the sweetness.
Storage Instructions
After making the Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe, I let it cool completely before storing. I keep it in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge. It stays fresh for about one to two weeks.
If I want to keep Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe longer, I freeze smaller portions in ice cube trays and thaw them as needed. Always use a clean spoon when scooping to avoid contamination.
Before using leftover sauce, I give it a good stir to bring back its original texture. Proper storage helps keep the flavors bright and the Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe tasting just as delicious every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day or two in the fridge, allowing the spices to meld together beautifully.
How spicy is this sauce?
It depends on how much jerk paste you use. The recipe calls for medium heat, but you can adjust it to mild or extra spicy by changing the amount of jerk paste or adding fresh chili peppers.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned juice?
Yes, fresh pineapple juice adds a fresher, brighter flavor. Just blend and strain fresh pineapple to get the juice, and use it in the same amount.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Typically, yes most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, check your Worcestershire sauce and jerk paste labels, as some brands may contain gluten.
How should I use this sauce?
It’s perfect for marinating or glazing grilled meats like chicken, pork, or shrimp. You can also use it as a dipping sauce or to add flavor to roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
This amazing extra Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe has truly become one of my favorites to enjoy. Every time I eat it, the bold flavors and perfect balance of spice and sweetness bring me so much satisfaction.
I’m confident that you now understand how to make this Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe easily at home. It’s a simple way to add exciting Caribbean taste to your meals.
I encourage you to try it and experience how much it can elevate your cooking. Once you make Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce recipe, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.
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Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Container or jar for storage
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 tablespoons Walkerswood Jerk Paste medium heat recommended
- 6 ounces canned pineapple juice
- 1 ¼ cups ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
Instructions
- Start by heating a medium saucepan over medium heat. Put the Walkerswood Jerk Paste in the pan and let it warm up for about a minute until you can really smell the spices.
- Next, add the canned pineapple juice and ketchup. Mix them together well so the ketchup blends smoothly with the juice.
- Then pour in the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Whisk everything so the sauce becomes uniform and well combined.
- Sprinkle in the cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of kosher salt. Keep stirring so the spices mix in evenly without any clumps. Add the liquid smoke and stir once more to combine it all.
- Bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down low. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then until it thickens a bit and the flavors come together nicely.
- Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Once it’s not too hot, pour it into a jar or container. You can use it right away or keep it in the fridge for later.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce Recipe
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 60 |
Fat | 0g |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Sugars | 13g |
Protein | 0g |
Sodium | 400mg |