Originally from the Caribbean – especially Jamaica – jerk seasoning is a complex spice blend. It is full of flavour, mostly paired with chicken, but able to elevate most protein-based dishes.
Jerk seasoning can be found in most stores as a pre-made mix or paste and is certainly a spice you should have in your spice rack. Though there are some other spice mixes you can use instead if you run out.
Our 4 Substitutes for Jerk Seasoning
Generally, jerk seasoning uses a brown sugar base and is mixed with onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, ginger, thyme and allspice. This gives it a very complex and powerful flavour as well as a unique aroma.
Here are our top 4 substitutes for jerk seasoning:
1) Rogan Josh Seasoning
Unlike jerk seasoning that is usually sold as a seasoning powder, Rogan josh seasoning is usually sold in a pre-made paste in a jar. But it is also commonly sold as a seasoning.
You can use either one as a substitute for jerk seasoning though the paste is better for spice rubs and the seasoning for marinades.
Rogan josh seasoning is an Indian spice blend used exclusively, as the name suggests, to make a Rogan josh curry that features either lamb, goat or mutton. This is because the spice mix has been precisely tailored to complement lamb.
That being said, Rogan josh seasoning uses many of the same ingredients that jerk seasoning does.
The most important similarity is the use of ground cloves which is a key part of jerk and gives Rogan josh seasoning the same spicy hit as jerk seasoning.
Great for Chicken
Chicken is seen as a fairly neutral protein so it can adapt to make Rogan josh seasoning taste similar to jerk seasoned chicken. But beef may be too different from lamb to adapt to Rogan josh seasoning the same as chicken.
2) Ras El Hanout
This Moroccan spice consists of 8 core spices mixed together very specifically to create a burst of flavour. These include allspice, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, coriander, and ginger. Beyond that, each ras el hanout recipe will different with some containing over 50 spices!
Because it includes a lot more varied species than jerk seasoning, ras el hanout will just fall short of replicating the seasoning perfectly. Though the two spice mixes include allspice and ginger so will not be too different.
It is better to use the powdered mix to replace jerk seasoning as the paste contains a lot of butter or oil. This may not make a difference to your dish, but it will make for a more buttery-tasting rub, which will slightly alter your meat’s flavours.
Check the Label
Each ras el hanout mix will vary depending on who makes it and where you buy it from. To ensure that you buy a mix most similar to jerk seasoning, check the label for the included spices.
3) Baharat
The most important part of baharat that makes it so similar to jerk seasoning is its use of cloves which help to add that spicy, slightly sweet kick to your meal.
Baharat also includes various levels of nutmeg, cardamom, cumin and cinnamon but will vary depending on where in the middle east it is made.
Each middle eastern culture has its own take on a baharat spice mix as it is often used as a tabletop seasoning, right next to salt and pepper.
No matter what kind of baharat you use, you will get a flavour similar to jerk seasoning but ensure that the mix at least includes some allspice and ginger to ensure the best results.
Works with Anything!
Because of how it is used in middle eastern cultures, Baharat can be paired with any type of meal. Though it will best elevate lamb, fish, chicken and beef dishes.
4) Allspice
Being one of the base ingredients, allspice is included in every type of jerk seasoning. That is why it will work in every Caribbean dish without altering the taste of the dish too much.
Allspice is not a mix of spices but is actually made from a plant. Its flavours include hints of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper, which are all also included in jerk seasoning.
Though complex in its own right, allspice will not offer the same depth as jerk seasoning. Still, it can become overpowering very quickly so only use ½ as much as a recipe calls for.
Grind Fresh
It is better to buy allspice seeds and grind them yourself to release their natural aroma and flavour. That way, you can ensure that the flavouring is pure allspice.
Other Substitutes for Jerk Seasoning
Some of the listed substitutes above can be hard to find in western supermarkets, so here are a few more options that you could use instead of jerk seasoning:
- Jerk Seasoning Paste – If you don’t have the powdered seasoning to hand, you might be able to get hold of a paste instead. It will be thicker than the powdered version, but that makes it better for sauces.
- Make Your Own – It is not hard to make your own jerk seasoning blend if you have a decent selection of spices and herbs to hand. There are plenty of recipes you can follow online such as this one.
Summary
Jerk seasoning is a very special but not entirely unique spice mix. It shares some common ingredients with other spice mixes. Rogan josh seasoning is the closest pre-made seasoning you could use.