Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce is a spicy, smoky, and flavourful condiment blending traditional jerk spices with sweet, tangy barbecue elements, perfect for grilling meats and seafood.
The inspiration came from watching Caribbean cooks expertly prepare this sauce, blending fresh peppers and spices.
Years of experience making this sauce helped me understand its unique taste and complexity. Now, ready to share this recipe, every step will be shown clearly to help recreate this vibrant and flavourful sauce from start to finish.
Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce
This Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce stands out because of its unique blend of bold spices, heat, and sweetness. The main speciality lies in its authentic jerk seasoning using ingredients like allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, fresh thyme, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that gives it a deep, complex flavour.
Combined with tangy tomato base, brown sugar, and a splash of rum, the sauce delivers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that truly capture the essence of Caribbean cooking.
How To Prepare Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: Caribbean
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Blender or food processor
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons & cups
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- ½ cup tomato puree
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Caribbean-style hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
Spices & Seasonings:
- ½ tablespoon whole allspice (crushed or ground)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Fresh Aromatics:
- 2–3 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded for less heat (or leave seeds for extra spice)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ white onion, chopped
- 1 green onion (scallion), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon lemon zest
How To Make Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce?
1. Make The Aromatic Base:
Toss the garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, white onion, green onion, thyme, and lemon zest (if you’re using it) into a blender or food processor. Blend it all together until you’ve got a smooth paste.
2. Start The Sauce:
Heat a little oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and cook for a minute or two just enough to bring out the aroma.
3. Build The Flavor:
Stir in the tomato puree, tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, rum, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce. Mix everything together well.
4. Season It:
Sprinkle in your spices and seasonings. Stir to make sure everything is evenly combined.
5. Let It Simmer:
Turn the heat down and let the sauce simmer without a lid for 15 to 20 minutes. Give it a stir now and then. You’re looking for it to thicken up.
6. Smooth It Out (Optional):
If you prefer a silky smooth sauce, you can blend it again after it cooks. An immersion blender works great here.
7. Finish Up:
Let the sauce cool completely, then pour it into a clean, sterilised jar or bottle.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
Helpful Tips Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce
➢ Adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers or removing the seeds for milder spice.
➢ Toast whole spices like allspice before adding them to deepen the flavor.
➢ Use fresh thyme and garlic to enhance the authentic taste of the sauce.
➢ Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
➢ Add rum for a richer, more complex flavor, or substitute with vinegar for an alcohol-free version.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
➤ Contains antioxidants from spices like allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg that help protect cells.
➤ Low in calories, making it a flavorful option without adding excess energy intake.
➤ Rich in vitamins from fresh ingredients like garlic, onions, and peppers, supporting immune health.
➤ Includes capsaicin from Scotch bonnet peppers, which may boost metabolism.
➤ Contains natural vinegar, which can aid digestion and support gut health.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Brush Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce onto grilled chicken for a smoky, spicy glaze.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy fried shrimp or fish.
3. Toss roasted vegetables in the sauce for a flavorful kick.
4. Drizzle over pulled pork sandwiches to add bold Caribbean flavor.
5. Mix into ground beef for spicy jerk-flavored burgers or meatballs.
Why Peoples Like Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce?
People enjoy Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce because it offers an exciting blend of bold flavour that excite the palate.
The heat from Scotch bonnet peppers brings a thrilling kick, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and the richness of rum.
Warm spices like allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg add depth and complexity. The fresh herbs provide a lively freshness that complements grilled meats and seafood.
This unique combination creates a vibrant taste experience that keeps people coming back for more.
How Do You Preserve Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce?
To preserve Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce, let it cool completely after cooking. Transfer the sauce into a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle to maintain freshness.
Store it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in smaller portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
Always use a clean spoon when serving to avoid contamination. Proper storage keeps the flavours vibrant and the sauce safe to enjoy over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Give Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce Its Signature Heat?
Scotch bonnet peppers are the key source of heat in the sauce.
Can I Make The Sauce Less Spicy?
Removing the seeds from the peppers or using fewer peppers reduces the spiciness.
Is Rum Necessary In The Recipe?
Rum adds depth, but it can be omitted or replaced with vinegar for an alcohol-free version.
Can This Sauce Be Used As A Marinade?
Yes, it works wonderfully to marinate meats before grilling or roasting.
What Dishes Pair Well With Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce?
Grilled chicken, pork ribs, seafood, and roasted vegetables all complement this sauce beautifully.
Conclusion
I had an easy and enjoyable time making this delicious Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce, and I hope it inspires you to try it yourself.
The process is simple, and the results are full of vibrant, bold flavours. I’m confident you’ll love how it turns out.
If you make it, please let me know how delicious it is and how much you enjoyed the experience. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Here Are Some Quick BBQ Sauce Recipes You Might Enjoy
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe In 15 Minutes
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce | A Southern Staple
Gates BBQ Sauce Recipe | Kansas City Style
Wojapi BBQ Sauce Recipe || Best Here
Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Blender or food processor
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons & cups
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- ½ cup tomato puree
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar light or dark
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Caribbean-style hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
Spices & Seasonings:
- ½ tablespoon whole allspice crushed or ground
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Fresh Aromatics:
- 2 –3 Scotch bonnet peppers seeded for less heat (or leave seeds for extra spice)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ white onion chopped
- 1 green onion scallion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Optional 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Make The Aromatic Base:
- Toss the garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, white onion, green onion, thyme, and lemon zest (if you’re using it) into a blender or food processor. Blend it all together until you’ve got a smooth paste.
Start The Sauce:
- Heat a little oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and cook for a minute or two just enough to bring out the aroma.
Build The Flavor:
- Stir in the tomato puree, tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, rum, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce. Mix everything together well.
Season It:
- Sprinkle in your spices and seasonings. Stir to make sure everything is evenly combined.
Let It Simmer:
- Turn the heat down and let the sauce simmer without a lid for 15 to 20 minutes. Give it a stir now and then. You’re looking for it to thicken up.
Smooth It Out (Optional):
- If you prefer a silky smooth sauce, you can blend it again after it cooks. An immersion blender works great here.
Finish Up:
- Let the sauce cool completely, then pour it into a clean, sterilised jar or bottle.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35 | Carbohydrates: 7g | Sugars: 5g | Fat: 0.5g |Sodium: 210mg | Protein: 0.5g | Fiber: 0.5g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”