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Homemade jerk BBQ sauce with authentic Jamaican ingredients

Jerk BBQ Sauce

This bold and flavorful Caribbean-inspired Jerk BBQ Sauce brings the heat, sweetness, and spice perfect for grilling, marinating, or dipping.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 1.5 cups
Calories 60 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Blender

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients

  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers seeded for less heat (or substitute with habaneros or milder chilies)
  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Flavor Enhancers

  • 0.25 cup brown sugar adds sweetness and depth
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free version
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh is best
  • 0.5 cup ketchup for a rich BBQ base
  • 1 tablespoon molasses or honey optional, for extra richness
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 tablespoon dark rum optional, for authentic flavor
  • 1-2 tablespoons water to thin, if needed
  • liquid smoke a few drops, optional

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add a small drizzle of oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for about 3–4 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
  • Transfer the sautéed mixture to a blender. Add the scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with the soy sauce, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and molasses or honey if using.
  • Blend on high until smooth. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the mixture is too thick.
  • Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more salt, lime juice, sugar, or pepper to balance flavors.
  • Let cool, then transfer to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use this jerk BBQ sauce as a marinade, glaze, or dip. For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke. Adjust the heat level by using fewer chilies or milder varieties.
Keyword BBQ, Jerk