Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce

If you love jerk chicken and you love BBQ, this is going to be your new favorite sauce.

The best of both worlds, this Jamaican Jerk BBQ sauce combines jerk seasoning and spices with traditional BBQ flavors to create a spicy and tangy sauce that works well as a marinade, or even as a dipping sauce.

Personally, I’ve used this BBQ sauce to marinade some spicy jerk kebobs during a camping trip (everyone LOVED them), and also for some jerk bbq chicken.

Is Jamaican Jerk BBQ sauce spicy?

Well, it’s not not spicy, but it definitely is customizable! I, for example, use the Mild version of Walkerswood Jerk Paste in this recipe and still get plenty of heat. Just be mindful and use as much (or as little) paste as you’d like.

What can I use Jamaican Jerk BBQ sauce on?

Anything your heart desires! I personally use it a lot on grilled chicken and I’ve also used it as a steak marinade for some Jamaican Jerk skewers I brought to a camping weekend.

Some other ideas include:

• Chicken
• Steak
• Meatballs (Jerk meatballs? YES, PLEASE!)
• Jerk kebabs

Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce Ingredients

You’ll probably have a majority of these ingredients already at home! Here’s what you need:

Ketchup: The base of this BBQ sauce.

Walkerswood Jerk Paste: Necessary for the signature jerk flavor. You can buy it in Amazon if your local store doesn’t carry this brand. Here’s the mild version and here’s the hot version.

Worcestershire sauce: For depth.

Pineapple juice: For some classic Jamaican sweetness.

Honey: For a touch more sweetness.

Spices (cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and ginger): For warmth.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a touch to add some tang.

How to Make Jamaican Jerk BBQ

It’s really so simple! Just add everything to a saucepan and let it simmer for ~10 minutes. TA-DA!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Jamaican jerk BBQ sauce milder?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of Jamaican jerk BBQ sauce by reducing the amount of jerk seasoning. You can also balance the heat with sweetness by adding more sugar or using fruits like pineapple or mango in the sauce.

How long does Jamaican jerk BBQ sauce last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Jamaican jerk BBQ sauce can last for up to a few weeks. However, it’s best to consume it within a week or two for the freshest flavor.

Can I use Jamaican jerk BBQ sauce as a marinade?

Yes, Jamaican jerk BBQ sauce works wonderfully as a marinade. Simply coat your meat (chicken, pork, or even tofu) with the sauce and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before grilling or cooking.

Can I freeze Jamaican jerk BBQ sauce?

Yes, Jamaican jerk BBQ sauce freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving some room for expansion, and it should last for several months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using, and give it a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients.