This Jamaican jerk BBQ sauce is sweet, spicy, tangy, and packed with bold jerk flavor. Made with jerk paste, pineapple juice, honey, and warm spices, it’s an easy sauce you can use as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.
I originally made this for jerk chicken, but I’ve also used it on steak, kebabs, and grilled meats. If you love Jamaican jerk flavor but want something with that classic BBQ sweetness and tang, this sauce is for you.
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.
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 Jamaican jerk skewers.
Some other ideas include:
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.
It’s really so simple! Just add everything to a saucepan and let it simmer for ~10 minutes. TA-DA!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Let me know if you have any questions!
Did you use fresh ginger or ground ginger?
Ahh so so sorry, just seeing this! I used ground ginger here, but you can use fresh if you prefer. If doing so, I'd use about 1 tbs of grated ginger, but you can start with a bit less and adjust to taste!
Going to give this a try today thank you!
Yay!! Hope you love it!!
This recipe does NOT get the attention it deserves! My family LOVES jerk chicken after a few tropical vacations. I’ve been looking for sauce similar to that and WOW!! This recipe by Dee knocks it out of the park!! I’ve made it twice now and loved it each time.
OMG! Thank you sooooo much. So happy you all love it!
This is DELICIOUS!!! I was looking for a Jerk BBQ sauce similar to what I get at a Caribbean restaurant, this sauce surpasses it! Thank you!
GIRL!!! Thank you so much!!! I am sooooooooooo ready for grilling season and THIS SAUCE.