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Published by Izzy
on Apr 05, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023
5 from 4 votes
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Jamaican Food is well-seasoned and full of flavor. For foodies, Jamaica is the destination for a tantalizing taste of the Caribbean. There are many irresistible and festival recipes besides Jerk Chicken. We’ve collected 21 traditional Jamaican recipes that are incredibly delicious.
These dishes show the full rangeof Jamaican cuisine and there’s something for everybody on the list.
From meaty and meatless dishes torich, hearty stews and even traditional Jamaican pastries, this is a roundup ofthe best Jamaican recipes.
What are Traditional Jamaican Foods?
Jamaican cuisine is colorful, sometimes spicy, and always full of flavor. Traditional Jamaican foods include the national dish, Ackee and Saltfish, which is popularly eaten at breakfast. For lunch, many Jamaicans will have traditional favorites like curry goat or a beef patty.
What Do Jamaicans Eat for Dinner?
Sunday dinner in Jamaica is agrand affair in many households. Here, you will find rice and peas, jerkchicken, brown stew chicken, oxtail, curry chicken along with a healthy servingof vegetables. To drink, have a refreshing glass of sorrel or ginger beer.
Popular Jamaican Dishes
1. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jamaican jerk chicken is famous for its spicy, smoky taste. Recreate this dish at home using a blend of traditional herbs and spices. If you can handle it, turn it up a notch with some authentic scotch bonnet pepper sauce.
2. Ackee and Saltfish
Jamaica’s national dish makes atasty breakfast or brunch. Made with the buttery, savory ackee fruit, this dishis expertly seasoned with fresh onions, peppers, garlic and thyme. Sautee withsalted codfish and serve with fresh, crispy fried dumplings.
3. Steamed Cabbage and Saltfish
This tasty meal comes togetherquickly using inexpensive ingredients. Cabbages are shredded and steamed withfresh garlic, onion and bell peppers. If you can handle the heat, add a bit ofscotch bonnet pepper to the pot. Saltfish is the finishing touch on thispescatarian-friendly dish.
4. Authentic Flaky Jamaican Beef Patties
When in Jamaica, a visit to apatty shop is a must. Jamaican beef patties are made with a crispy, goldenflaky pastry filled with seasoned meat. If you can’t take a trip, how aboutmaking your own addictive Jamaican Beef Patty at home?
5. Jamaican Curry Chicken
Many cultures have their ownmethod of making curry. Jamaican curry chicken is well-seasoned withtraditional herbs and spices and Jamaican curry powder. Add in carrots andpotatoes for a hearty, wholesome weeknight dinner.
6. Jamaican Rice and Peas
Authentic Jamaican rice and peasis made with red kidney beans, creamy coconut milk and spices. This popularside dish is often served with Sunday dinner in many Jamaican households.
7. Jamaican Oxtail
You’ll need your pressure cookerfor tender, fall-off-the-bone Jamaican oxtail. This popular stew was originallybrought to Jamaica by the British. Of course, Jamaicans made it their own byadding spices and seasonings. Some say the Jamaican method is the best way toprepare oxtail.
8. Jerk Seasoning
Jerk seasoning is a special blendof herbs and spices that can be used to give spicy Jamaican flavor to yourfavorite meats. Instead of getting it from the store, save money by making yourown Jamaican jerk seasoning blend.
9. Jamaican Cabbage
Here’s a traditional Jamaicanmeal that vegans are sure to love. Jamaican steamed cabbage is seasoned withonion, garlic and thyme. If you’re feeling bold, add some scotch bonnet pepper.
10. Jamaican Fried Dumplings
Also known as Johnny Cakes,Jamaican fried dumplings are crispy on the outside, but warm and fluffy on theinside. These savory dumplings are the ultimate comfort food to be enjoyed withyour favorite Jamaican meals.
11. Rum Cake
For dessert, serve up a slice ofthis famous Jamaican pastry. Made with rum and infused with a buttery syrup,it’s a sweet taste of the Caribbean.
12. Jamaican Curry Goat
This dish is a popular menu item in any Jamaican restaurant. Succulent pieces of goat meat are slow-cooked to perfection in a spicy curry sauce. Serve with your favorite side for a hearty Jamaican dinner.
13. Roti
Also popular in Trinidad, rotiwas brought to Jamaica by Indian migrants. This soft flatbread is thinner thannaan, but is also served with rich, saucy curry dishes.
14. Jamaican Chicken Soup
Nothing says comfort like chicken soup made by your Jamaican grandma. For the next best thing, cook up a simmering pot of spicy, flavorful Jamaican chicken soup.
15. Brown Stew Chicken
Jamaican brown stew chicken iseasy to prepare with tons of payoff. Bite-size pieces of chicken are seasonedwith garlic, ginger, peppers and scallions and simmered in a thick, flavorfulstew.
16. Coco Bread
For the full Jamaican experience, you’ll need some Coco Bread with your beef patties. Coco bread is a soft, fluffy and slightly sweet bread made with a hint of coconut milk. This hearty bread can be filled with just about anything for a sandwich that’s unlike any other.
17. Jerk Shrimp
Seafood lovers are sure to lovethis spicy, sweet Jerk Shrimp recipe. Plump, juicy shrimp are seasoned with anauthentic jerk seasoning blend, then seared to perfection. How about a zestysummer salad featuring Jamaican jerk shrimp?
Best Jamaican Drinks
18. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee
Jamaica is known all over theworld for Blue Mountain Coffee. Due to the perfect climate of the Blue Mountainregion, this coffee is some of the best in the world. Make sure you’re gettingauthentic Blue Mountain coffee.
19. Ginger Beer
Jamaican ginger beer is sweet andrefreshing with the fiery kick of ginger. Use fresh ginger for a deliciousnon-alcoholic drink that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
20. Hot Chocolate Tea
It doesn’t get more authenticthan this! Jamaican hot chocolate is made using real cacao for a rich, smoothtaste. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg for a cup of hot cocoa that’s far fromaverage.
21. Jamaican Sorrel
This drink is traditionally enjoyed by Jamaicans during Christmas, but can be enjoyed all year long. This unique beverage is similar to cranberry juice in color with a unique, sour, berry-like taste. Add sweetener and ginger for a refreshing Jamaican drink.
What Kind of Meat Do Jamaicans Eat?
Most Jamaicans enjoy meat and consume it regularly. Jamaicans eat most kinds of meat, with chicken, pork and beef being popular everyday meals. Goat, mutton and oxtail are served in most Jamaican restaurants or cooked in Jamaican homes. Seafood such as fish, lobster, and shrimp are cooked in a variety of ways.
Many Jamaicans do not eat meat. For this reason, Jamaican cuisine has some of the most delicious vegan and vegetarian meals.
5 from 4 votes
Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
By: Izzy
Jerk Chicken is one of the most popular Jamaican food. It’s incredibly flavorful and super tender and juicy.
Prep: 15 minutes mins
Cook: 50 minutes mins
Marinating Time: 2 hours hrs
Total: 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
Servings: 8
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Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 habanero peppers, (stem removed, and use extra if you prefer extra spicy flavor)
- 1 inch piece ginger, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Place chicken thighs into a large mixing bowl.
Add the rest of the ingredients to a food processor and blend gently.
Pour the seasoning mixture on top of the chicken. Mix well, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
Marinate for at least 2 hours, and ideally overnight.
Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Remove chicken from the marinade, and place them onto the baking sheet.
Bake for about 50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 495mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 211IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
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About Izzy
I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.
Read More About Me
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