Jamaican Jerk Brisket With Caribbean Spices
Tender, smoky, and bold, Jamaican jerk brisket with Caribbean spices is a fiery and flavorful take on classic beef brisket. Infused with allspice, thyme, garlic, Scotch bonnet, and other signature seasonings, this dish captures the essence of Caribbean cooking in every bite.
Whether grilled low and slow or oven-roasted, the jerk marinade infuses the meat with deep, spicy-sweet flavor while keeping it juicy and tender. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, tropical-themed dinners, or anytime you want to turn up the flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Jerk Brisket With Caribbean Spices Recipe?
- Packed with bold flavor: The jerk marinade delivers the perfect mix of heat, spice, and sweetness.
- Versatile cooking methods: Roast it in the oven, smoke it, or grill it—this brisket adapts.
- Perfect for parties: A crowd-pleaser that’s made to be shared and celebrated.
- Great for leftovers: Make sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls with extra slices.
- Authentic Caribbean taste: Uses real jerk ingredients for a rich, island-inspired experience.
Ingredients For Jamaican Jerk Brisket With Caribbean Spices
This jerk brisket comes to life with a bold marinade built on authentic Caribbean spices and aromatics. Letting the meat soak up the flavors before cooking is key.
For the Brisket
- 3–4 lb beef brisket
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing, if oven-roasting)
For the Jerk Marinade
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros for a milder option), stemmed and seeded
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Step By Step Instruction To Make Jamaican Jerk Brisket With Caribbean Spices
This recipe starts with a bold jerk marinade and ends with tender slices of richly seasoned brisket. Give yourself time to marinate the meat for best results.
Step 1: Blend the Marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine green onions, onion, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Brisket
Place the brisket in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
PRO TIP: The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor. A full 24 hours yields the best results.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
Oven-Roasted Method:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove brisket from marinade and let excess drip off (do not discard marinade). In a large Dutch oven or roasting pan, heat oil over medium-high heat and sear the brisket on both sides. Add reserved marinade and ½ cup water to the pan. Cover tightly with foil or a lid and roast for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the brisket is tender.
Grill/Smoker Method:
Set your grill or smoker for indirect heat at 250°F–275°F. Remove brisket from marinade and let it come to room temperature. Place on the grill and cook low and slow for 5–6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F–205°F. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade during the first few hours of cooking.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, let the brisket rest for 15–20 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin pieces and spoon any pan juices or extra marinade over the top before serving.
FAQs or Tips Section
This section answers common questions to help you make the most of your Jamaican jerk brisket.
How spicy is jerk brisket?
Jerk seasoning traditionally packs some heat, especially from Scotch bonnet peppers. You can reduce the spice level by using just one pepper or substituting with a milder chili like jalapeño.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, this brisket tastes even better the next day. Cook it fully, then refrigerate it in its juices. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
What can I serve it with?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice and peas, fried plantains, mango salsa, or grilled vegetables for a complete Caribbean meal.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, brisket freezes well. Slice it, let it cool, then store in airtight containers with some of the cooking liquid. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations or Serving Suggestions
- Tropical flair: Serve with a side of pineapple salsa or coconut rice for a refreshing contrast.
- Jerk brisket sliders: Shred the meat and pile onto slider buns with slaw for a party-friendly twist.
- Brisket tacos: Use thin slices in tacos with pickled onions and lime crema.
- Extra smoky flavor: Add a touch of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika for a deeper, grilled essence.
- Vegetable boost: Include sweet peppers or carrots in the braising pan for extra texture and color.
Nutrition + Summary
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 |
| Protein | 36g |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
Summary:
Jamaican jerk brisket with Caribbean spices brings vibrant, fiery flavor to your dinner table. The marinade infuses the beef with layers of spice, sweetness, and zest, while slow cooking ensures every bite is juicy and tender. Whether you roast it in the oven or smoke it on the grill, this dish delivers island-inspired comfort with bold, unforgettable taste. It’s a perfect choice for special gatherings, weeknight meals with flair, or anytime you want to spice things up.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.