Where to Buy Jerk Chicken Sauce

Jerk chicken sauce is a staple in Caribbean cuisine, known for its bold, spicy flavors. But finding an authentic jerk sauce can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying jerk chicken sauce, from understanding what makes it unique to recommendations on the best places to buy it.

What is Jerk Chicken Sauce?

Jerk chicken sauce originated in Jamaica, where it was used to marinate chicken before grilling or roasting. Traditional jerk chicken sauce gets its signature spicy-smoky flavor from a blend of peppers, herbs, and spices like:

• Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers
• Green onions
• Thyme
• Allspice
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Garlic

The chicken is then grilled over fragrant wood charcoal which infuses it with a smoky essence. Jerk chicken is typically served with rice and beans or festival (fried dough) and makes for a mouthwatering Caribbean feast!

Over time, the jerk style of cooking and marinating has expanded beyond chicken to include pork, fish, shrimp, and more. And jerk sauce is now used both as a marinade and as a table sauce. When buying jerk sauce, you’ll find that no two are exactly alike, as cooks put their own spin on the classic formula.

Where to Buy Jerk Chicken Sauce

You can find jerk sauces in the international aisle of many major supermarkets However, for an authentic sauce made with quality ingredients, I recommend seeking out a specialty producer Here are some of the best places to buy jerk chicken sauce

Online Direct from Jamaica

One of the best ways to experience real Jamaican jerk sauce is to order it directly from a producer in Jamaica. Walkerswood and Grace are two excellent choices. Walkerswood has been making jerk sauces since the 1940s while Grace uses a traditional family recipe with no artificial additives. Buying direct gives you access to their full range of sauces, from mild to spicy-hot.

Caribbean Grocery Stores

Look for Caribbean markets in your area to find jerk sauces from Jamaica, as well as other islands like Trinidad and Barbados. These small grocers are treasure troves for authentic ingredients like seasoning blends, hot sauces, tropical produce, and prepared foods. They’re run by people with deep knowledge of Caribbean cuisine.

Online Spice Retailers

Companies like Savory Spice Shop and Penzeys Spices carry jerk seasonings and marinades online. Though not specifically from the Caribbean, these blends let you add jerk flavors to your cooking. They provide the convenience of mail order while still using quality ingredients.

Amazon

Amazon gives you access to a wide range of jerk sauce brands at competitive prices. You can find sauces produced in Jamaica like Walkerswood, as well as blends from major U.S. seasoning companies. One benefit of Amazon is the ability to easily compare options by customer reviews and ratings.

What to Look for When Buying Jerk Sauce

With so many options out there, what should you look for when buying jerk chicken sauce? Here are a few tips:

• Check the ingredients. Look for traditional seasonings like Scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, garlic, thyme, allspice, and cinnamon. Avoid sauces with artificial flavors.

• Seek out trusted Caribbean brands. Walkerswood, Grace, Caribbean Rhythms, and Spur Tree are examples of authentic producers.

• Look for a sauce with some heat. Jerk chicken is known for its spicy kick. Seek out a sauce made with Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers.

• Consider the cooking method. If using as a marinade, get more of a paste consistency. For a table sauce, opt for a pourable blend.

• Know your spice tolerance. Jerk sauces range from mild to very hot. Choose a heat level based on your personal taste.

• Check the consistency. Jerk sauce can be either dry or wet. Dry rubs are great marinades, while wet sauces work for basting, dipping, and drizzling.

How to Use Jerk Chicken Sauce

Jerk chicken sauce is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some of the many ways to enjoy it:

• Marinate proteins: Rub jerk sauce on chicken, pork chops, fish fillets, shrimp, or tofu before grilling or baking.

• Use as a condiment: Drizzle jerk sauce over finished proteins or side dishes for a flavor boost. Also great as a dip!

• Make jerk wings: Toss chicken wings with jerk sauce and bake or grill for a Caribbean-inspired appetizer.

• Add to stews and curries: Stir a spoonful of jerk sauce into stews, curries, chili, or soup for extra depth.

• Spice up dips and spreads: Mix a bit of jerk sauce into mayo or sour cream for a tasty sandwich spread or chip dip.

• Jazz up salad dressings: Whisk some jerk sauce into vinaigrette dressing for a spicy salad topper.

• Season vegetables: Toss veggies with a splash of jerk sauce before roasting for big, bold flavors.

With its addictive blend of heat and spice, jerk sauce can transform both proteins and veggies. Keep a bottle on hand to add a taste of the Caribbean to weeknight dinners, parties, and barbecues.

Final Thoughts on Buying Jerk Chicken Sauce

Jerk chicken sauce is essential for making authentic Jamaican jerk dishes, but finding a quality sauce can be difficult outside of the Caribbean. Look for sauces produced in Jamaica for sale online or at Caribbean markets for the real deal. When comparing products, check for traditional ingredients, trusted brands, and your desired level of heat. With a good sauce, you can easily infuse proteins, vegetables, and more with the one-of-a-kind spicy, smoky flavor of jerk seasoning.