Jerk is the traditional style of barbecue in Jamaica in which meat is dry rubbed or wet marinated with a spice mixture called "jerk seasoning". Traditionally applied to pork and chicken, you can also use jerk seasoning to spice up hamburgers, fish, shrimp, shellfish, beef, sausage, lamb, vegetables and tofu.
The term jerk comes from the action of "jerking" which refers to poking the meat to be cooked with holes before rubbing on the spices and marinating so that flavor is more easily absorbed. Mixed from: onion, thyme, sea salt, paprika, sugar, ground allspice, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, crushed red pepper, ground cinnamon and soybean oil.
RECIPE: EASY JERK CHICKEN BREAST
boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 breast per serving)
jerk seasoning (from Trade Winds Spice Company of course)
extra virgin olive oil
lime juice
lime zest
lime wedges
Optional: pound chicken breasts into cutlets.
Using a fork, poke a few holes into the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the chicken breast on both sides with lime juice and rub all over with jerk seasoning. Drizzle very lightly with olive oil and sprinkle chicken a second time with jerk seasoning. Grate a little fresh lime zest over each chicken breast. Place chicken breasts in a covered bowl, zipper bag or on a covered plate and set aside to marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to overnight.
Outdoor Grill: Preheat grill to medium-hot. Grill chicken breasts over direct heat about 8 minutes per side until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.Indoor Grill Pan: Preheat a skillet/grill pan over medium heat. Once heated, add the chicken breasts. Cook 5-8 minutes per side. Time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breast. The center of the chicken should reach 165°F
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken breasts in a shallow pan and bake for about 20–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Before serving grate a little lime zest and squeeze some lime juice over each chicken breast. Serve with fresh lime wedges.
This simple recipe gives you many serving options: serve it as an entrée with a side of jerk seasoned peppers and onions; or try it on a toasted bun with a slice of melted cheese; or slice and serve over a Caribbean inspired salad. Who knew it could be so easy to be a Jerk!