Caribbean Green Seasoning

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Caribbean cuisine is known for its bold, vibrant flavors. From aromatic spices to delightful blends of herbs, Caribbean food is a fusion of flavors that make your tastebuds dance. At the heart of many Caribbean dishes lies a secret ingredient, an enchanting concoction known as Caribbean Green Seasoning.

This addictive homemade Jamaican Green Seasoning recipe is vibrant, fragrant, and full of aromatic herbs that, when blended together, pack an amazing flavor punch that makes recipes sing.

Although the exact recipe may differ from household to household, the foundation generally consists of vibrant ingredients such as cilantro, thyme, scallions, garlic, and hot peppers.

The allure of Caribbean Green Seasoning lies in its masterful combination of fresh herbs, pungent spices, and zesty citrus notes. These aromatic elements come together in a sauce that is intensely flavorful with a hint of heat.

And the best part is this green spice sauce is easy to whip up with a few affordable ingredients and minimal prep and comes together in under 5 minutes! Just like this recipe for The Best Dang Creole Seasoning and my Easy Jamaican Jerk Sauce.

What Is Green Seasoning

This aromatic mixture is a staple in the culinary traditions of the Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and many more. Various households and various Caribbean islands each have their own version. My version comes from a Trinidadian green seasoning recipe.

Green Seasoning is a Caribbean staple paste or sauce made from all-natural ingredients. Basically, it is like a Caribbean pesto sauce (without the nuts and cheese) used mostly as a marinade for meats, the uses of Caribbean Green Seasoning extend far beyond a mere marinade or seasoning.

It serves as the essence that brings dishes to life, infusing them with an unmistakable Caribbean flair. Whether it’s slathered onto succulent meats before grilling, drizzled over veggies or fish, used for adding depth to stews, or enhancing the flavors of soups and rice dishes, Green Seasoning is the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s Cost Effective – Making a batch of Jamaican green seasoning is a great way to use up leftover herbs, and homemade versions are more cost effective than store-bought sauces.
• It Elevates Flavor – Green seasoning adds a burst of fresh and vibrant flavors to your dishes. The combination of aromatic herbs, pungent spices, and zesty citrus notes creates a taste sensation that will take your meals to the next level.
• It’s Customizable – The sauce is easy to adapt to your tastes and preferences with herbs you have to hand.
• It’s Authentic – If you want to recreate the authentic flavors of Caribbean cuisine, making green seasoning is a must. It is a staple in Caribbean cooking, and using it in your recipes will transport you to the sun-soaked islands with every bite.

Ingredient Notes

• Cilantro – Chopped cilantro is a herb with a distinct, fresh flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or a combination of parsley and basil.
• Chives – Chopped chives have a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have chives on hand, you can use finely chopped green onions (scallions) as a substitute.
• Parsley – Parsley adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor to the seasoning. If you prefer a milder taste, you can replace parsley with fresh basil or a combination of basil and mint.
• Green Onions (Scallions) – These onions have a milder taste compared to regular onions. If you don’t have green onions, you can use finely chopped shallots or red onions as a substitute.
• Onion – Chopped onion adds a sweet and savory element to the seasoning.
• Thyme – Fresh thyme contributes a subtle earthy and herbal note. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed Lemon juice provides a tangy and citrusy element. If you don’t have lemons, you can substitute them with lime juice or use vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Ginger – Fresh ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger as a substitute. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a pungent and savory taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic. Keep in mind that the flavor intensity may vary, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
• Salt – Kosher salt or sea salt enhances the overall flavors in the seasoning.
• Chili Pepper – Adds heat and spiciness to the seasoning. You can use your preferred chili pepper, such as jalapeño or serrano, or substitute with chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a milder or hotter taste. Scotch bonnet or another habanero pepper will add lots of heat.
• Water – Water is added if needed to adjust the consistency of the seasoning. Only add water sparingly, if required, to achieve the desired thickness.

Ready to learn how to make this Jamaican Green Seasoning? Gather your ingredients, and I will show you…

How To Make Green Seasoning

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

In a Food Processor

1. Add all the ingredients minus the water to a food processor and then pulse into a paste (this method gives a bit of a coarse texture).
2. Next, adjust the seasoning as needed and add water to adjust the texture as needed.
3. Decant into a mason jar or large spice jar for storing

Make It In A Blender

1. Add all the ingredients except for water into a blender and then blend into a smooth paste. 
2. Next, adjust seasonings as needed and add water to adjust the texture as needed.
3. Then decant into a clean jar before storing.

Pro Tips

• Rinse off the herbs and then pat dry before adding to the blender or food processor.
• Use fresh ingredients versus dried ingredients whenever possible.
• If making in a blender, roughly chop the onion and herbs a little smaller to make blending them easier.
• Adjust the herbs and seasonings to your taste.
• Add more or less chili to suit your taste.
• Use a sharp knife and remove the woody stems from the fresh herbs before adding them to the blender or food processor.
• The bright green color will get darker over time. Don’t worry, this is normal.
• Make sure to rinse your herbs and other ingredients thoroughly to get rid of any dirt.
• Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays. You can add the frozen cubes directly into soups, stews, rice dishes, curries, or any recipe you are cooking. But if using them as a marinade, you will need to thaw the cubes first.

Delicious Variations

• Adjust the Herbs – If you like more cilantro, then add more in. Love thyme? Then add in a bit extra.
• Add Other Ingredients – Try adding combinations of celery, basil, pimento, shallots, bell peppers, sweet peppers, olive oil, cilantro, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Adjust the Heat – For more heat, add in some hot pepper like habanero pepper or scotch bonnet pepper, or milder ones like pimento peppers.

Prep and Storage

• Store – You can store this Jamaican Green Seasoning recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• Freeze – Portion the Trinidad green seasoning into ice cube trays (using a silicon ice cube tray will make your life much easier) to freeze. Once frozen, pop out the individual cubes from the trays, then add them into labeled zip lock bags or other freezer bags. Store in your freezer for up to 3 months.

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

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• Homemade Poultry Seasoning.
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Serving Suggestions

• Grilled Lamb Kabobs.
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken.
• Dutch Oven Pulled Pork.

More Jamaican Recipes

• Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Great weeknight supper.
• Jamaican Rundown Recipe. Creamy dreamy seafood.
• Jamaican Oxtail Stew.
• Jamaican Sorrel Drink.
• Jamaican Rice and Peas.
• Dump and Start Instant Pot Jamaican Carrot Soup.
• Jamaican Goat Curry.
• Jamaican Steamed Cabbage.
• Instant Pot Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge.
• Jamaican Vegetable Soup.
• Caribbean Tomato Choka
• Instant Pot Rasta Pasta.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Get the Green Seasoning Recipe: