Jamaican Jerked Chicken and Pork π―π²
Description:
Jamaican Jerked Chicken and Pork is a tantalizingly spicy dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. This recipe’s magic lies in the distinct paste-like marinade, where the allspice berry takes center stage among a medley of aromatic spices.
- Servings: 8 People
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 385.2
- Dietary Information: Very Low Carbs, High Protein
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
6 | Chicken Breast Halves |
3 | Chicken Legs |
6 | Allspice Berries |
– | Nutmeg |
1/4 | Ground Cinnamon |
1/2 | Scallions |
8 | Garlic Cloves |
1 | Red Wine Vinegar |
1 | Salt |
3 | Fresh Ground Pepper |
1/4 | Bay Leaves |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meat:
- Start by trimming the rind and excess fat from the pork. Remove the meat from the bones and cut it into pieces about 1-1/2 inches thick and 3 to 4 inches long.
- Place the pork pieces and chicken into a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate until needed.
-
Make the Seasoning:
- Heat the allspice berries in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Crush the berries in a mortar and pestle, about 2 tablespoons at a time.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed allspice berries, nutmeg, cinnamon, scallions, garlic cloves, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Crush them together into a paste-like mixture.
- Add the remaining vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to the paste.
-
Marinate the Meat:
- Turn the seasoning mixture over the pork and chicken, rubbing it evenly over the meat to coat.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld.
-
Cooking:
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill. For an authentic touch, use hot coals or a gas barbecue set as far from the heat source as possible (about 6 inches or more).
- Place the marinated pork and chicken on the grill. Cover with a lid and cook, turning the meat every 10 minutes, for about 1 hour or until fully cooked.
- For an extra burst of flavor, halfway through the cooking time, toss 1 teaspoon of whole allspice berries into the fire.
-
Serve:
- Once cooked, slice the pork into 1/3-inch thick slices.
- Serve the jerked pork alongside the chicken.
- For an authentic Jamaican experience, accompany the dish with Pickapeppa sauce.
Tips:
-
Marinating Time: For the best flavor, allow the meat to marinate overnight. This ensures that the spices penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
-
Grilling Tips: To achieve that perfect jerked texture, maintain a medium heat on your grill. This allows the meat to cook evenly without burning, giving it that coveted smoky flavor.
-
Serving Suggestions: Jamaican Jerked Chicken and Pork pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like rice and peas, fried plantains, or a fresh tropical salad.
Enjoy the Flavors of the Caribbean!
Indulge in the rich, spicy flavors of Jamaican Jerked Chicken and Pork. With its aromatic spices and tender, juicy meat, this dish is sure to transport you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean with every bite. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal or a special gathering with friends and family, this recipe is a true celebration of Caribbean cuisine. So fire up the grill, savor the aromas, and enjoy a taste of island paradise! π΄π₯