Welcome to the heart of my kitchen—and the heart of authentic Jamaican Recipes.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Jamaican food from scratch, what ingredients to use, or how to recreate the bold, rich flavors of the island from wherever you are in the world… this is the guide for you. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to get back to your roots, I’m here to walk you through everything I’ve learned from growing up around Jamaican food recipes and cooking it in my own home, day after day.
This isn’t just a blog post. It’s your full-access intro to Jamaican cuisine—crafted with love, culture, and a whole lotta flavor.
My Story: Why I Know Jamaican Cooking Inside and Out
I grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—a vibrant melting pot where Caribbean flavors were just part of everyday life. At the time, I didn’t realize that the food in our home was anything special. My mom cooked with thyme, scallion, and Scotch bonnet like it was second nature. I, on the other hand, just wanted pizza, wings, and whatever fast food I could beg for.
But when I joined the military everything changed. I missed those familiar smells and flavors more than I ever thought I would. That’s when I started cooking for myself—and let me tell you, Jamaican food tastes even better when you’ve got to make it on your own.
Now, as a wife, mom of three, and full-time working woman, Jamaican food is how I stay grounded. It’s how I stay connected. And it’s how I feed my family—literally and emotionally.
This guide is a celebration of all the dishes I grew up on, all the traditions I’ve carried with me, and everything I’ve learned along the way.
What Is Jamaican Cooking?
Jamaican cooking is bold, layered, and deeply rooted in history. It’s a beautiful mix of African, Indian, Chinese, and Indigenous influences. We’re known for our spicy jerk marinades, our slow-simmered stews, and our ability to turn a few simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
What sets it apart is:
- The spice blends – Think pimento, Scotch bonnet, thyme, scallion, and garlic.
- The slow cooking methods – Like stewing meats for hours or cooking in a heavy Dutch pot.
- The balance – Heat meets richness, acid meets fat, flavor meets love.
Essential Jamaican Recipe Ingredients to Keep in Your Pantry
If you want to cook Jamaican food at home, you’ll want to stock up on these key ingredients:
- Pimento (Allspice) Not just for desserts. It’s in everything from jerk seasoning to stew peas.
- Scotch Bonnet Peppers Hot but flavorful. If you can’t find them fresh, I recommend this Scotch Bonnet Powder (affiliate link).
- Thyme & Scallion Fresh is always best. These are in almost every savory dish.
- Garlic & Onion We start almost every meal by sautéing these two.
- Coconut Milk You’ll need it for dishes like Rice and Peas. It adds depth and creaminess.
- Browning Sauce Adds color and umami to stews. Not just aesthetic—it’s flavor-packed.
- BETAPAC Curry Powder Do not sub turmeric. BETAPAC is the real Jamaican curry flavor (and yes, it matters).
Must-Have Tools for Jamaican Cooking at Home
You don’t need a professional kitchen to cook Jamaican food, but these tools help:
- Dutch Pot – The backbone of cooking in a Dutch pot, perfect for stews, curries, and braising
- ASETY Chef Knife – Cuts clean through thyme, chicken bones, and scallion
- Vinyl Prep Gloves – Essential when handling Scotch bonnet and curry (protect your nails!)
- Meat Thermometer – For getting meats just right, especially jerk pork or baked chicken
(this guide contains affiliate links—thank you for supporting the blog while stocking your kitchen)
Core Jamaican Recipes to Try First
Here are my most trusted, most-loved Jamaican recipes. These are beginner-friendly but full of flavor, made for real families and real schedules.
Main Dishes
Jamaican Curry Chicken A rich, hearty stew built on toasted curry powder, garlic, thyme, and coconut milk. One of my top-requested dishes.
Brown Stew Chicken Caramelized chicken in a thick, savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for Sunday dinner or meal prep.
Slow Cooked Brown Stew Beef is a slow simmering fusion of savory spices and herbs that will transform the way you enjoy slow cooked beef.
Jerk Pork Oven and grill versions available! Marinated in Walkerswood and dry spice rubs, then served with juicy pineapple infused jerk gravy.
Rasta Pasta with Shrimp is a bright and colorful Island dish made with traditional Jamican Jerk Seasoning and spices.
Coconut Curry Shrimp – Coming Soon! Stay tuned for this 30-minute island-inspired dish that features shrimp, potatoes, and rich curry coconut gravy. Sign up here to be the first to know when it drops!
Escovitch Fish – Coming Soon! Crispy fried fish topped with spicy pickled veggies. A classic Easter and family gathering dish. Want to see how it’s done? Subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Side Dishes
Rice and Peas Not “rice with peas”—but rice and peas cooked in seasoned coconut milk, thyme, and scallion.
Fried Plantain – A common side dish paired with most Jamaican Food Recipes.
Bammy – A traditional cassava flatbread that’s perfect with escovitch or ackee. This recipe is underway! Subscribe here and be among the first to know when Bammy hits the pan!
What Is a Dutch Pot and Why Is It So Important in Jamaican Cooking?
Cooking in a Dutch pot is a defining technique in Jamaican cuisine.
These pots are:
- Cast iron
- Naturally nonstick
- Fantastic at heat retention
- Made for stews, soups, curries, and anything saucy
Growing up, I didn’t know other people didn’t use one. Now, it’s my most treasured kitchen item. If you don’t have one yet, this one on Amazon is a solid start.
The Legacy in My Kitchen
Cooking Jamaican food in the mid-west might seem unlikely, but it’s the most natural thing in the world for me now. These recipes carry the legacy of my family, my culture, and my journey—from Florida to the military to motherhood.
Every dish is a piece of who I am. And every time I stir my Dutch pot, I feel like I’m passing something meaningful on to my children—even if all they want is the dumpling out of the stew.
Join the Camille’s Comforting Cuisine Family
If this guide made your mouth water, your heart warm, or your curiosity grow—let’s keep cooking together.
- Subscribe to the blog for all my upcoming Jamaican recipes and updates
- Support the recipes and storytelling by choosing to inspire the cook
With spice, heart, and soul,
Camille
