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Jamaican Style Jerk Meatballs Recipe with Bold Caribbean Spices - Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground meat: 1 lb ground pork, 1 lb ground beef (or use all pork, or turkey/chicken for lighter meatballs)
  • Fresh aromatics: 1 small yellow onion, 4 garlic cloves, 1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger, 4 scallions
  • Chiles: 1–2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (seeded for less heat)
  • Herbs: Fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Citrus: 1 lime (zest and juice)
  • Jerk spice staples: Ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, smoked paprika, black pepper
  • Savory elements: Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce
  • Sweetness: Brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • Binder: 1 large egg, 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • Moisture and fat: 2 tablespoons neutral oil (plus more for glazing)
  • Optional glaze ingredients: 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt: Kosher salt
  • To serve (optional): Cooked rice, pineapple salsa, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Make the jerk paste: In a food processor, add onion (roughly chopped), garlic, ginger, scallions, Scotch bonnet, thyme leaves, lime zest and juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons oil. Pulse to a coarse paste. Scrape down sides and pulse again until fairly smooth.
  • Mix the meatballs: In a large bowl, add ground pork and ground beef. Pour in the jerk paste, then add the egg and breadcrumbs. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix.
  • Chill the mixture: Cover and refrigerate 20–30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the mixture firm up, making it easier to roll.
  • Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil and lightly oil it.
  • Form the meatballs: With damp hands, roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about golf-ball size). You should get 24–28 meatballs. Space them out on the sheet.
  • Bake until golden: Cook 14–18 minutes, turning the pan halfway through. They’re done when browned and an instant-read thermometer hits 165°F (74°C) in the center.
  • Optional quick glaze: In a small skillet over medium heat, simmer pineapple juice, ketchup, honey, a pinch of allspice, and a splash of soy for 2–3 minutes until slightly syrupy. Toss the hot meatballs in the glaze for a glossy finish.
  • Serve: Plate over rice with lime wedges, sprinkle with cilantro, or toothpick them for a party platter. A crisp slaw or pineapple salsa on the side is perfect.