Jamaican Jerk Grilled Vegetables
Jamaican Jerk Grilled Vegetables are a perfect combo of sweet and spicy. These are so easy to make on the grill, and a perfect accompaniment to meat or fish. And this jerk seasoning rub is delicious on meats or fish too.
Serve these Jerk Vegetables with a side of basmati rice and some yogurt sauce for a tasty vegetarian meal.
I'm still making my way through my massive file of recipes I've clipped or saved from magazines and websites over the years, and I came across this one from Food & Wine, that I've gotta share!
We all know how good vegetables are for you, right? And we all agree that we need to work on eating more, right? Well here's a great grilled vegetable recipe that makes a TON of veggies, and the leftovers taste better each day, so you can eat them all week.
If you've never had Jamaican Jerk seasoning, you must make some ASAP. Â It's a dry rub mix that's both sweet and spicy, and usually features a mix of allspice, nutmeg, and other warming spices along with garlic, onion, and a kick of hot pepper.
I've had it on chicken and fish, but for some reason, I've never thought to use it on vegetables, and apparently, I've been missing out. Â
I am in LOVE with this Jerk vegetable recipe, which can be adapted to use any type of vegetables you like. Â It calls for grilling, but if you prefer, I think roasting would work just as well.
I used a mix of red pepper, pink striped eggplant (so pretty!), Portabello mushrooms, zucchini, and asparagus, but feel free to experiment with corn on the cob, fennel, sweet onions, green beans, or anything else that catches your eye this time of the year.
These make a great side dish for chicken, fish, or beef. But if you're trying to eat more veggies, or you do Meatless Monday, pair these Jerk Vegetables with brown basmati rice and a cool Greek yogurt sauce to tame the spiciness just a bit, and call that dinner.
Tips
- This recipe makes a lot, so it's great for a crowd. If you're cooking for one or two, adjust the amount of vegetables accordingly.
- I recommend making a double batch of the Jerk seasoning and keep it in a small jar. That way you'll have it on hand when you need it.
- Feel free to adjust the heat or sweetness of this spice blend to your taste. It has a fair amount of cayenne pepper!
Recipe
Jamaican Jerk Grilled Vegetables
Ingredients
Jerk Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoon dried thyme
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon fresh ground pepper
Vegetables
- 1 medium eggplant sliced lengthwise
- 2 medium zucchini sliced lengthwise
- 2 portabello mushrooms stems removed
- 2 red bell peppers cored and sliced in half
- 1 pound of thin asparagus tough ends snapped off
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Yogurt Sauce
- 2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice + zest of 1 lime
- ½ cup minced scallions
Instructions
- For the spice blend, mix all spices, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.
- Wash and prepare vegetables as directed. Place vegetables in a very large mixing bowl or on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to coat with oil.
- Sprinkle spice mix over vegetables and gently toss and rub spice mix into vegetables. Let coated vegetables sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Working in batches as necessary, grill vegetables until tender and lightly charred on each side, about 8-10 minutes per batch.
- Let vegetables cool slightly, and then slice into serving pieces.
- For yogurt sauce, mix together Greek yogurt, lime juice, zest and scallions. Season with a pinch of salt if desired.
- Serve with yogurt sauce, and brown basmati rice if desired.
Notes
Recipe adapted slightly from Food & Wine
Nutrition
Have you ever made your own Jerk seasoning blend?
Eat well!
Love grilled vegetables and this looks delicious! Thanks for a great recipe.
Thanks so much for visiting Jack! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
I never knew what was in jerk seasoning... now I am going to have to make my own thanks to you! What a yummy looking recipe - grilled veggies 4 life.
Yay! So glad to teach you about jerk seasoning! I always forget about it, but it's SO yum! Thanks for visiting.
I love jerk chicken, great idea using a jerk seasoning on veggies! Yum yum!
Thanks Rachel! I think it would also make a great seasoning for rice or grains. Such great flavors. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment 🙂