Turkey Free Caribbean Jerk-Style Compound Butter
This compound butter is a bold, aromatic blend that brings the soul of Caribbean jerk seasoning into a silky, spreadable form. Scotch bonnet pepper delivers real heat, while allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and smoked paprika layer in that signature warm-spiced depth that makes jerk cooking so irresistible. A hit of fresh ginger, lime zest, and a touch of maple syrup round everything out with brightness and just a whisper of sweetness. The whole thing comes together in one bowl with a fork — no special equipment required — then rolls up into a tidy log that firms up in the fridge and slices beautifully when you're ready to use it. Melted over hot grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables, it transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something that tastes genuinely special. Since it's built entirely from butter, fresh aromatics, and spices, there's no need to scan labels or second-guess what's hiding in a store-bought seasoning blend. Make a batch on the weekend and keep it in the freezer — it's the kind of kitchen staple that quietly upgrades everything it touches.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 tbsp scallion greens, finely sliced (green tops only)
- 1 tsp fresh scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tsp lime zest (from about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ¾ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, scallion greens, scotch bonnet pepper, ginger, lime zest, lime juice, and maple syrup. Beat with a fork or hand mixer until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
- 2
Add the allspice, cinnamon, thyme, black pepper, nutmeg, smoked paprika, and salt. Beat again until the spices are fully incorporated and the butter is uniform in color with no dry pockets of spice visible. Fold in the cilantro, if using.
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