Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (2024)

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by Mike Hultquist · · 8 Comments · Jump to Recipe

This Jamaican curry powder recipe is a taste of the Caribbean with a versatile mix of warming spices and fiery heat that's easy to adjust, perfect for quick and easy meals!

Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (1)

It's curry time in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen, my friends! Only we're making something different from what you might be used to. Tonight we're making Jamaican Curry Powder, and I think you're going to love it.

Authentic Jamaican curry powder is different from Indian curry powder, using different local ingredients to create a spice blend unlike any other. This recipe is a flavorful blend of lightly toasted seeds, warming seasonings and chili powder that you can use to flavor many different dishes.

It is hugely versatile. Of course you can make yourself an excellent curry, but consider it as a general seasoning for vegetables and grilled meats and anything else you'd care to spice up.

There are different ways to make a Caribbean curry powder, with different ratios and other optional ingredients you can include to make it your own. Below is my preferred recipe. I love to include a fiery Scotch Bonnet powder, made from dehydrated Scotch Bonnet peppers.

I love to grow them then dry and grind them into fresh powder for making all sorts of wonderful recipes. If you can't find Scotch bonnet powder, you can use other chili powders.

I hope you enjoy it!

Let's talk about how we make Jamaican Curry Powder, shall we?

Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (2)

Jamaican Curry Powder Ingredients

  • Turmeric.
  • Coriander Seeds.
  • Yellow Mustard Seeds.
  • Fenugreek Seeds.
  • Allspice Berries. Or use 1 tablespoon ground allspice.
  • Cumin Seeds. Or use 2-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin.
  • Ground Ginger.
  • Black Peppercorns. Or use 1-1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper.
  • Scotch Bonnet Powder. Optional, for heat, or use cayenne or other spicy chili powder.

Optional Extras

  • Star Anise Seeds.
  • Clove. Or use ¼ teaspoon ground.
  • Nutmeg.
  • Salt. Listed as optional, as you can always add in salt when making your recipes.

How to Make Jamaican Curry Powder - the Recipe Method

Toast the Seeds/Grains. If you are using seeds/grains, lightly toast the spices in a skillet or dry pan on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring a bit, until they become nicely fragrant. Do not let them burn or you will get a bitter flavor.

Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (3)

Grind the Ingredients. Grind in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle along with the other ingredients. Mix well.

Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (4)

For Ground Ingredients Only. Simply mix all of the spices together until well incorporated.

Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (5)

Store the Curry Powder. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for 3 months. Will last longer, but will begin to lose potency.

Boom! Done! Your Jamaican curry powder mix is ready to use. Time to make some quick curries! This is such a great seasoning on hand for whipping together quick and easy meals with big flavor.

Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (6)

Recipe Tips & Notes

  • Heat Factor. You'll get some very nice heat from your Jamaican curry powder if you include Scotch Bonnet powder, which rivals habanero peppers in their overall heat. Use cayenne for more manageable heat, or stick with paprika or other mild chili powder for a low to no heat version.
  • Other Ingredients. You can easily include other seasonings to customize your own Jamaican curry powder. Popular additions include cinnamon, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper and others. Feel free to mix it up as desired!
Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (7)

That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this Jamaican curry powder recipe. Let me know if you make it and what you create. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you. Keep it spicy!

Cookbook Recommendation

If you'd like to learn more about Jamaican cooking, check out the following books, which I have found to be educational and informative:

Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes

  • Jamaican Curry Chicken
  • Red Curry
  • Coconut Curry Chicken
  • Phaal Curry (the Hottest Curry in the World)
  • Indian Curry Powder
  • Vindaloo Curry Powder
  • Red Curry Paste
  • Yellow Curry Paste
  • See all of my Curry Recipes
Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (8)

Storage & Leftovers

Storing yourJamaican Curry Powderin a cool, dark place may allow you to store it for up to 6 months to a year.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

  • Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
  • Jerk Marinade
  • Jamaican Jerk Chicken
  • Sazon Seasoning
  • Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce
  • Jamaican Rice and Peas
Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (9)

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (10)

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Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe

This Jamaican curry powder recipe is a taste of the Caribbean with a versatile mix of warming spices and fiery heat that's easy to adjust, perfect for quick and easy meals!

Save Recipe

Course: Main Course, Seasonings

Cuisine: American, Caribbean

Keyword: caribbean, jamaican, scotch bonnet, seasoning, spicy

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Calories: 9kcal

Servings: 36 teaspoons

Tap or hover to scale

5 from 3 votes

Leave a Review

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons ground turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons whole coriander seeds or use 2-1/2 tablespoons ground
  • 2 tablespoons whole yellow mustard seeds or use 2-1/2 tablespoons ground
  • 1 teaspoon whole fenugreek seeds or use ½ teaspoon ground fenugreek
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries or use 1 tablespoon ground allspice
  • 2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds or use 2-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns or use 1-1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Scotch Bonnet powder optional, for heat, or use cayenne or other spicy chili powder - or add more to taste!

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • 1 tablespoon whole anise seeds or use 1 tablespoon ground anise (optional)
  • 1 dried clove or use ¼ teaspoon ground
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt or to taste

Instructions

  • Toast the Seeds/Grains. If you are using seeds/grains, lightly toast them in a hot dry pan on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring a bit, until they become nicely fragrant. Do not let them burn or you will get a bitter flavor.

  • Grind in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle along with the other ingredients. Mix well.

  • For Ground Ingredients Only. Simply mix all of the spices together until well incorporated.

  • Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for 3 months. Will last longer, but will begin to lose potency.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 9kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (11)

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Nejat says

    Hi, I’ve been making this for about a year, and have used it for curry goat when I can get it.chicken and lamb.all my family and friends love the curry’s made with this blend.
    I definitely added white peppercorns and a little nutmeg. And ground scotch pepper to the blend. With a fresh one thrown in whole into the curry when cooking. I also recommend when cooking to marinate the meat overnight first in this powder .

    Reply

    • Mike Hultquist says

      Thanks for sharing, Nejat.

      Reply

  2. Claudette Legault says

    Mike, Claudette Legault again. I apologize. You must be very confused at this point. I was not very clear about my comments in regards to the Jamaican Curry Recipe. It was wonderful. What I meant to say was that the Jamaican Curry Powder conversions from dry to ground threw me. Despite using the quantities that I knew, your recipe was greatly enjoyed. I plan to repeat this recipe just as you intended it to be. I hope this clears any confusion from my part.
    Like one person who commented, next time I will serve it with rice.
    Thanks, Claudette

    Reply

  3. Pam says

    Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (12)
    I have a question... I’ve gone to mix this up for the first time, and realised I don’t have the anise seed. Can you suggest a substitute? Is star anise similar?

    Looking forward to making the Jamaican chicken curry this week 🙂

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      Pam, star anise is more subtle and mild compared to anise seed, but you can definitely use it. Or even just omit. There are many other parts to the seasoning. Let me know it turns out for you.

      Reply

  4. Jérémie says

    Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (13)
    Can't wait ^^

    Reply

  5. Jérémie says

    Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (14)
    Seems awesome Mike!! do you have a particular recipe in mind for this special curry powder?

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      It is, and I do, Jérémie. Recipes forthcoming!

      Reply

Jamaican Curry Powder Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Jamaican curry powder made of? ›

Combine the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, anise seeds, fenugreek seeds, and allspice berries in a skillet. Toast over medium heat until the color of the spices slightly darkens, and the spices are very fragrant, about 10 minutes. Remove the spices from the skillet, and allow to cool to room temperature.

What is a substitute for Jamaican curry powder? ›

To substitute Jamaican curry powder, I started with regular curry powder (which contains most of the same spices), then added extra turmeric and allspice. This allowed me to use ingredients that were easy for me to find, AND I didn't have to toast and grind the spices myself.

What's the difference between curry powder and Jamaican curry? ›

While both curry powders are a blend of spices, Jamaican curry powder usually has a higher proportion of turmeric and is packed full of Jamaican flavors such as pimento, scotch bonnet chili and personal preferences like nutmeg. It is also lower in heat than the Indian version.

What is the most popular curry in Jamaica? ›

Jamaica: Sticking with the Caribbean, a mix of British and Indian influence gave rise to a localized variety of curry goat -- Jamaica's most popular curry dish.

Why is my Jamaican curry bitter? ›

With a meaty sauce that covers the veggies you cannot go wrong when serving this hearty meal to your family and friends. Your curry can taste bitter if the spices and garlic are burnt or if you've added too much fenugreek to the dish.

What is the main ingredient in curry powder? ›

The primary ingredient in most Indian curry powders is bright yellow turmeric. Turmeric is earthy, musky, and warm, and delivers great depth to curries with no heat. Indian curry spices are usually a blend of: Kashmiri Chile Powder – this chile has a terrific, rich flavor without much heat.

What is the closest spice to curry powder? ›

1. Ground Cumin. One of the central ingredients of curry powder blends, cumin is a spice with a zesty and earthy flavor. While its brown color is no visual match for curry powder's signature yellow shade, it's a great sub for curry powder in a pinch.

What's the difference between curry powder and curry mix? ›

Curry paste is a wet ingredient made with fresh chilies. It must be dissolved into a liquid during the cooking process. Curry powder is a dry ingredient that must be activated with a liquid or oil. It does not include fresh chilies, so it will be much less spicy than a curry paste.

Is garam masala a substitute for curry powder? ›

While curry powder's aromatic qualities are different from garam masala, the former offers a similar complexity of flavors and aromas. Curry powder works well with a wide range of dishes, and includes some of the key ingredients of garam masala. To replace garam masala with curry powder in your recipe, use a 1:1 ratio.

What are the three types of curry? ›

There are three main types of Thai curries—red, yellow, and green—which are categorized by the color of the curry paste. The color of the chilies and other ingredients gives each curry its distinct hue. Traditionally, all Thai curries were made with the same ingredients except for one thing: the chilies.

What ethnicity uses curry powder? ›

Yellow curry powder is a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cuisine. The color comes from turmeric, which also adds an earthy note.

What is the #1 Jamaican dish? ›

Because ackee and saltfish is Jamaica's national dish and a staple, it's easy to find at just about any restaurant on the island. Many restaurants prepare ackee and saltfish by harvesting their own crops.

Why do Jamaicans make curry? ›

In the 17 century curry and other spices were brought to Jamaica by Eastern Indians. Curry powder is made from ground turmeric, coriander seeds, cayenne, ground ginger, and many other spices. This food is important because in Jamaica we like very bold flavors in our food.

What is Jamaica national dish? ›

Ackee and Saltfish: Jamaica's national dish is a must-try dish on any visit to the island. Ackee, Jamaica's national fruit, is sautéed with salt fish (cod) fish, onions, tomato, sweet pepper, and other seasonings after being boiled.

What is the difference between curry powder and Indian curry powder? ›

Curry powder isn't Indian. It's a pre-made spice mix that includes Indian spices like coriander, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, etc. Curry powder does not contain curry leaves. When it comes to authentic Indian recipes, you won't find “curry powder” in a list of ingredients – and if you do, search for another recipe.

What is Jamaican goat curry made of? ›

Chunky pieces of goat are slowly simmered in aromatic blend garlic, ginger, thyme, onions, and hot pepper and with curry taking center stage, until thick and creamy or however, you like it. For amazing results try making your own curry powder with this blend here.

What is Jamaican curry chicken made of? ›

With a fragrant blend of spices and tender chicken simmered in a sauce of hot peppers, chicken stock, garlic, and creamy coconut milk, this dish is sure to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Jamaica. A real nostalgic comfort food dish for many Jamaicans.

Is Jamaican curry powder good for you? ›

Jamaican curry powder contains many of the same ingredients as Madras curry powder, so the benefits of eating both are similar. According to Healthline, turmeric and coriander are powerful ingredients well-known to help with inflammation.

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