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

Author: Mike Hultquist

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? ›

Curry shrimp, curry lobster and the world-famous Jamaican curry goat are popular all over the island. The ingredients are: Coriander, cumin, mustard, star anise, fenugreek, allspice, turmeric, orange juice powder, cayenne, vegetable base.

Is there a difference between curry powder and Jamaican curry powder? ›

The greatest difference between the two spice mixes comes into play when examining heat levels. Indian curry powders tend to have more chile powder in them while Jamaican curry powder. Some commercial versions may have a bit of cayenne pepper in them, but most recipes usually omit that spice.

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 is the secret ingredient for curry? ›

The sweetness of the honey is the perfect partner for the diverse flavors of curry, including the heat of spices like black pepper or chili pepper, the brightness of fresh ginger, the smokiness of black cardamom, and the earthy notes of turmeric. Honey makes for a great background flavor in more complex curries.

Is Jamaican curry different? ›

Unlike regular curry powder, Jamaican curry powder contains more turmeric (hence the bold yellow color) and allspice. Therefore, if you don't have Jamaican curry powder handy, simply use regular curry powder and add additional turmeric powder and a few pinches of allspice powder.

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 authentic curry powder? ›

Curry powders usually consist of turmeric, cumin, ginger, and black pepper. Some blends also incorporate garlic and cinnamon. What all curry powders share is a sweet warmth and pleasant pungency that adds a toasty depth to everything it touches.

Is curry powder enough for curry? ›

You can whip up a quick, easy, healthy and delicious curry using curry powder or it can be used as a marinade or rub too. There is a huge difference in taste between good quality curry powder and cheaper, less flavoursome versions.

What does curry do for the body? ›

One study found that people who eat more curry powder are less likely to have high blood pressure. Another study found that having curry powder in a meal improves circulation immediately after the meal. The turmeric commonly found in curry powder also helps lower cholesterol, which makes heart disease less likely.

Is garam masala the same as curry powder? ›

While both are Indian spice mixes, their unique flavor profiles distinguish them. Curry Powder tends to be milder, with a symphony of spices creating a harmonious, less intense flavor compared to the robust complexity of Garam Masala.

What spice is closest to turmeric? ›

Saffron: With its golden color and delicate floral flavor, saffron can serve as a luxurious substitute for turmeric in certain recipes. Use a small pinch of saffron threads in rice dishes, soups, and sauces for a similar color and subtle flavor enhancement.

How do restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.

What are the 5 spices in a curry? ›

The Essential Five Spices are:
  • Cumin seeds.
  • Coriander seeds.
  • Black mustard seeds.
  • Cayenne pepper.
  • Turmeric.

How to make curry taste like restaurant? ›

Simple suggestions for restaurant good quality curries:
  1. Fry your onions till they are golden brown.
  2. Fry your spices but don't burn them. ...
  3. Use good quality spices. ...
  4. Seasoning. ...
  5. Use fatty yoghurt (greek style works) in curries to make them richer. ...
  6. Patience. ...
  7. Use a neutral vegetable oil. ...
  8. Experiment.
Jun 24, 2018

What makes Caribbean curry different? ›

Caribbean curry powder also tends to have a higher proportion of sweet spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, with a strong cumin flavor as well. Caribbean Cooking Methods. The other distinguishing factor in Caribbean curry chicken is the cooking methods used to prepare it.

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.

What is the difference between curry and curry powder? ›

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.

Where does Jamaican curry come from? ›

Curry is intrinsic part of Jamaican history. Indian servants who were brought to the then English Colony to work on sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery, brought the spice to Jamaica in the C17th. Curry is now one of the most popular dishes in Jamaica, usually made with goat, prawns, chicken, crab or pork.

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