Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Jerk Marinade
Ranch Base
Optional Finishes & Garnish
Method
Jerk Marinade
- 1
Combine marinade
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together 1/2 cup prepared mild Jamaican jerk seasoning, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until smooth and the sugar dissolves.
- 2
Taste and adjust
Taste the marinade and adjust for mildness by adding an additional tablespoon of mayo or 1 teaspoon honey if it tastes too bold, or a pinch of salt if it seems flat. Remember this will be blended into the ranch base later, so keep it slightly punchy but not overpowering.
Ranch Base
- 3
Prepare base
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1/4 cup sour cream until smooth and slightly loose. The texture should be creamy but pourable; add up to 1 tablespoon more buttermilk if needed.
- 4
Add herbs & seasonings
Stir in 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives, 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly incorporated.
- 5
Incorporate jerk marinade
Start by adding half of the prepared jerk marinade (about 1/4 cup) to the ranch base and whisk until fully incorporated. Taste for balance. Gradually add more marinade to reach your desired jerk flavor intensity—reserve any leftover marinade for marinating chicken or as a dipping sauce. For a mild Jerk Ranch, total addition will typically be about 1/4 to 1/3 cup.
- 6
Adjust consistency & sweetness (optional)
If the ranch is too thick, whisk in additional buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired pourability. If you prefer a touch of sweetness to round heat, whisk in 1 teaspoon honey.
- 7
Chill
Transfer the Jerk Ranch to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably 3–4 hours) to let flavors meld. The chill time softens the jerk spices and integrates them with the creamy ranch.
Optional Finishes & Garnish
- 8
Finish and serve
Before serving, stir the ranch and taste; if you want a hint more heat, sprinkle in up to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper and stir. Garnish with 1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions. Serve as a dip for vegetables, wings, fries, or as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.