Green seasoning is an essential ingredient to any good meal.
This Caribbean-inspired condiment adds flavor and color to seafood, meat, poultry, rice, pasta, and vegetables.
The best thing about green seasoning is that it’s super easy to prepare.
It has no preservatives or additives so you don’t have to worry about contamination.
The only downside is that it doesn’t keep as well as other condiments like ketchup and barbecue sauce.
You’ll want to store your green seasoning in airtight containers to ensure freshness.
How Do You Make Green Seasoning?
There are many ways to make this tasty seasoning. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Put all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth.
- Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl and stir with wooden spoon until mixed thoroughly.
- Mix in food processor using pulse mode for 5 seconds at time.
Tips on how to make green seasoning
- Use less water when blending green seasoning if you’re not happy with its consistency. If too much water is added during blending, it will result in a runny sauce rather than a thick paste.
- Do not add more salt after adding green seasoning to a dish because it can cause bland flavors.
- If you need to refrigerate green seasoning before use, wrap tightly in plastic bag.
- Store leftover green seasoning in fridge for up to one week.
- Always wash hands with soap and warm running water after handling raw foods or uncooked meats.
What Are The Ingredients In Green Seasoning?
You can find green seasoning at most grocery stores, but if you’re looking to cook without going to the store, there are some great online recipes.
Here’s what you need:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Don’t forget the water!
Make sure to add enough water to cover the mixture by at least half an inch.
If you don’t have access to water, feel free to substitute with vegetable broth instead.
How Do You Use Green Seasoning?
You probably already know how to season food before cooking.
But when using green seasoning you need to think of two different ways to apply its flavors.
1. Marinate
When applying green seasoning on raw meats and poultry, mix one part oil to three parts green seasoning (or 1/4 cup olive oil mixed with 2 tablespoons green seasoning).
Then rub this mixture over the surface of the meat until completely coated.
Let the meat sit overnight in the refrigerator to allow for flavoring to penetrate into the meat.
To finish off the marinated meat, cook it thoroughly by searing it at high heat or grilling it slowly.
If you’re making a whole grilled bird, start out with the breast first since it will take longer to cook than the thighs.
Once the legs are done, put them back on top of the breasts while they rest.
If you’re preparing shrimp or scallops, simply toss them in the marinade and let them sit for 30 minutes before pan-frying.
Serve immediately after cooking if possible.
For fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, or tuna steaks, just coat each side with green seasoning then sear both sides quickly in a hot skillet.
Be careful not to overcook these delicate fishes because they get mushy very easily.
To serve, sprinkle some black pepper over the cooked fish and drizzle with lemon juice.
2. Add to sauces
Adding green seasoning to sauces is another great way to incorporate it into many recipes.
To add a little extra zing to your favorite tomato sauce, pour half of the sauce into a small bowl and stir in 2 teaspoons of green seasoning.
Mix well and return the remaining sauce to the pot to continue simmering.
Serve with spaghetti or white beans.
What Dishes Can You Make With Green Seasoning?
There are several varieties of green seasoning recipes, but they all share one common goal – flavorful food.
Here are some examples of how you might use this versatile condiment:
- Marinated pork chops
- Barbecued ribs
- Skewered shrimp
- Grilled tuna steak
- Roasted turkey breast
- Pan roasted chicken
- Baked ham
- Chicken wings
- Fish sticks
- Crispy fried catfish fillet
- Fried oysters
- Pizza crusts
- Vegetable stir fry
- Salmon burgers
- Tuna salad sandwich
- Pasta salads
- Macaroni casserole
- Spaghetti carbonara
What Is The History Of Green Seasoning?
There are many different recipes for green seasoning, but there isn’t one specific origin story behind this popular condiment.
Some claim that the name “green” comes from its bright yellow hue, while others believe it stems from the fact that it often contains parsley, which is also known as “verde.”
Regardless of where the name originated, green seasoning was first created back during World War II when Jamaica was under British rule.
At the time, Jamaican cooks had limited access to salt due to rationing, but they still wanted to add some extra flavor to their meals.
Green seasoning became the solution because it could be made using herbs, spices, and onion instead of salt.
“Caribbean cuisine,” says chef Richard Blais on his blog, “isn’t just about food, it’s about culture.
That means everything—from how we dress up our hair to what we eat at the dinner table.”
In addition to being a staple in Jamaican cooking, green seasoning is now used to season foods across the world including South Africa, India, Italy, France, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Australia.
In the U.S., green seasoning is most commonly found in supermarkets near the international aisle alongside the soy sauce and hot sauces.
If you’re looking for a homemade version, try these delicious recipes below.
How to Make Fresh Green Seasoning
- Combine all ingredients in blender until smooth.
- Store remaining mixture in refrigerator.
Where Does Green Seasoning Come From?
Like many foods, green seasoning was born out of necessity.
In the early days of colonization, the British brought with them their spices and sauces.
These items were often purchased at auctions on ships returning home after voyages around the world.
Many of these ingredients had been used by indigenous cultures for hundreds if not thousands of years but they weren’t available in Europe because they hadn’t yet made it across the Atlantic Ocean.
It wasn’t until 18th century Britain when people started experimenting with new flavors and incorporating them into everyday dishes.
Green seasoning was one such example and soon became popular among chefs and cooks throughout England and America.
Today, this classic spice mix can be found in grocery stores all over the world.
If you’re looking for a quick way to add some zest to your next dinner party then green seasoning might just be the answer.
Try mixing it up with different herbs and spices to create unique blends for different types of food.
How Long Does Green Seasoning Last?
You can expect green seasoning to last up to one month if stored properly in the refrigerator.
If you’re planning on using this condiment within a week of purchase, then be sure to use all of the ingredients immediately after preparation.
If you’d prefer not to eat out of season, then consider freezing green seasoning instead.
However, we do advise against doing this because frozen foods tend to lose their flavors over time.
If you plan on keeping green seasoning longer than a few weeks, then make sure to label the container with its expiration date before storing it in the fridge.
Once opened, green seasoning should be used within a week.
Make sure to check the expiration dates listed above before buying more at the grocery store.
How to cook with green seasoning
With the help of green seasoning, you can add some tropical flair to your meals without much effort.
Here are some examples of how you could incorporate this condiment into your everyday cooking routine:
- Marinate a piece of beef steak in green seasoning overnight and grill it later.
- Add green seasoning to your favorite vegetable soup for added zest.
- Use green seasoning to season roasted red peppers when making stuffed olives.
- Pour green seasoning onto cooked white rice while serving.
- Sprinkle green seasoning on top of grilled shrimp tacos.
- Mix green seasoning into homemade guacamole.
- Make a quick and healthy appetizer by baking potato chips covered in green seasoning.
Can You Freeze Green Seasoning?
If you’re looking to save money on groceries by making batches of green seasoning ahead of time, you can freeze the mixture.
However, this isn’t recommended because green seasoning contains raw garlic which should be kept refrigerated at all times.
To freeze green seasoning, pour the ingredients into labeled freezer bags and place them in a storage container.
To thaw, simply remove one bag from its packaging and let it sit out overnight in the fridge before using.
What Are Some Substitutes For Green Seasoning?
If you’re out of green seasoning (or just prefer not to use it), here are some options you can try instead. If none of these work, consider making your own!
- Vegetable oil
- Soy sauce
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Barbecue sauce
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Mayonnaise
- Horseradish
- Ginger
- Curry paste
1. Vegetable Oil
You may think vegetable oil isn’t the right substitute because it lacks flavor.
However, vegetable oil does possess antimicrobial properties that help prevent food spoilage and bacteria growth.
If you’d rather not add extra chemicals to your meals, then using vegetable oil will be sufficient.
2. Mustard
This one is a little trickier than the previous option, but if mustard won’t do, perhaps this substitution will.
While mustard itself is low on sodium, many brands contain high amounts of salt.
This makes them unsuitable for people with hypertension or heart disease.
Instead, look for mustards that are low in sodium and sugar.
Some examples include Dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard, yellow mustard seeds, and whole grain mustard.
3. Ketchup
One of the most obvious substitutions would be ketchup.
While this condiment contains plenty of healthy ingredients, you might find its sweet taste too overpowering for some dishes.
However, you can get creative by mixing different types of ketchups together.
For example, you could combine tomato ketchup with apple cider vinegar to make a savory and sour dressing.
4. Barbecue Sauce
If you’re looking for a quick way to spice up your meals without adding much time or effort, barbecue sauce is the answer.
Just remember that barbecue sauces vary greatly depending on their origin.
For instance, American barbecue sauce is sweeter while Asian barbecue sauce is more salty.
5. Olive Oil
Another popular choice is olive oil.
Although olive oil comes from olives, it is still considered a fruit product and therefore exempt from the FDA’s guidelines on artificial colors and flavors.
Plus, unlike other oils which tend to solidify at room temperature, olive oil remains liquid even when stored at higher temperatures.
6. Butter
Like olive oil, butter also falls under the category of “fruit products.”
It is made by pressing the milk solids from cream into blocks of fat. As such, it is free from synthetic dyes and flavorings.
7. Mayonnaise
Although not exactly a replacement for green seasoning, homemade mayonnaise is similar enough that it serves as another great alternative.
All you need to do is mix two parts plain mayo with one part lemon juice until smooth.
Then stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon dried oregano.
8. Horseradish
Similar to mustard, horseradish is typically served raw.
But if you’d like to avoid getting sick, you should stick to prepared horseradish.
Look for jars labeled “prepared horseradish” or “precooked horseradish”.
These varieties come packed with added vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex vitamins.
9. Ginger
Ginger is often used in Chinese cuisine, especially in soups and stews.
However, ginger root is available year round and can be found at most grocery stores.
Simply grate fresh ginger before adding it to your dish.
10. Curry Paste
Curries are usually cooked with coconut milk, but curry pastes are made with spices and aromatics.
In addition to being tasty, they’re healthier alternatives to regular curries since they lack dairy products.
What Are Some Common Uses For Green Seasoning?
You can use this simple homemade green seasoning on almost anything from shrimp to ribs. Here are just a few of the most popular applications:
- Chicken
- Seafood
- Ribs
- Pork
- Salads
- Pasta
- Vegetables
How to make green seasoning at home
1 cup sea salt (or 1 teaspoon kosher salt) – If you’re using sea salt, we recommend purchasing “sea” salt because regular table salt contains trace amounts of mercury which may be harmful to humans.
5 cups water – For extra flavor, add 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon paprika.
6 large cloves garlic – Add these raw cloves into the cooking liquid while boiling.
4 bay leaves – These dried herbs come from the laurel tree and impart their signature scent to everything they touch.
10 sprigs thyme – Thyme is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is also used to promote digestion and relieve abdominal pain.
1/4 cup parsley stems – A staple herb with strong antioxidant qualities, parsley stems add great texture to dishes without adding much bulk.
½ cup cilantro stems – Cilantro stems provide a nice flavor boost without overpowering the dish.
¼ cup chives – Chives have a pungent aroma that complements many foods including eggs, potatoes, onions, beans, and salads. They also contain antioxidants that help fight cancer and heart disease.
⅓ cup dill weed – Dill weed is another member of the mint family and provides both culinary and medicinal benefits. In addition to providing relief from nausea and stomach cramps, it helps ease inflammation throughout the body.
2 teaspoons salt – Salt enhances the flavors of food by drawing out moisture. When mixed with the seasonings above, salt will draw out more of the juices released during cooking.
1 red bell pepper diced – Red peppers are rich in vitamin B6, which promotes healthy skin and hair growth.
¼ cup olive oil – Olive oil imparts a subtle yet flavorful taste to recipes. It also aids in absorption of vitamins D and E, which support bone health. Additionally, olive oil fights free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging.
¾ cup white vinegar – Vinegar adds tanginess and acidity to recipes. The type of vinegar used depends on what kind of dish you’re making.
¼ cup apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar provides a slight sour taste to recipes.
Directions:
Combine all ingredients except vinegar in a medium pot over high heat.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar.
Serve immediately.
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1/2 bunch parsley
- 4 scallions
- 1 head garlic about 10 to 15 cloves
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 small onion
- 1 to 2 habanero peppers
- ½ cup red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup green pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut all large ingredients into smaller chunks that will blend easily in the food processor.
- Transfer all the ingredients inside the food processor and blend for about 3 minutes or till you reach your desired consistency.
- Use as needed.
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My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.