Caribbean Green Seasoning recipe: Homemade spice blend

Authentic Caribbean Green Seasoning Recipe: A Flavorful Homemade Spice Sauce from Trinidad

Caribbean Green Seasoning is a vibrant and aromatic blend of fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices, essential in Trinidadian and Caribbean cuisine. This homemade green seasoning is packed with bold, earthy flavors that enhance plant based “meats”, tofu, veggies, stews, and soups. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Caribbean green seasoning at home, this simple yet flavorful herb-based spice sauce will transport you straight to the islands.

My Beloved Caribbean Green Seasoning: A Family Treasure Found

The first time I tasted Caribbean Green Seasoning, I was at my friend Janelle’s house for a weekend barbecue. She’d marinated some tofu in this vibrant green paste that smelled like heaven itself. One bite and I was transported—the perfect balance of herbs, the gentle heat, the depth of garlic and onion… I nearly embarrassed myself asking for seconds before finishing my first plate!

“What IS this magic?” I demanded. Janelle laughed and explained it was her grandmother’s green seasoning recipe, passed down through generations since they lived in Trinidad. When I couldn’t stop raving about it, she surprised me by writing down their family recipe right then and there. “Share the love,” she said, “just promise you’ll use it often!”

And I’ve kept that promise! Now I’m sharing this treasure with you:

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best green seasoning recipe, its traditional ingredients, and expert tips on storing and using it in your favorite Caribbean dishes.

What is Caribbean Green Seasoning?

Caribbean Green Seasoning is a traditional herbal marinade used in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and other Caribbean islands. It’s made by blending fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and peppers into a smooth or chunky paste. This seasoning acts as the foundation for Caribbean cooking, infusing dishes with its rich, herby, and slightly spicy taste.

It’s often used to marinate chicken, fish, pork, and beef, as well as a flavorful addition to soups, stews, and curries. I like to use it to marinate tofu, tempeh and vegetables. The versatility of homemade Caribbean green seasoning makes it a must-have in any kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Caribbean Flavor: Brings the true taste of Trinidadian green seasoning to your cooking.
• Easy to Make: Blend a handful of fresh ingredients in just minutes.
• Versatile:Perfect for meats, seafood, soups, stews, and marinades.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your taste by adding pimento peppers or Scotch bonnets.
• Great for Meal Prep: Refrigerate or freeze for long-term use.

Key Ingredients in Green Seasoning

Caribbean Green Seasoning is a powerhouse of fresh herbs, vegetables, and aromatics, each playing a unique role in building its bold, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and what they add to this traditional Trinidadian green seasoning recipe.

Basic ingredients:

Chadon Beni (Culantro) or Cilantro: The Bold, Herbal Base

Earthy, slightly citrusy, and pungent. Chadon beni (also known as culantro) is a staple herb in Trinidad and Tobago and has a stronger flavor than cilantro. It gives authentic Caribbean depth to the seasoning. If unavailable, cilantro is the best substitute, offering a fresh, slightly milder taste.

Parsley: Bright and Fresh Undertones

Mild, grassy, and slightly peppery. Parsley balances the bold flavors of culantro/cilantro by adding a light, fresh, and slightly bitter note that enhances the herbaceous depth.

Scallions (Chives): Sweet, Mild Onion Flavor

Mildly sweet with a hint of garlic. Scallions add a subtle oniony sharpness without overpowering the other flavors. They also contribute a slight sweetness that rounds out the seasoning.

Garlic: Rich, Aromatic Intensity

Adds a Pungent, slightly spicy, and deeply savory. Garlic is a core ingredient in many Caribbean marinades and spice blends. It provides a robust, savory backbone that enhances meats and stews when the seasoning is used as a marinade.

Onion: A Sweet and Savory Base

Sweet, sharp, and slightly tangy. Onions help create a well-rounded flavor, adding both sweetness and depth. They work alongside garlic to give the seasoning a rich, aromatic base.

Flavor ingredients:

Thyme: Earthy, Woodsy Depth

Slightly minty, earthy, and savory. Fresh thyme is a signature herb in Caribbean cooking, adding warmth and a subtle minty-citrus undertone. It blends beautifully with the other herbs and aromatics to create depth.

Celery: Crisp and Slightly Peppery

Mildly bitter, fresh, and slightly peppery. Celery adds a light, crisp note that helps balance stronger flavors like garlic and culantro. It also contributes to the seasoning’s freshness and complexity.

Pimento Peppers: Mild Sweetness with a Hint of Heat (Optional)

Sweet, mild, and slightly. Pimento peppers (not to be confused with allspice) add a mild fruity sweetness that helps soften the sharpness of garlic and onion. They are optional but highly recommended for authentic Caribbean flavor.

Grilled Red Bell Pepper: Smoky Sweetness

Sweet, slightly smoky, and mild. Using grilled red bell peppers adds a subtle smokiness and mild sweetness, helping create a deeper, richer flavor in the green seasoning.

Liquid ingredients:

Olive Oil or Water: For Blending and Texture

Neutral (olive oil adds slight fruitiness). Olive oil helps emulsify the ingredients, creating a smooth consistency while adding a touch of richness. Water can be used instead for a lighter, fresher blend.

Lime Juice: A Citrusy, Zesty Kick

Bright, tangy, and slightly acidic. Lime juice enhances the freshness of the herbs while adding a touch of acidity that helps preserve the seasoning and balance out the garlic and onion.

How These Ingredients Work Together

Each ingredient in Caribbean Green Seasoning plays a role in building its complex, vibrant, and well-balanced flavor:

Herbs (culantro/cilantro, parsley, thyme, scallions, celery): Provide the earthy, aromatic, and fresh foundation.

Aromatics (garlic, onion, pimento peppers, grilled red bell pepper): Add depth, sweetness, and spice.

Liquid Ingredients (olive oil, lime juice): Improve texture, balance acidity, and enhance preservation.

By blending these fresh ingredients, you get a homemade Caribbean Green Seasoning that is bold, fragrant, and packed with authentic island flavors—perfect for marinades, stews, soups, and more!

Expert Tips for the Best Green Seasoning

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh chadon beni (culantro) or cilantro gives the best flavor.
• Adjust Heat Level: Add Scotch bonnet peppers for extra spice.
• Consistency Matters: Blend until smooth for marinades or keep it chunky for a rustic texture.
• Preserve for Later: Freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight glass jar for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Pour into ice cube trays, freeze, and transfer cubes to a zip-top bag. Use within 3 months.

Caribbean Green Seasoning Recipe

A vibrant and aromatic blend of fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices, this Caribbean Green Seasoning is a staple in many island kitchens. Perfect for marinating plant based “meats”, enhancing stews, or adding depth to your favorite dishes, this versatile seasoning brings the essence of the Caribbean to your cooking.

Trinidad Green Seasoning Ingredients

To create this homemade green seasoning, you’ll need:

• 1 bunch chadon beni (culantro) or 1 bunch cilantro (about 50 g)
• ½ bunch parsley (about 25 g)
• 4 large scallions (chives) (about 50 g)
• 1 head garlic, peeled (about 50 g)
• 1 small onion, chopped (about 70 g)
• 1 bunch thyme (8-10 sprigs, about 10 g)
• 1-2 stalks celery, sliced (about 30-50 g)
• 2 pimento peppers (optional, about 20 g total)
• ½ grilled red bell pepper, sliced (about 60 g)
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil or water (as needed for blending)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

How to Make Homemade Green Seasoning

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash all herbs and vegetables thoroughly in a colander to remove dirt and debris.

Second step: Chop the Ingredients

• Roughly chop all herbs, garlic, onion, celery, and peppers.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

• Using a blender: Blend on high speed until smooth, adding olive oil or water as needed.
• Using a food processor: Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped for a slightly chunky texture. Scrape down the sides and add liquid if necessary.

Step 4: Store for Later Use

• Transfer to a clean mason jar or portion it into an ice cube tray.
• Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

How to Use Caribbean Green Seasoning

This homemade green seasoning is incredibly versatile! Here are some of the best ways to use it:

• Marinate Plant Based Meats & vegetables: Rub generously over tofu, tempeh, vegetables, or whatever else you are making before cooking.
• Enhance Stews & Soups: Stir a spoonful into Caribbean stews, curries, and soups.
• Use as a Seasoning Base: Sauté with onions and tomatoes for a flavorful cooking base.
• Add to Rice & Beans: Mix into rice, beans, and lentil dishes for a herbal boost.

What I’ve been making lately

• Best Cappuccino Blast recipe (Baskin Robbins copycat)
• Amish Sourdough starter recipe: easy Friendship bread
• Thai Spice Mix: Easy Homemade Thai Seasoning Recipe
• Homemade Tajín Seasoning Recipe: Best Mexican Fruit Seasoning
• Marinade for tofu: Best 5 marinades (easy and tasty)

Extra tips

More homemade Spice Blends you might like

• Original Cajun 2 step spice mix
• Best Seasoning for Burgers
• Jambalaya Seasoning Recipe
• Easy Homemade Gyro Seasoning
• Homemade Seasoning for Rice
• Homemade McCormick Spaghetti Seasoning Recipe Copycat Mix
• Best Easy Miso sauce recipe + Quick homemade ramen