Jerk is a Jamaican seasoning blend used for dry-rubbing or wet-marinating various types of fish and meat. The basic ingredient in jerk seasoning is pimento, which is then mixed with other peppers such as Scotch bonnet, and other flavorings such as onions, salt, cloves, garlic, thyme, and scallions.

The jerk method of cooking has origins with the runaway slaves who used to season wild pigs' meat with numerous spices and cook it over coals. Today, most jerk meat is grilled over charcoal in steel drum pans.