This homemade Caribbean Green Seasoning is a vibrant, herbaceous blend that captures the essence of island cooking. It is the secret weapon in Caribbean kitchens.

This Caribbean green seasoning recipe is a fresh, herb-based marinade made with garlic, scallions, herbs, peppers, and aromatics that forms the flavor foundation of many Caribbean dishes. This Guyanese-style green seasoning is used to season and marinate meats, seafood, and vegetables, and to build flavor in stews, curries, soups, and rice dishes. Made with simple ingredients and blended into a smooth paste, homemade green seasoning delivers brighter, more authentic flavor than store-bought versions and can be customized for heat, salt level, and herb balance.

If you’ve ever had an authentic Caribbean meal, you’ve already tasted the magic of Caribbean green seasoning even if you didn’t realize it at the time. This fragrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, scallions, peppers, and island aromatics is the quiet hero behind so many iconic dishes across Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, and beyond. From curry chicken and stew to grilled meats and seafood, no Caribbean kitchen is complete without a jar of homemade green seasoning in the fridge.

Growing up in a Guyanese home, green seasoning wasn’t optional; it was essential. Before any pot hit the stove, before any meat touched the pan, my mom would reach for her homemade green seasoning. The moment it hit the chicken or beef, the kitchen would fill with the most incredible herbal, garlicky aroma; fresh, bold, and unmistakably Caribbean. That scent meant something good was coming.

To this day, every time I make this homemade green seasoning recipe , I’m instantly transported back to childhood standing in the kitchen, watching my mom blend bunches of herbs, tasting a little on my finger, and learning that flavor always starts at the base. This simple green paste is more than just a recipe it’s the foundation of Caribbean cooking.

After you make this green seasoning, head over to my How to Season Chicken Caribbean-Style (Beginner Friendly Guide) to see exactly how to use it step-by-step on chicken for maximum flavor.

Traditional Guyanese Green Seasoning:

In Guyana, traditional green seasoning may include broad leaf thyme, fine leaf thyme, wiri wiri pepper , and even a local herb called “Married Man Pork” —a variety of sweet basil (scientific name:Ocimum basilicum). This basil is known for its shiny, deep green leaves and unforgettable aroma.

However, this recipe uses herbs and ingredients that are more easily accessible for anyone making it outside the Caribbean.

Tiffany’s Helpful Tips

• Make it your flavor foundation: Caribbean green seasoning is the backbone of island cooking, a fresh herb-forward blend that builds flavor from the very first step. Keep a jar in your refrigerator or freezer so you always have authentic Caribbean flavor ready to use.

• Marinate with intention: This green seasoning is traditionally used as the base marinade for meats like chicken, pork, beef, and lamb. For best results, marinate for at least a few hours or overnight so the herbs and aromatics fully penetrate the meat.

• Perfect for stews, curries, and rice dishes: Stir a few spoonfuls into Caribbean stews, soups, curries, and rice dishes while they cook to build deep layered flavor, the same way many Caribbean kitchens season food from the start.

• Not just for meat, seafood loves it too: Use green seasoning on fish, shrimp, and other seafood before grilling, baking, or pan searing. It adds brightness without overpowering delicate seafood flavors.

• A little goes a long way: Add a small spoonful to scrambled eggs, omelets, or sautéed vegetables for a quick Caribbean twist on everyday meals.

• Freeze for easy meal prep: Portion green seasoning into ice cube trays or small freezer containers and freeze. Pop out what you need and add directly to marinades, stews, or sauces for instant flavor.

How to Use Green Seasoning:

Use it as a base marinade or flavor booster in:

• Easy Chinese Baked Chicken

• Guyanese Chicken Curry

• Stews, soups, rice dishes, or even to jazz up scrambled eggs!

It’s like bottling up the Caribbean in every spoonful

Pro-Tip : I recommend using a high-powered blender or food processor to get the perfect texture:

How to Store It:

• Fridge: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight jar

• Freezer: Up to 3 months in cubes or freezer-safe containers.

Don’t forget to label your container with the date for freshness.

Prefer to watch instead of reading this delicious recipe? check out this video for a quick and easy guide: