Trinidad Green Seasoning Recipe (Ultimate Caribbean Marinade)

A homemade Trinidad green seasoning recipe is the go-to Caribbean marinade that brings bold, herby flavor to your meats, soups, and stews. Made with chadon beni, garlic, and fresh herbs, this green paste is a must-have in every Trini kitchen.

The perfect level of seasoning can transform a good meal into a great one. It takes time, but someone who is just starting out on their cooking journey can step up their spice game with lots of practice in the kitchen.

While of course, the culinary world wouldn’t be the same without salt and pepper, there are so many other fantastic seasonings to explore.

Let’s take a closer look at Trinidad green seasoning, a delicious staple of Caribbean cooking.

What is Trinidad green seasoning?

Green seasoning is the unofficial MVP of Trinbagonian cooking—a vibrant blend of herbs and aromatics blended into a flavorful marinade. If you’ve ever wondered why Caribbean food has that extra depth of flavor, chances are green seasoning had a part to play.

This mix is our flavor starter for meats, seafood, and even rice or pasta. And if you’re cooking anything from stewed chicken to callaloo or pelau, you already know… green seasoning is non-negotiable.

Trinidad Green Seasoning Recipe

Ingredients

There’s more than one way to make green seasoning. As long as you have the key ingredient of Spanish thyme, you can incorporate your desired ingredients to produce the flavorful green puree.

Here are the recommended ingredients for a tried and tested green seasoning recipe that smells great and tastes even better.

Herb Base

• Chadon beni (culantro) – the star Trini herb
• Cilantro – to round out the greens
• Parsley
• Fresh thyme (no woody stems!)
• Celery stalks
• Green onions (scallions)

Aromatics

• Yellow onion
• Garlic (a whole head!)
• Pimento or sweet red pepper
• Red bell pepper (optional, but pretty)

Optional Add-Ins

• Scotch bonnet or habanero (for heat)
• Lime juice or vinegar (brightens and helps preserve)
• Ginger, basil, rosemary, oregano – all welcome in moderation
• Salt or an all-purpose seasoning blend (like green seasoning’s bestie)

Instructions

• Prep: Rinse herbs well and pat them dry. Roughly chop everything so your blender doesn’t scream.
• Blend: Add herbs, aromatics, and a bit of water (or oil, or vinegar) to a blender or food processor.
• Adjust: Want more heat? Add another pepper. Want it smoother? Add a little liquid and blend again.
• Store: Pour into a glass jar or freezer tray. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.

Tip: Freeze in ice cube trays, then store the cubes in a freezer bag. Just pop one into your stew or soup for instant Caribbean vibes.

How to use green seasoningg

This isn’t just a marinade—it’s a kitchen lifesaver:

• Rub into chicken, beef, lamb, or seafood before cooking
• Stir into soups, stews, or rice dishes like ochro and rice
• Use as a base for curry, pelau, or even to brighten up dips

A couple tablespoons usually do the trick, but no judgment if your ancestors whisper “add more.”

Green seasoning storage tips

Once your green seasoning is blended, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag, perfect for dropping into soups or stews. Want it to last even longer in the fridge? Replace the water in the blend with vinegar or lime juice. It adds brightness and helps preserve the mix naturally.

Why make it at home?

Because you’re skipping all the preservatives and sodium that come with store-bought blends. Plus, when you make it yourself, you get to play with the flavors and really make it your own.

Once you’ve made this a few times, you won’t even need a recipe it’ll just become part of your rhythm in the kitchen.

More recipes that use Trinidad green seasoning

• Trinidad Stewed Chicken
• Caribbean Chicken Soup
• Conch Soup
• Smoked Herring

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Trinidad green seasoning isn’t just a recipe—it’s a rite of passage. Every household has their version, passed down or tweaked to perfection.

Make a batch, stash some in your freezer, and never settle for bland again. Your stews, meats, and rice will thank you.

Trinidad Green Seasoning

A recipe for blended herbs with other aromatic spices that make up this green seasoning, a Caribbean kitchen staple. Used to season meats and boost other dishes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 28

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Caribbean

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 bundle of shadon beni/culantro if you cannot find this you can use cilantro/coriander
• 4 stalks of celery
• A handful of parsley
• 4 heads of chive
• 1/2 pounds of onions Approx. 3 medium sized onions
• 2 heads of garlic
• 1/4 pound of ginger root
• 1 leaf of fat leaf thyme aka Spanish Thyme if not use 6 small leaf thyme including stalks
• 12 cloves
• 6 flavor peppers
• 1 hot pepper
• 2 cups water

Method

 

1. Chop everything up so that it can fit into your device.
2. Put half in to blender and add 1 cup of water and blend
3. Add other half of herbs and add water as needed (1/2 cup more)

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