5 Caribbean-Inspired Dry Rubs & Seasoning Blends

Summer is for eating outside!!!! It's for the grill getting fired up, vegetables getting charred, rice and peas making an appearance, somebody yelling from the kitchen that the food is ready, and—most importantly—seasoning everything.

If you're Caribbean, you already know that "just add a little salt" is rarely the end of the conversation. We season with intention. A little of this. A little of that. Taste it. Add something else. Maybe some thyme. Definitely some garlic. And if your momma, granny or auntie is cooking, there probably isn't a measuring spoon in sight. 😂

At Zena, we love working with herbs and spices because they are a beautiful reminder that plants can transform an experience. We're bringing the garden into the kitchen with five Caribbean-inspired dry blends made for summer. Think grilling, roasting, pan-searing, vegetables, seafood, chicken, steak, rice, and pretty much anything that needs a little more personality.

And yes—measurements are included. (You're welcome lmao)

1. Island Fire

Caribbean Jerk Dry Rub

Jerk seasoning is all about that beautiful balance between heat, aromatics, sweetness, and spice. This dry version gives you the essence of jerk without needing to make a wet marinade.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons paprika

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

• 2 teaspoons allspice

• 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon salt

How to Use It

Rub generously onto chicken, pork, shrimp, vegetables, or tofu before grilling or roasting. For a deeper flavor, combine the seasoning with a little oil and let your protein marinate for several hours before cooking.

Zena tip: Add a little lime zest when you're ready to cook for an extra bright, citrusy finish.

2. Yard & Flame

Caribbean Steakhouse Seasoning

This one is for the people who like their steak seasoned properly. Think garlic, onion, herbs, black pepper, and a little Caribbean warmth.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 2 teaspoons black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon allspice

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

How to Use It

Generously season steak before grilling or pan-searing. But don't stop there. Try it on mushrooms, potatoes, roasted vegetables, chicken, or even grilled corn. It's essentially your "everything tastes better with this" blend.

3. Sol y Sazón

Caribbean Tomato & Paprika Blend

This one leans into the warm, savory flavors found across Caribbean and Latin cooking. Think sazón meets taco seasoning with a little extra island personality.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons paprika

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons oregano

• 1 teaspoon coriander

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon annatto powder

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon cayenne

• ½ teaspoon dried cilantro

• 1 teaspoon salt

How to Use It

Use this blend for: Tacos, Chicken, Ground beef, Beans, Rice, Grilled vegetables. If you want to turn it into a quick wet marinade, mix it with olive oil, lime juice, and a little garlic.

4. Abuela's Garden

Caribbean Adobo-Inspired Seasoning

Adobo is one of those pantry staples that deserves its own spot on the shelf.

This Zena-inspired version is savory, garlicky, herby, and incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 2 teaspoons cumin

• 1 teaspoon coriander

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon salt

How to Use It

Use it anywhere you would normally reach for an all-purpose seasoning. Chicken. Fish. Pork. Vegetables. Beans. Rice.

It's especially good sprinkled over roasted potatoes before they hit the oven.

5. Green Gold

Dry Caribbean Sofrito-Inspired Seasoning

Okay, this one might be my favorite. Sofrito is traditionally a fresh aromatic base, so this isn't meant to replace fresh sofrito. Instead, think of it as its dry cousin—a shelf-stable blend inspired by those bright green, savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons dried parsley

• 1 tablespoon dried cilantro

• 1 tablespoon dried green onion or chives

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 2 teaspoons dried celery leaf

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon coriander

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon salt

How to Use It

Sprinkle into rice, beans, soups, marinades, vegetables, roasted potatoes, seafood, or anything that needs a little green goodness. You can also rehydrate it with warm water and olive oil to create a quick seasoning paste.

How to Make Your Dry Blends Last

The beauty of dry seasoning blends is that they're easy to make ahead and keep on hand. A few simple rules:

Keep them dry. Always use a completely dry spoon when measuring your blends.

Store them airtight. Glass jars work beautifully. Keep them somewhere cool, dark, and dry.

Label everything. Write the blend name and date you made it on the jar. Future you will appreciate it.

Don't add fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, peppers, herbs, citrus juice, or other wet ingredients will change the shelf life considerably. If you're making a dry blend, keep it dry.

A Little Caribbean Flavor Goes a Long Way

One of my favorite things about Caribbean cooking is that there isn't just one way to make something. Every island, family, kitchen, and cook has their own version. That's the beauty of it. These recipes aren't meant to replace the blends you grew up with. They're an invitation to experiment; to take the herbs and spices you already have and create something that feels like you!!

Start with the measurements. Then make it your own. More thyme? Add it. More heat? Absolutely. A little extra garlic? You already know.

Because recipes are guidelines. Flavor is personal.

Tend to Your Garden and Your Kitchen

There is something deeply grounding about making your own seasonings. You're working with plants. You're engaging your senses. You're creating something from scratch. And then you get to share it around a table. That's wellness too. So fire up the grill, pull out the spice jars, invite somebody over, and make a little summer magic.

Which blend are you making first?

🌶️ Island Fire
🥩 Yard & Flame
🌺 Sol y Sazón
🧄 Abuela's Garden
🌿 Green Gold

And if you make one, tag Zena. We'd love to see what you're cooking up.

Tend to your garden. Season your food. Feed your people. 🌿