Jerk Turkey Wrap

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This Jerk Turkey Wrap is marinated, grilled turkey breasts nestled in soft tortilla wraps with creamy coleslaw and a sweet, spicy Jamaican jerk mayo. This full-flavoured wrap is a tantalizing treat for your taste buds and a major upgrade to traditional turkey wrap recipes.

For more delicious jerk recipes, try Jerk Chicken Sandwich, Pineapple Jerk Chicken and Shrimp Skewers, and Honey Jerk Shrimp.

Jamaican Jerk Turkey Wrap
Here’s Why You’ll Love this Jerk Turkey Wrap Recipe
What is Jamaican Jerk?
Jamaican Jerk History
What is Jerk Marinade Made Of?
What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)
Ingredients and Ingredient Notes
How to Make a Jerk Turkey Wrap
Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Jerk Turkey Wrap
Recipe Substitutions and Tips
Serving Suggestions and Tips
Can I Make Jerk Turkey Wraps Ahead of Time?
Storage Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Interested in more Jamaican Recipes? Check These Out!
Jerk Turkey Wrap Recipe

Jamaican Jerk Turkey Wrap

Turkey breasts are marinated and then grilled to tender, juicy perfection to make these mouthwatering jerk turkey wraps. This is one turkey flavour you won’t find at the deli counter! I use my homemade jerk marinade to season and tenderize the turkey and then whip up a quick coleslaw and jerk-infused mayonnaise to balance some of the heat.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Jerk Turkey Wrap Recipe

Great on the Go – this is a perfect portable lunch. Wrap it up to enjoy in the car, at work, or on a picnic.
Easy to Make – learning how to make a jerk turkey has never been easier. Simply marinate and grill!
Crowd Pleaser – Double or triple the recipe to make enough for everyone. Serve it on a platter at parties and watch how quickly it disappears!

What is Jamaican Jerk?

Jerk is a hot and spicy dry-rubbed or wet marinated blend of herbs and spices used on all types of meats and seafood. Traditionally, jerked foods would be cooked over a small open coal or wood fire. Jerk has a spicy, woodsy, smoky flavour.

Jamaican Jerk History

It’s been said that the Maroons (descendants of Africans who formed settlements away from slavery in the Western world) jerked wild pigs in Portland, Jamaica while on the run from the British. It’s been a part of Jamaican culinary traditions for centuries, and now evolved in various unique dishes.

What is Jerk Marinade Made Of?

Jerk marinade often is made using onions, garlic, ginger, pimento, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, scotch bonnet pepper, and brown sugar. However, there are many variations, some of which include citrus, vinegar, and various sweeteners such as honey and molasses.

grilled jamaican jerk turkey sliced in bowl.

What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

Grill or Skillet – to cook the turkey.
Mixing Bowls – for mixing mayo and coleslaw.
Cutting Board – to contain and slice the jerk turkey breast.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

Jerk Turkey Breasts

Turkey Breasts – use boneless turkey for easier prep. It cooks faster than a whole turkey too.
Seasoning – season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and one crushed chicken bouillon cube.
Wet Jerk Marinade – use my quick and easy jerk marinade recipe. Adjust for either mild or hot.
Soy Sauce – for a distinct umami flavour.

Creamy Coleslaw

Cabbage – I use green cabbage and purple cabbage.
Carrot – shredded.
Onion – grated.
Mayonnaise – use more or less as desired.
Granulated White Sugar – the sweetness balances out the bitter taste of the cabbage.
White Vinegar – this adds a tangy quality.

Jerk Mayo

Mayonnaise – the creamy base.
Wet Jerk Marinade – adjust to taste.
Honey – the sweetness balances out the fiery flavour of the jerk sauce.

Other Ingredients

Tortilla Wraps – this holds everything together.
Lettuce Leaves – rinsed and pat dried.
Tomatoes – sliced.

jerk mayo, creamy coleslaw, sliced jerk turkey, lettuce, tomatoes and tortilla wraps.

How to Make a Jerk Turkey Wrap

Combine Ingredients for Slaw

In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, carrots, onion, mayonnaise, sugar and white vinegar then mix well and place in the fridge until serving.

shredded carrots, purple and green cabbage, mayo, sugar and vinegar for creamy coleslaw.

How to Jerk a Turkey

Add turkey to a large bowl and season well with jerk marinade, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry bouillon cube, salt, black pepper and soy sauce. Then mix until the turkey is well coated and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

raw turkey breasts with jerk marinade seasoning.

Grill Jerk Turkey

Heat BBQ grill (or skillet with a drizzle of oil) to a medium high, then place your marinated turkey breasts on your preheated grill or skillet, and close the lid. Then flip your turkey breasts and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

When done, transfer the turkey breasts to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

turkey breasts marinating in a glass bowl.

Assemble Jerk Turkey Wrap

Place tortillas on a plate and spread with a thin layer of jerk mayo sauce. Layer with lettuce, tomatoes, a few slices of turkey and creamy coleslaw. Finally, wrap tightly, cut in half, serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Jerk Turkey Wrap

Have all the other components of the turkey wrap ready to go (mayo and coleslaw) so you can assemble the wraps as soon as the turkey is ready.
Allow the turkey to rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling so that it retains its juices.
Ensure all the ingredients are in the center of the tortilla wrap before you roll them in order to avoid any spillage.
Heating the tortilla wraps just before assembly helps to prevent them from falling apart.

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

Serve Hot – if you want to serve the wraps warm, microwave the tortillas or place them on the grill for a light char.
Jerk Turkey Pinwheels – whether you’re serving kids or just want smaller portions, you can slice the wraps into bite-sized 1-inch pieces.
Jerk Turkey Lettuce Wrap – for a low-carb option, swap the tortillas for iceberg lettuce and make lettuce wraps.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Jerk turkey wraps are delicious all on their own but you can also serve it with various sides for a balanced meal.

Fries – a classic wrap tastes great with some crispy french fries or sweet potato fries.
Pasta – if you’re serving this at a picnic, barbecue or cookout, serve it with a cold pasta salad like Bruschetta Pasta Salad, Veggie Quinoa Salad or Orzo Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta.
Salad – some fresh greens would be a refreshing side dish. Try this Avocado Salad Recipe or Caprese Salad.

Can I Make Jerk Turkey Wraps Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can either grill the turkey and save it for later or assemble the wraps in advance and pack it with an ice pack if you’re on the go.

Storage Instructions

Tightly secure jerk turkey wraps in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. You can also store the components separately. Store the coleslaw in an airtight container for up to 1 day in the refrigerator. Store excess mayo in a mason jar and consume it within one week. Jerk turkey lasts for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Jamaican Jerk turkey spicy?

That depends on how spicy you make the jerk marinade. For a milder jerk flavour, use less scotch bonnet pepper and more honey.

Is jerk seasoning the same as jerk sauce?

No. Jerk seasoning is a dry spice blend often used as a dry rub. Jerk marinade is a wet marinated blend that takes less time to penetrate meats and veggies than jerk seasoning.

How do you make ahead wraps not soggy?

If you are saving them for later, wrap them in parchment paper. It’s more breathable than foil or plastic wrap and prevents moisture from building up.