Jamaican Cabbage

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Hey guys. Excited to introduce you to this Jamaican Cabbage Recipe which is one of my favorite Caribbean recipes ever. It is a popular Jamaican side dish and with just one bite you will totally get why.

This Jamaican dish is a colorful and vegetable loaded, super affordable and soooooooo easy to prepare, yet packed full of stunning flavor.

You start with everyday staple Caribbean ingredients – cabbage, carrots, thyme, and scotch bonnet chili and combine them into one delectable side dish that goes with everything.

I love serving it with easy to cook Rasta Pasta and the delicious Instant Pot Rasta Pasta and easy peasy and popular Jamaican Rice and Peas. Or with these Jamaican Oxtail Recipe.

I know this super delicious Jamaican Steamed Cabbage and Carrots is mostly served as a side dish, but I happen to love it so much that I often have it as a meal by itself.…with a little bit of rice on the side.

Plus, you can stir fry this leftover steamed cabbage dish with a protein and serve it as a stand-alone meal. And I’ll even eat it for breakfast. Yeap, that’s how much I loooooove this tasty Jamaican cabbage dish.

It has certainly saved me on days when I am too tired to cook.

Why Make This Recipe

• This absolutely delicious dish comes together quickly and easily, and with just 6 simple and affordable ingredients you can get from your local grocery store.
• It’s an ideal dish for taking to potlucks or serving up at parties, since you can easily double or even triple the recipe when you need to feed a crowd. Just make sure you have a big enough saucepan to make this.
• Oh, and did I mention that it is low carb, gluten free, vegan and a healthier treat too? This dish has got it all going on.

The scotch bonnet pepper adds both fragrance and heat to this Jamaican style cabbage, but it is entirely optional.

Feel free to skip it if you prefer. Or if you want the flavor without the heat, throw the pepper in whole and then simply take it out before serving. So worth it.

Let me walk you through the perfect Jamaican Steamed Cabbage recipe, with all the tips and tricks you need to make this perfect side dish, so that you can make it aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall year long.

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Ingredients

• Green cabbage – this recipe calls for shredded cabbage. Chop or Shred cabbage in large chunks.
• Onion – this recipe uses white onion but you can use red too.
• Bell pepper – use different coloured bell peppers for color.
• Carrots – thinly slice them.
• Garlic – use minced garlic and add more to taste if you prefer.
• Thyme – use fresh thyme if you can
• Vegetable broth – helps soften the cabbage
• Scotch bonnet peppers (optional)

How To Make Jamaican Cabbage

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Heat coconut oil in a saucepan or large skillet over medium high heat, add onion and thyme and cook for about 5-7 minutes till soft.
2. Stir in garlic, followed by the chopped cabbage, peppers, carrots, scotch bonnet if using, vegetable broth and salt.
3. Mix well, cover, reduce heat and steam for between 10-15 minutes or until done to your preference.

Chef’s tip: Keep and eye on the broth during cooking so it does not dry out, if it does add another tablespoon or two of broth.

Jamaican Cabbage Tips

• This recipe is the perfect way to use up your leftover cabbage.
• To shred the cabbage, first cut with a knife into quarters, remove the inner stalk and then you should be able to shred it easily.
• The scotch bonnet pepper adds both fragrance and heat to this Jamaican style cabbage, but it is entirely optional. Feel free to skip it if you prefer. Or if you want the flavor without the heat, throw the pepper in whole and then simply take it out before serving. So worth it.
• You can use chicken or beef broth if you are not vegetarian.
• Feel free to use a milder chili or skip the chili entirely if you prefer. It will still taste great
• If you like your carrots a little bit softer add them in earlier, along with the onions.

Caribbean Cabbage Variations

This is really a great base recipe which you can customize any way you like.  

You have just got to decide if you want to keep it vegan or not. Some of the different spices and proteins you can add in include:

• Smoked paprika
• All-purpose seasoning
• Green onion
• Grilled shrimp
• Crispy grilled fish bits
• Fried bacon chunks
• Shredded smoked chicken breast
• Sausages
• Other vegetables

Storage

• Prep Ahead – Wash, core and slice the cabbage a day in advance and keep in the fridge.
• Store – Store leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 3 days. 
• Freeze – Uncooked cabbage can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. I do not recommend freezing cooked cabbage.

FAQs

How Long To Steam Cabbage?

Cook time depend on how small you chop the cabbage and the rest of the vegetables. Smaller sizes will cook faster.

My suggestion is for you to aim for between 10-15 minutes for the first time, less time for crunchier cabbage and the longer time for soft cabbage and softer carrots.

What Type of Cabbage Do You Use For Jamaican Steamed Cabbage?

When choosing your cabbage at the market, look for firm green cabbage and white cabbage. You want a firm cabbage choice, so this doesn’t turn soggy or wilt.

I recommend avoiding soft cabbages, like Savoy as they will overcook at this time. If you do use the softer cabbages, then you will need to cook this dish for less time.

More Jamaican Recipes

Hey Caribbean Recipe lovers!! Check out the selection of Jamaican food recipes below and let me know your favorite dishes.

• Really easy Rasta Pasta. Great weeknight dinner recipe.
• Caribbean Rice and Peas. A good side for everything/
• Jamaican Rum Punch. Serve alongside everything.
• Instant Pot Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge. Creamy dreamy breakfast.
• Jamaican Vegetable Soup. So, so good.
• Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage. A creamy easy holiday side dish.
• Jamaican Goat Curry. Better than takeout version of this classic dish.
• Jamaican Mackerel Run Down. Fish has never tasted so good.
• Jamaican Sorrel Drink. One of my favorite drinks.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving leftover cooked cabbage with other Jamaican restaurant treats rice, jerk chicken and more.

• Instant Pot Rice
• Jollof Rice
• Air Fryer Salmon
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this recipe.

Tools Needed

• Saucepan.
• A sharp knife and handy cutting board.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• The best ever salt.

Thank you for reading my Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe. And please come visit again as I continue dreaming up recipes, traditional African recipes, African fusion recipes, Sierra Leone recipes, travel plans and much more for you.

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