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Jamaican Cabbage Side

Featured in Vegetable and Grain Sides.

This Jamaican steamed cabbage is packed with bold Caribbean flavors. Soft cabbage meets sweet peppers and crunchy carrots, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and fiery scotch bonnet for an extra kick. The veggies are steamed gently in coconut oil to keep their texture and soak up all the spices. Ready in half an hour, this healthy side dish is vegan, gluten-free, and an amazing complement to classic Caribbean mains. It’s the perfect mix of crisp veggies and rich taste.
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Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:40:42 GMT
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A colorful plate showing steamed cabbage with carrots and peppers for a fresh and vibrant dish. Pin it
A colorful plate showing steamed cabbage with carrots and peppers for a fresh and vibrant dish. | quickierecipe.com

Caribbean steamed cabbage elevates a simple vegetable into a vibrant, flavorful side dish. Each serving combines tender cabbage with sweet bell peppers and carrots, creating a harmonious blend of island-inspired tastes.

This dish captures the essence of Caribbean home cooking, where simple ingredients transform through careful technique. The vegetables retain their distinct textures while melding into a cohesive, aromatic dish.

Key Ingredients

  • Cabbage: Select a fresh, dense head with crisp leaves and no blemishes. The tight leaves ensure proper texture.
  • Bell Peppers: Use firm, brightly colored peppers for optimal flavor and visual appeal.
  • Carrots: Choose fresh, firm carrots without cracks for the perfect sweet balance.
  • Scotch Bonnet: Traditional but optional. Adds authentic Caribbean heat and fruity notes.
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onions form the flavor foundation.
  • Seasonings: Caribbean all-purpose seasoning, thyme sprigs, and sea salt create authentic taste.

Preparation Method

Vegetable Prep:
Slice cabbage into quarter-inch strips. Julienne carrots and peppers uniformly. Proper cutting ensures even cooking.
Base Layer:
Heat oil until shimmering. Sauté aromatics until fragrant but not browned.
Layering:
Add vegetables in stages - carrots first, followed by cabbage, then peppers. Season each layer.
Cooking:
Add minimal water, cover tightly, and maintain gentle steam throughout cooking.
A plate of food with a variety of vegetables, including carrots and cabbage, is displayed on a table. Pin it
A plate of food with a variety of vegetables, including carrots and cabbage, is displayed on a table. | quickierecipe.com

The key to perfect steamed cabbage lies in proper timing and heat control. Listen for gentle simmering sounds throughout cooking.

Timing Guide

Steam covered for exactly 15 minutes. The cabbage should become slightly translucent while maintaining structure.

Presentation

Serve in a shallow bowl to showcase the colorful vegetable medley. The natural steam enhances presentation.

Variations

Incorporate regional vegetables like christophene or callaloo to enhance authenticity while maintaining the dish's essence.

Storage

Keep in sealed containers and use within 24 hours. The flavors mature beautifully overnight.

A plate of food with a variety of vegetables, including cabbage and carrots, is displayed on a table. Pin it
A plate of food with a variety of vegetables, including cabbage and carrots, is displayed on a table. | quickierecipe.com

This recipe preserves traditional Caribbean cooking methods while delivering consistently excellent results. Proper technique transforms simple ingredients into an exceptional side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of cabbage works best?
Stick to firm white cabbage. Avoid varieties like bok choy or savoy since they tend to get mushy when cooked.
→ How can I make this less spicy?
Leave out the scotch bonnet pepper, or try substituting it with a tiny bit—like ¼ teaspoon—of a mild chili powder.
→ How long can I keep leftovers?
It’s best to enjoy it the day you make it. But if needed, freeze it to extend its shelf life since cabbage can turn bitter quickly.
→ What pairs best with this dish?
Serve it alongside favorites like curry goat, sticky rice and peas, or jerk chicken for a truly Caribbean meal.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Sure, but it tastes best fresh. If making ahead, reheat gently and enjoy within a day for the best flavor and texture.

Jamaican Cabbage Side

A vibrant Caribbean-style side with tender cabbage, bright peppers, and aromatic seasonings that bring a burst of flavor to every meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Jamaican

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
02 1 small onion, sliced into strips
03 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
04 3-4 sprigs of thyme tied in a bundle

→ Vegetables

05 ½ head of a giant white cabbage, thinly sliced
06 1 medium carrot, cut into slim strips
07 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
08 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
09 ½ scotch bonnet, very finely chopped (or sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon chili powder)

→ Seasonings

10 1 teaspoon of all-purpose spice mix
11 1 tablespoon of non-dairy butter
12 A pinch of pink salt, adjust to your liking
13 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
14 ¼ cup of water

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the coconut oil over medium heat. Toss in the onion slices, chopped garlic, and thyme. Stir now and then, cooking until soft.

Step 02

Mix in the sliced cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and minced scotch bonnet. Keep folding and stirring for around 5 minutes until the cabbage softens and shrinks a little.

Step 03

Turn down the heat, pour in the water, cover the pan with a lid, and let it steam for 15 minutes (if you want crunchier cabbage, stick to 10 minutes).

Step 04

Lift the lid, sprinkle on the all-purpose spice mix, dollop the non-dairy butter, and season with black pepper and salt. Give everything a good stir.

Step 05

Dish it out while it’s still hot. Add a sprig of thyme on top for a fancy touch, if you want.

Notes

  1. Choose firm, dense cabbage—avoid leafy ones like savoy or bok choy.
  2. Eat it fresh—it’s best the same day you make it.
  3. You can store it in the freezer using air-tight, freezer-friendly containers.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet that comes with a lid
  • A solid cutting board
  • A sharp kitchen knife
  • Measuring tools—cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 157
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 3 g