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Fresh Jamaican Cabbage

Featured in Sides That Steal the Show.

This Jamaican cabbage dish brings bold flavors to your table. Sweet peppers, crispy carrots, and cabbage are gently steamed with thyme, garlic, and a touch of spicy scotch bonnet. Cooked in coconut oil, the veggies stay crunchy while soaking in the flavors. It's vegan, gluten-free, ready in 30 minutes, and a delicious match with your favorite mains.
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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:25:45 GMT
A plate piled with steamed cabbage, peppers, and carrots for a bright and fresh side dish. Pin it
A plate piled with steamed cabbage, peppers, and carrots for a bright and fresh side dish. | cookwithtaste.com

Island-style steamed cabbage turns an ordinary veggie into a bold, tasty side. Every portion mixes soft cabbage with colorful bell peppers and carrots, making a perfect combo of Caribbean-inspired flavors.

This meal shows what Caribbean cooking is all about, where basic ingredients get amazing through good cooking tricks. The veggies stay nicely textured while coming together as one fragrant dish.

Main Ingredients

  • Cabbage: Go for a new, heavy head with snappy leaves and zero marks. Tight leaves make sure you get the right texture.
  • Bell Peppers: Pick sturdy, vivid colored peppers for the best taste and pretty look.
  • Carrots: Grab fresh, solid carrots without any splits for just the right sweetness.
  • Scotch Bonnet: Classic but you can skip it. Brings real Caribbean spice and fruity kick.
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onions build the taste base.
  • Seasonings: Caribbean blend, thyme sprigs, and sea salt give it that genuine flavor.

Cooking Steps

Cutting Veggies:
Cut cabbage into thin quarter-inch strips. Slice carrots and peppers into matchsticks the same size. Cutting them right means they'll cook evenly.
First Layer:
Warm oil till it's glossy. Cook aromatics till they smell good but don't let them brown.
Adding Veggies:
Put in veggies one after another - carrots go in first, then cabbage, peppers last. Add seasoning to each batch.
Steam Time:
Pour just a bit of water, seal the lid tight, and keep the steam gentle the whole time.
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. | cookwithtaste.com

Getting perfect steamed cabbage means watching your timing and heat. You should hear soft bubbling sounds while it cooks.

Cooking Clock

Let it steam with the lid on for exactly 15 minutes. Your cabbage should look a bit see-through but still hold its shape.

Serving Style

Put it in a wide, flat bowl to show off all the colorful veggies. The steam coming off makes it look even better.

Mix It Up

Try adding local veggies like christophene or callaloo to make it more authentic but still keep the basic flavor profile.

Keeping Leftovers

Store in airtight containers and eat within a day. The flavors actually get better 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. | cookwithtaste.com

This dish keeps the old Caribbean cooking ways alive while giving you great results every time. Good technique makes simple ingredients turn into an amazing side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which kind of cabbage is best?
Pick firm white cabbage for the best texture. Avoid softer types like bok choy or savoy, which tend to turn soggy.
→ How do I tone down the heat?
Skip the scotch bonnet or replace it with just a pinch—about ¼ teaspoon—of mild chili powder for less spice.
→ How long will it stay good?
It’s tastiest when eaten fresh. If needed, freeze leftovers since cabbage can get bitter if stored too long in the fridge.
→ What goes well with this dish?
Pair it with dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, or rice and peas for a true taste of the Caribbean.
→ Can I make this dish early?
Definitely, though it’s best warm and fresh. Prep early, and eat within a day after reheating gently for the best bite.

Jamaican Cabbage Side

A fresh Caribbean-inspired side full of tender cabbage, vibrant peppers, and bold seasonings. A burst of flavor for every plate.

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

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Jamaican

Yield: 4 Servings

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

Ingredients

→ Base

01 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
02 1 small onion, cut into strips
03 3-4 thyme sprigs tied up with twine
04 2 tablespoons coconut oil

→ Vegetables

05 ½ of a large white cabbage, cut into very fine pieces
06 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
08 1 medium carrot, carved into skinny pieces
09 ½ scotch bonnet pepper, extra fine chop (or use ¼ teaspoon chili powder instead)

→ Seasonings

10 1 tablespoon non-dairy butter
11 A little pink salt—fix the amount to your taste
12 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground fresh
13 1 teaspoon multi-purpose seasoning blend
14 ¼ cup water

Instructions

Step 01

Set the stove to medium and heat the coconut oil. Add in the thyme, onion, and chopped garlic. Stir every so often until it all softens up.

Step 02

Toss the cabbage, carrot slices, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet into the skillet. Stir for 5 minutes or so as the cabbage cooks down and becomes tender.

Step 03

Lower the heat, pour in some water, cover with a lid, and let it cook for 15 minutes. If you like your cabbage crunchier, check it after 10 minutes instead.

Step 04

Remove the lid, sprinkle with the spice blend, add the butter, and season it with salt and pepper. Give it all a thorough mix.

Step 05

Scoop it out while it’s warm. If you'd like, pop a bit of thyme on top for a nice garnish.

Notes

  1. Pick a compact, firm cabbage—not leafy types like bok choy or savoy.
  2. Tastes best fresh—it’s better to eat it the same day it’s made.
  3. Store safely in the freezer using a sealed, freezer-ready container.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big skillet with a matching lid
  • A sturdy chopping board
  • A sharp knife for prepping
  • Measuring tools, like 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