Jamaican Steamed Cabbage is a vibrant and healthy side dish that captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine. With a perfect blend of spices, vegetables, and fresh cabbage, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re pairing it with jerk chicken, rice and peas, or enjoying it on its own, this dish brings the flavors of Jamaica right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Low in calories and packed with nutrients.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a wide variety of main dishes.
- Vegan-Friendly: Naturally plant-based and full of flavor.
- Authentic Taste: Captures the traditional flavors of Jamaican cuisine.
How Do You Serve Jamaican Steamed Cabbage?
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage is typically served as a side dish, but it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed in various ways. Pair it with jerk chicken, rice and peas, grilled fish, or even use it as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Jamaican Steamed Cabbage?
This dish is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, and it’s also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion. The dish is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for a healthy diet.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe
- How Do You Serve Jamaican Steamed Cabbage?
- What Are the Benefits of Eating Jamaican Steamed Cabbage?
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- Can Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Be Made Ahead of Time?
- Expert Tips for Perfect Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- How to Customize Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- Variations of Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs about Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (Easy)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large carrots, julienned or sliced into thin strips
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning or a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
How to Make Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Julienne or slice the carrots into thin strips. Slice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. If using, chop the scotch bonnet pepper carefully, as it can be very spicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter or coconut oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion, garlic, and thyme. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Vegetables
Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper, and scallions to the pan. Season with all-purpose seasoning or a combination of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the vegetables are well-coated with the seasoning and sautéed aromatics.
Step 4: Steam the Cabbage
Pour in the water or vegetable broth, then cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let the cabbage steam for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cabbage should be tender but still slightly crisp, and the flavors should meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the lid and give it one last stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish to your favorite Jamaican mains like jerk chicken or fish.
Can Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, Jamaican Steamed Cabbage can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to retain its texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- Use fresh thyme if possible, as it adds a more robust and earthy flavor to the dish.
- If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds from the scotch bonnet pepper or omit it entirely.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute the water or broth with coconut milk.
- Be mindful not to overcook the cabbage; it should retain some crunch for the best texture.
How to Customize Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage is a versatile dish that can be easily customized. You can add different vegetables, such as bell peppers or peas, or incorporate proteins like shrimp or tofu. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, whether you prefer it mild or spicy.
Variations of Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- With Protein: Add strips of jerk chicken or grilled shrimp to the steamed cabbage for a more filling dish.
- Spicy Version: Increase the amount of scotch bonnet pepper for a spicier kick.
- Mixed Vegetables: Add in other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn for added color and texture.
- Coconut Steamed Cabbage: For a creamy version, substitute some of the water or broth with coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside jerk chicken, rice and peas, or fried plantains for a complete Jamaican meal.
- Pair with grilled fish, curry goat, or oxtail for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
- Enjoy as a light lunch by itself, or with some freshly baked bread or roti.
FAQs about Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
Yes, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
It can be, depending on how much scotch bonnet pepper you use. Adjust to your taste preference.
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the cabbage.
Green cabbage is most commonly used for this recipe due to its mild flavor and ability to hold up well during cooking. However, you can also experiment with other types like Savoy or Napa cabbage for a different texture.
While fresh vegetables are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.
To reduce the sodium content, opt for a low-sodium all-purpose seasoning or simply use herbs like thyme and black pepper for flavor. You can also skip adding salt or reduce the amount to your preference.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for the aromatics and then cooking on low pressure for 1-2 minutes. For a slow cooker, simply combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours until the cabbage is tender.
To turn this side dish into a main course, consider adding protein such as cooked shrimp, tofu, or chicken. You can also mix in cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty one-pot meal.
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage pairs well with a variety of proteins like jerk chicken, grilled fish, or tofu. It also complements starchy sides such as rice and peas, boiled dumplings, or sweet potatoes.
Yes, you can add meat like cooked bacon, ham, or sausage to the cabbage for a heartier dish. Simply sauté the meat along with the aromatics before adding the cabbage.
To prevent soggy cabbage, avoid overcooking it. Steam the cabbage just until it’s tender but still slightly crisp, and be careful not to add too much liquid to the pan.
Yes, you can make this dish without oil by using a non-stick pan and omitting the butter or coconut oil. You can also steam the vegetables directly without sautéing if you prefer an oil-free version.
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Items Used in Recipe and Kitchen Essentials
All-Clad 4405 Stainless Steel Tri-ply Saute Pan with Lid Cookware, 5-Quart
304 Stainless Steel Kitchen Cooking Tongs, 9″ and 12″ Set of 2
Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
365 Everyday Value, Organic Thyme
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (Easy)
Ingredients
- 1 Half Head Cabbage Sliced
- 1 Half Onion Sliced
- 1 Half Red Pepper Julienned
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Carrot
- 1/2 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- 1 tsp. Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp. Salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp. Oil. Coconut, Vegetable or Avocado oil
Instructions
- Cut half onion into quarter inch slices
- Cut cabbage into thin slices.
- Julienne Red Pepper
- Heat pan to medium-high heat. When the pan is heated add oil to the pan. Saute onion for about 3 minutes. Add shredded cabbage to the pan and saute 3 more minutes. Add chicken broth and Thyme and Garlic Powder, Black Pepper and stir to combine. Turn heat to medium and cover pan for 5 minutes to get the cabbage to wilt a bit. Then add Red Pepper and Carrots. Stir to combine. Cover pan and lower heat to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or desired doneness.
Matt
This is so good and easy to make. It goes with almost anything.
Matt
Do you serve this cold or warm?
Matt
I serve it warm.
Berky
This is an excellent recipe. Brings back memories of being on the island.
I make it every time I make Brown Stew Chicken and rice.
Matt
Glad to hear that you enjoy it. I spent a lot of time in the Caribbean growing up. I love those flavors.
Matty.
Bonita Masteller
Thanks for this recipe. One would not try it. One tried it and even though he has always refused to eat cooked cabbage, ate it and said it wasn’t half bad. I loved it, and my sister adored it. It did cook even faster than written. And since I didn’t have coconut oil to use, I added 1 TBSP of creamy style canned coconut milk at the end, which was just the perfect hint of coconut flavor to add.
Matt
Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. If I can get people to eat cabbage that normally wouldn’t I am doing my job right lol. 🙂
Matty.