This Jamaican Steamed Cabbage epitomizes authentic Caribbean cooking; nothing is bland. Garlic, fresh thyme, bell peppers, and a hint of butter create a savoury flavour, while the bright, aromatic notes of thyme and the sweet crunch of carrots pair perfectly with the cabbage.
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Best of all, everything comes together in one big pot in under 20 minutes. Serve this green cabbage stew as a side with Jamaican rice and peas and brown stew chicken or brown stew fish, or why not some curry goat. It can even be served as a side to this Jamaican festival for a hearty and wholesome busy weeknight dinner.
I am always looking for recipes that allow me to sneak as many veggies into my family's daily diet as possible, and this Jamaican cabbage dish is an absolute gem. I love the freedom to toss bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or even beans in my vegetables like this Southern cabbage. The possibilities are endless, and each addition brings its colour and flavour.
Recipe Ingredients
Cabbage: This leafy green is the heart of the dish. It incorporates a mild, slightly peppery flavor and a satisfying crunch that softens beautifully when steamed. I have used white cabbage for an authentic peppery taste, but napa cabbage also works.
Butter: The butter helps perfectly sauté the garlic and vegetables, softening them while enhancing the flavors.
Carrots: Naturally sweet and crisp, carrots add a pop of color and a slight sweetness that balances the cabbage's earthy taste.
Bell Pepper: The red bell pepper not only adds an extra layer of sweetness, but its bright color also makes the dish visually appealing.
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives the cabbage a distinctive herbal aroma and flavour essential to this Jamaican classic.
Broth: The broth is the magic that transforms this dish. Chicken or beef broth both works and adds a savoury depth of flavour, infusing the cabbage and vegetables as they steam. It's the perfect base for creating a deliciously rich dish, and you can always use homemade or store-bought options, depending on your time and preference.
How to Make Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- Add oil or olive oil to a hot large skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the remaining ingredients and toss to combine.
- Cover and allow to cook for 10 -12 minutes till the veggies are cooked but still crunchy.
- Give it a final stir and serve.
Recipe Tips
Prep Your Veggies Ahead of Time: Prepping the vegetables is the most time-consuming part of this recipe. To make the process quicker, you can julienne the cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This way, you can throw everything together in a flash!
Don't Overcook the Veggies: Don't overcook the cabbage and other vegetables for the perfect texture. You want them to be tender but still have a bit of crispness. Stir occasionally as they steam to ensure everything cooks evenly and the flavours meld together without getting too soft.
Add Extra Veggies for Variety: While this recipe uses cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and onions, feel free to get creative with your veggies! Add broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans for added texture and flavour. This is a great way to use any leftover vegetables in your fridge.
Use Fresh Thyme for Maximum Flavor: Fresh thyme makes a big difference in the flavour of this dish. While dried thyme will work in a pinch, fresh thyme brings a bright, aromatic note essential to the dish's authentic taste. If you're using dried thyme, reduce the amount to about 1-2 teaspoons.
Don't Skip Pimento Seeds: Pimento seeds are optional but recommended for an authentic Jamaican twist. They provide a subtle, peppery flavor.
Add Heat: To add heat and flavour depth to authentic Jamaican recipes, add Scotch Bonnet Pepper.
Saltfish, corned beef, shrimp, chicken, or smoked turkey. For a vegan version, you can add mushrooms or tofu.
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
and reheat it in a pan over medium heat or microwave it for 1–2 minutes.
Yes, you can, but purple cabbage takes more time to cook
Yes, just cook it with a bit of water or broth.
More Caribbean Recipes To Try
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Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ head Cabbage julienned and thinly sliced
- 2 medium Carrots julienned
- 1 Red bell pepper julienned
- 1 medium Onion julienned
- 3 Spring onion chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 4-5 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 4-5 Pimento seeds optional
- ¼ cup Cooking oil
- ¼ cup Broth
- ½ teaspoon Salt adjust
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper adjust
Instructions
- Remove any damaged or dull-colored outer leaves of the cabbage and wash properly.
- Cut and remove the tough core. Slice the cabbage into thin strips. Remove any damaged or dull-colored outer leaves of the
- Add oil to a hot pot over medium heat and saute the garlic till fragrant.¼ cup Cooking oil, 3 Garlic cloves
- Add all the remaining ingredients and toss to combine.½ head Cabbage, 2 medium Carrots, 1 Red bell pepper, 1 medium Onion, 3 Spring onion, 2 tablespoon Butter, 4-5 sprigs Fresh thyme, 4-5 Pimento seeds, ¼ cup Broth, ½ teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- Cover the pot and allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should still be crunchy, Be careful not to overcook it.
- Remove from the heat and serve.
Video
Notes
- Remove the tough core from the cabbage and thinly slice it. Wash it.
- Don't overcook it. You want it crunchy.
- For a creamy twist, add coconut milk.
The Best and quickest Cabbage recipe which serves as a side dish to many. A must try indeed.