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Jamaican Steamed Cabbage

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This Jamaican Steamed Cabbage transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful Caribbean side dish. The recipe combines white cabbage with colorful bell peppers and carrots, seasoned with aromatic thyme, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper for authentic Jamaican heat. The vegetables are gently steamed to maintain their texture while absorbing the flavors of coconut oil and Caribbean seasonings. Taking just 30 minutes to prepare, this versatile dish offers a perfect balance of crisp-tender vegetables and bold flavors. It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and makes an excellent accompaniment to any Caribbean meal.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:24:20 GMT
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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. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This authentic Caribbean side dish transforms humble cabbage into a flavorful, tender masterpiece. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of seasoned vegetables, with cabbage taking center stage alongside colorful bell peppers and carrots, all gently steamed to perfection.

During a recent family gathering, I served this alongside traditional Jamaican dishes, and guests couldn't believe such a simple vegetable dish could carry so much flavor. The gentle steam cooking method preserves each vegetable's character while allowing them to meld into something extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Cabbage: Choose firm, heavy white cabbage with crisp leaves. The head should feel solid and compact, with no brown spots or wilting. This variety provides the perfect texture that holds up during steaming.
  • Bell Peppers: Select peppers with glossy skin and firm flesh. A mix of colors adds visual appeal and subtle flavor variations. They should feel heavy for their size with no soft spots.
  • Carrots: Look for bright orange, firm carrots with smooth skin. Avoid any with cracks or excessive hair-like roots. Fresh carrots provide the perfect sweet contrast to the cabbage.
  • Scotch Bonnet: Optional but authentic. Handle with care and select peppers with vibrant color and smooth skin. The distinctive fruity heat transforms the dish.
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic cloves should be firm and tight, not sprouting. Onions should be heavy and firm with papery skin intact.
  • Seasonings: All-purpose seasoning, fresh thyme, and pink salt create the foundation of authentic Jamaican flavor.

Creating Your Perfect Dish

Base Preparation:
Begin by delicately slicing your cabbage into uniform strips, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking. The cuts should be clean and precise, about 1/4 inch wide. Wash thoroughly and allow to drain completely. This careful preparation ensures each piece will steam evenly and maintain its texture.
Aromatic Foundation:
Heat your coconut oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add minced garlic and diced onions, allowing them to release their essential oils slowly. The aroma should be fragrant but not browned, indicating perfect development of base flavors.
Vegetable Integration:
Layer your vegetables strategically, starting with carrots, then cabbage, and finally bell peppers. Each addition should be carefully folded into the aromatic base, allowing the seasonings to coat every piece evenly.
Steaming Process:
Add water gradually, just enough to create gentle steam without drowning the vegetables. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and maintain medium-low heat. The steam should be visible but not aggressive.
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. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My grandmother always said the secret to perfect steamed cabbage lies in patience and attention. She taught me to listen to the gentle sizzle of the vegetables, which indicates proper steaming.

Perfect Timing

Watch for color changes in your vegetables. The cabbage should become translucent but maintain its structure. This usually takes exactly 15 minutes of covered steaming.

Serve With Style

Present your steamed cabbage in a wide, shallow bowl that shows off the colorful vegetables. The natural steam should still be visible when serving.

Make It Your Own

Consider adding traditional Caribbean vegetables like cho cho or callaloo. Each addition should complement, not overwhelm, the central cabbage flavor.

Storage Success

Store leftovers in airtight containers, consuming within 24 hours for best results. The flavors continue to develop 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. | myhomemaderecipe.com

After years of perfecting this traditional dish, I've found that respecting the simplicity of the ingredients while maintaining proper technique creates a side dish that honors its Caribbean heritage while delighting modern palates.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cabbage should I use?
Use firm white cabbage only, not leafy varieties like savoy or bok choy which will become too soft when cooked.
→ Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, either omit the scotch bonnet pepper entirely or use ¼ teaspoon of mild chili powder instead.
→ How long can I store this dish?
Best consumed within one day as cabbage can turn bitter quickly, but it can be frozen for longer storage.
→ What can I serve this with?
Pairs well with jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, or any Caribbean main dish.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but reheat gently and consume within 24 hours for best flavor and texture.

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe

A traditional Caribbean side dish combining steamed cabbage with colorful peppers and aromatic seasonings for the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

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

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Jamaican

Yield: 4 Servings

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

Ingredients

→ Base

01 2 tablespoons coconut oil
02 1 small onion, sliced
03 3 garlic cloves, chopped
04 3-4 sprigs of thyme, tied together

→ Vegetables

05 ½ head very large white cabbage, sliced
06 1 medium carrot, julienned
07 1 red pepper, sliced finely
08 1 yellow pepper, sliced finely
09 ½ scotch bonnet, minced (or ¼ teaspoon chili powder)

→ Seasonings

10 1 teaspoon all purpose seasoning
11 1 tablespoon dairy free butter
12 1 teaspoon black pepper
13 Pink salt to taste
14 ¼ cup water

Instructions

Step 01

Melt coconut oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and thyme sprigs until soft and tender.

Step 02

Add cabbage, carrot, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet. Stir and fold for about 5 minutes until cabbage reduces in volume.

Step 03

Lower heat, add water, cover with lid and steam for 15 minutes (10 minutes for crunchier cabbage).

Step 04

Remove lid and add all purpose seasoning, black pepper, dairy-free butter, and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 05

Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional loose thyme.

Notes

  1. Use firm white cabbage, not leafy varieties like savoy or bok choy
  2. Best consumed within one day of cooking
  3. Can be frozen in freezer-safe containers

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring 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