Steamed Jamaican Cabbage is simple, easy to prepare, and oh so delicious. It can be ready in under 30 minutes for a weeknight side dish that transports you on a visit to Jamaica.
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There are so many things to love about Jamaican steamed cabbage. Beyond the simplicity and ease of prep, it's downright delicious and cheap. Cabbage is one of those best bang for your buck vegetables.
You also have to appreciate the versatility of steamed cabbage. It can be eaten as a main dish or as a side dish. And it pairs with pretty much anything.
Beats and Eats Pairing
This Jamaican steamed cabbage recipe is one that soothes the soul, so you need an accompanying beat with like lyrics to pair with it. The cabbage is fully vegan, but at its core it is indeed soul food!
Jamaican Cabbage Ingredient Notes
- Cabbage - choose the freshest cabbage and cut it into thin shreds.
- Onions - plain white onions work well here
- Garlic
- Bell Peppers - go for color so mix different color (red, yellow, green, orange) bell pepper slices together.
- Carrots
- Scotch Bonnet - use the whole pepper uncut. Adds the natural chili sweetness without the hard to tolerate fire!
- Thyme - 4-5 sprigs tied together
- Green Onions
- Coconut oil - olive oil works but ain't nothing like that coconut flavor to provide that Caribbean vibe.
- Pepper
- Salt
- Dried herbs
- All Spice
How To Make Steamed Jamaican Cabbage (Step by Step)
- Cut the vegetables really thin.
- Mix dry seasonings together in a small bowl to create a spice mix. Set aside.
- Preheat large skillet on medium heat. Add a ¼ cup of water for steaming. After about 30 seconds add the coconut oil. Once heated add the scotch bonnet pepper and onions. Saute 2 minutes as the onions begin to soften.
- Add the garlic and fresh thyme. Cook quickly for about 30 seconds.
- Layer in the remaining vegetables (carrots, peppers, greens onions) and mix well. Saute 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shredded cabbage, cover, and allow cabbage to reduce (2-3 minutes). Remove lid and mix the cabbage with all the vegetables. If more oil is needed, add butter or coconut oil before adding the cabbage.
- Add lid back and allow to steam 15-20 minutes. Enjoy
Cooking Considerations and Tips For Making Steamed Jamaican Cabbage
Cut the cabbage into thin shreds. This will reduce cooking time and results in the cabbage releasing water faster for better steaming.
Thyme and allspice are a big part of Jamaican cuisine. Don't omit or substitute these ingredients.
Coconut oil adds an aroma and subtle flavor that's really really good. If you have it on hand, definitely use it, otherwise go with olive oil.
Habanero makes for a fine substitute to scotch bonnet pepper. My favorite flavor hack with cooking hot chilis is to add them whole after cutting slits into each side of the scotch bonnet. This helps infuse the dish with flavor from the chili without adding that high heat!
Don't overcook this dish. You want all the ingredients including the carrots, peppers, onions, etc. to have some crunch to them. Using too much oil and cooking too long will result in almost mushy cabbage which will not be as fun to eat.
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What goes good with Jamaican steamed cabbage?
Saltfish is a common pairing with Jamaican cabbage. I like to eat mine with jerk chicken, coconut rice, and black beans. Beef oxtail is another great pairing with this cabbage as well as curry coconut chicken. Of course on the island and in most Jamaican restaurants in the U.S. is served with Jamaican rice and peas.
How to choose the best cabbage?
Go for the plain white cabbage with light greens leaves that are tightly packed. Napa, Savoy, etc. are all out as substitutes.
How Long Can I Reserve Leftovers?
Up to three days you should be good. Any much longer and the cabbage will lose both its flavor and texture.
For Other Cabbage Based Recipes Try These:
Braised Cabbage with Smoked Brisket Fatcap
Mexican Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Cabbage Stew w/ Smoked Brisket
In addition to steaming vegetables, I like to make beer-steamed shrimp.
making Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
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Ingredients
- 1 medium cabbage sliced
- 1 medium Onion sliced
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 large Bell Pepper sliced
- 2 medium Carrots sliced
- 1 whole Scotch Bonnet
- 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 4 Green Onions
- 2 tablespoon Coconut oil
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon All Spice
Instructions
- Cut the vegetables really thin.
- Mix dry seasonings together in a small bowl to create a spice mix. Set aside.
- Preheat large skillet on medium heat. Add a ¼ cup of water for steaming. After about 30 seconds add the coconut oil. Once heated add the scotch bonnet pepper and onions. Saute 2 minutes as the onions begin to soften.
- Add the garlic and fresh thyme. Cook quickly for about 30 seconds.
- Layer in the remaining vegetables (carrots, peppers, greens onions) and mix well. Saute 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shredded cabbage, cover, and allow cabbage to reduce (2-3 minutes). Remove lid and mix the cabbage with all the vegetables. If more oil is needed, add butter or coconut oil before adding the cabbage.
- Add lid back and allow to steam 15-20 minutes. Enjoy
Video
Joann Samuels
Friday 21st of January 2022
Great recipe and so colorful. Thanks for the how to make directions. Easy to follow even for a beginner to Jamaican cooking, like m Much thanks.
Marwin Brown
Friday 21st of January 2022
Thank u! Glad you enjoyed.