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Cabbage Jamaican Style

Featured in: Side Dishes

Bold Jamaican steamed cabbage blends spicy scotch bonnet, garlic, crisp carrots, and thyme. Cooked in coconut oil, it's a healthy vegan side loaded with flavor. Pairs perfectly with Caribbean classics, stays firm and textured, and only takes 30 minutes to prepare.
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Twistytaste.com
Updated on Sun, 16 Mar 2025 17:52:47 GMT
Steamed cabbage mixed with carrots and peppers for a fresh, lively meal. Pin it
Steamed cabbage mixed with carrots and peppers for a fresh, lively meal. | twistytaste.com

Island-style steamed cabbage turns an ordinary veggie into a bright, tasty side. Each portion blends soft cabbage with colorful bell peppers and carrots, making a perfect mix of Caribbean-inspired flavors.

This meal captures Caribbean family cooking at its best, where basic ingredients shine through simple methods. The veggies keep their unique bite while coming together in one aromatic, delicious dish.

Must-Have Components

  • Cabbage: Go for a heavy, firm head with snappy leaves and zero spots. Tight leaves will give you the right texture.
  • Bell Peppers: Pick solid, vivid colored ones for the best taste and pretty presentation.
  • Carrots: Look for fresh, sturdy carrots without any splits to get that perfect sweet kick.
  • Scotch Bonnet: A classic choice but not required. Brings genuine Caribbean spice and fruity flavor.
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onions build your flavor base.
  • Seasonings: Caribbean blended seasoning, fresh thyme, and sea salt make it taste authentic.

Cooking Approach

Chopping Veggies:
Cut cabbage into thin quarter-inch strips. Slice carrots and peppers into matchsticks. Good cutting means everything cooks evenly.
Flavor Start:
Warm oil till it's just rippling. Cook aromatics till they smell good but aren't brown.
Stacking:
Put in veggies step by step - carrots go in first, then cabbage, peppers last. Season as you add each one.
Steam Time:
Pour in just a bit of water, seal the pot tight, and keep a gentle steam going 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. | twistytaste.com

Getting the perfect steamed cabbage comes down to watching your time and heat. You should hear soft bubbling sounds throughout cooking.

Cooking Clock

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

Serving Style

Put it in a wide, shallow dish to show off all the colorful veggies. The natural steam makes it look even better.

Mix It Up

Try adding local veggies like christophene or callaloo to make it more authentic while keeping the dish's core character.

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. | twistytaste.com

This dish stays true to old-school Caribbean cooking ways while always turning out great. The right technique can make everyday ingredients taste amazing in this fantastic side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which type of cabbage is best?
Go for hearty white cabbage. Avoid soft ones like bok choy or savoy since they turn soggy.
→ What’s a way to make it milder?
Skip the scotch bonnet, or switch it out for a pinch of mild chili powder—like ¼ teaspoon.
→ How long does it keep fresh?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Cabbage can get bitter quickly when stored.
→ What goes well with it?
Pair it with jerk chicken, curry goat, or rice and peas for a full-on Caribbean combo.
→ Can I prep it early?
Yes, but it’s tastiest freshly made. If you prep ahead, heat it up gently and eat it within a day.

Cabbage Jamaican Style

A bold Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender cabbage, vibrant peppers, and flavorful spices that make every meal pop with taste.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Jamaican

Yield: 4 Servings

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

Ingredients

→ Base

01 A small onion, chopped into thin slices
02 2 tablespoons coconut oil
03 3-4 sprigs of thyme tied together
04 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

→ Vegetables

05 1 carrot, sliced into thin strips
06 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
07 Half of a large white cabbage, shredded
08 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
09 ½ scotch bonnet, minced finely (or use ¼ teaspoon chili powder as a swap)

→ Seasonings

10 A quarter cup water
11 A tablespoon of vegan butter
12 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
13 1 teaspoon of all-purpose seasoning
14 A small pinch of pink salt—add more if needed

Instructions

Step 01

In a pan, warm up the coconut oil on medium heat. Toss in the sliced onion, the thyme bundle, and chopped garlic. Stir frequently and cook everything until softened.

Step 02

Throw in the shredded cabbage, minced scotch bonnet, carrots, and both bell peppers. Mix and stir for 5 minutes or so, letting the cabbage reduce in size and soften.

Step 03

Lower the heat. Add the water, cover the pan with a lid, and let the veggies steam for 15 minutes. If you like the cabbage crunchier, stop at 10 minutes.

Step 04

Take off the lid. Sprinkle on the all-purpose spice mix, add the butter, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine.

Step 05

Serve it hot. If you’re feeling fancy, you can place a sprig of thyme on top.

Notes

  1. Go for firm cabbage with tight leaves, not varieties like savoy or napa cabbage.
  2. This dish is best fresh. Try to eat it the day it’s cooked.
  3. Pack leftovers into freezer-safe containers for storage.

Tools You'll Need

  • A wide frying pan with a lid
  • A sturdy cutting board
  • A sharp knife for chopping
  • 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