This Jamaican steamed cabbage recipe is the best for a small taste of Jamaica on a platter. It’s easy, inexpensive, and tasty. Combining many of the island’s staple foods, flavorings, and spices, this recipe is a must-keep!
This versatile Jamaican Steamed Cabbage recipe is a great way to liven up boring vegetable sides. It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
It is a staple in Jamaican cuisine and is utilized extensively in the country’s cooking. It is also a wonderfully nutritious and nutrient-dense vegetable that is abundant in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
As long as the cabbage you choose for this recipe is not of the Savoy variety, which is a soft variety, you can use any kind of cabbage. Savoy cabbages will cook down too rapidly, resulting in a mushy texture. A mushy texture will work well with cabbage soup, but not for steamed cabbage.
Be on the lookout for firm white or green cabbages to achieve the greatest results (although white cabbages are considered to be more authentic when making Jamaican steamed cabbage).
If your pan appears to be a little overcrowded when you first add the cabbage in, you shouldn’t be concerned about it because it will quickly shrink down to a size that is only a quarter of the amount that would contain your finished dish.
How To Season Your Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
As you would expect with a Jamaican dish, this recipe is packed full of herbs and spices that ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Carrots, bell peppers, and garlic create an aromatic, savory base for the steamed cabbage that helps to bring out the taste of all the other ingredients.
Scotch Bonnet pepper is yet another type of pepper that is included in the preparation of this dish. It is meant to enhance the flavor, not to increase the heat.
In the event that you happen to shatter the pepper while stirring, one approach to prevent this from happening is to leave out the Scotch bonnet pepper from the dish. Despite this, the Scotch bonnet pepper does add a distinct aroma to the mixture.
On the other hand, you could always use a chili that is not as intense, such as a Poblano or a pepperoncini.
What To Serve With Your Steamed Cabbage & Carrots?
This versatile side dish can be paired with almost anything but works particularly well with other Caribbean-inspired meat and fish recipes.
Not only is it an excellent substitute for rice, but it is also an excellent addition to stews and curries when you are searching for something a little less high in carbohydrates.
However, if you want to take pleasure in it on its own, absolutely go ahead and do so! The Jamaican Steamed Cabbage may be straightforward, but it comes with more than enough flavor to stand on its own.
Other recipes that are suitable for pairing with cabbage include the ones that are listed below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Remove the top layer of leaves from the cabbage, and cut the cabbage in half. Wash the cabbage. Sauté the vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and cook until vegetables are soft.
Depending on the added quantity, it takes 5-10 minutes to steam the cabbage.
How To Store
Once cooled, you can store your cooked Jamaican Steamed Cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This is a handy recipe that can be used to create a small quantity for use in providing speedy dinners during the week. Additionally, you can alter it to be included in a quick and easy stir fry with a protein of your choosing.
To make use of the raw cabbage at a later time, you can simply slice it into small pieces, throw it in a ziploc bag, and freeze it. This will allow you to use it at a later time.
Pair It With Your Favorite Haitian Dishes
If you want to take this recipe to the Caribbean even further, you might want to explore combining it with any of the Haitian food recipes that are featured below.
Haitian Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon)
Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice
Banann Peze (Air Fryer Plantains)
Poulet En Sauce (Chicken Stew)
If you loved this recipe, try this stuffed cabbage rolls recipe, this Instant Pot Cabbage and this Instant Pot Cabbage Soup, even this Louisiana Fried Chicken next.
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Jamaican Cabbage Recipe
Equipment
- Non-stick Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 Small green cabbage (1 ½ lbs. or ½ medium size cabbage head ($2.72); washed
- 10 oz Matchstick cabbage or 2 large carrots cut into batons); ($1.87); washed
- 4 Tbsp. Oil; We used Olive Oil
- 2 Garlic cloves; ($0.67); minced, or 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 Fresh thyme sprig ($1.98)
- Salt and pepper to taste (37.3 ¢/oz)
- ½ Cup Water; or vegetable broth
- 1 Habanero pepper; ($3.58 for 4 oz bag) Leave whole
- 1 Red bell pepper (Optional) ($1.48) Sliced into sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Remove top layer leaves off cabbage, cut the cabbage in half, then thinly slice. Discard the inner core. Wash the cabbage and set aside.
- Next, cut or chop the carrots and bell pepper. Wash and set aside.In a hot oil (olive oil) skillet over medium heat, sauté the garlic for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Then add the cabbage, bell peppers, and carrots. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Add the water or vegetable broth and toss to combine. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Once the vegetables have softened, reduce the heat to low. Season with salt and pepper to taste again if needed, and the thyme. Toss to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes. Serve as a side and enjoy.
Dannii says
I love cabbage, and I am always looking for new ways to enjoy it. This looks delicious.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
We love cabbage as a family but have never had this. The colours are gorgeous, so I’m trying this recipe!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much!
Farah Abumaizar says
Wow have never heard of this but it looks amazing! I do love cabbage, so this will be a fun new way to try it thanks for the recipe!
Kushigalu says
One of my favorite recipes with cabbage. Thanks for sharing.
Jess says
I love how budget-friendly this recipe is.
Tony says
Love having this cabbage with rice and beans.