Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (2024)

This Jamaican steamed cabbage recipe is so tasty and really easy to make. It has of course cabbage, onions, some shredded carrot bell pepper, and some julienned bell peppers.

This Jamaican dish of white cabbage is loaded with a Caribbean flavor. I am from South Florida and Caribbean food is really popular around the area. I especially like Jamaican food. Tons of flavor with a little kick. This is a fantastic recipe for steam cabbage.

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (1)

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

One of the things I love about this Jamaican cabbage dish is that it is a great side dish. I started making it to go with a dish that I call Island Chicken which is also delicious, but you don’t have to make that to have this at all.

This dish is a great side dish for chicken dishes, pork dishes, or even fish recipes. Since it is so easy to prepare. This is a great dish to make is you are having a party or bringing a dish to a party.

You can throw in pretty much any vegetables that you desire. It ends up just like cabbage at the Jamaican restaurant. This dish is so good I usually am eating out of the pan as it is cooking.

The base of this dish is shredded cabbage and carrots. Onion, garlic, green onions and don’t forget a scotch bonnet pepper if you want some heat.

Jump to:
  • Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Ingredients
  • How to Make Jamaican Cabbage
  • How Long to Steam Cabbage?
  • Steamed Cabbage Variations
  • Steamed Cabbage in the Instant Pot
  • Is Steamed Cabbage Healthy?
  • Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (Easy)
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (2)

Jamaican style cabbage is really just a delicious dish. Different than standard recipe for steam cabbage. Once you try this Jamaican cabbage recipe you will be in love.

Not only is this a great recipe it is a great way to use up extra green cabbage and clean out the vegetables in your fridge.

Quick and easy recipe to make that is full of flavor, and it is not bland. People can’t seem to get enough of this recipe when I make it. It is a great side for Sunday dinners.

There are so many reasons to try Jamaican cabbage. It is quick to cook and even kids like to eat it.

If you are wondering how many calories are in steamed cabbage I will tell you It is high in fiber and antioxidants. Cabbage has a lot of vitamin C and is low in calories at 35 calories per cup.

Cabbage is also cheap to buy and also gluten free. I am going to show you the proper cabbage procedure of how to steam the cabbage for maximum flavor.

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Ingredients

Ingredients

1Half Head Cabbage Sliced
1Half Onion Sliced
1Half Red Pepper Julienned
1/2CupShredded Carrot
1/2cupChicken Broth or Vegetable Broth
1tsp.Dried Thyme
1/2tsp.Saltor to taste
1/4tsp.Black Pepper
1/2tsp.Garlic Powder
1Tbsp.Oil.Coconut oil, Vegetable or Avocado oil

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (3)

How to Make Jamaican Cabbage

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or large pot over medium high heat. When the pan is hot add the sliced onion and saute 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the cabbage and continue to cook for about 3 more minutes.
  • Add in the chicken or vegetable broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic powder and stir to combine.
  • Turn heat to medium and cover pan for 5 minutes to get the cabbage to wilt a bit.
  • Add Red Pepper and Carrots. Stir to combine. Cover pan and lower heat to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or desired doneness.

Full Recipe and ingredient amounts in recipe card at bottom

Saute

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté 3 to 5 minutes.

Season

Add the Cabbage and Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Stir in the cabbage and continue to cook for three minutes. Add in the chicken or vegetable broth. Season with thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and stir to combine.

Note: Using chicken or vegetable broth adds a great flavor boost. I think it is a welcome addition to the dish instead of using just plain water.

Simmer

Turn heat to medium and cover pan for 5 minutes to get the cabbage to wilt a bit. Add Red Pepper and Carrots. Stir to combine.

Cover pan and continue cooking cabbage. Lower heat to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or desired doneness.

How Long to Steam Cabbage?

How long to steam cabbage really depends on how small you cut the vegetables and how high you have the heat on the pan and personal texture preference.

I usually turn the pan to simmer and plan on the cabbage to steam about 10 to 15 minutes. If you like your cabbage a little bit softer then cook it longer in 5 minute increments until you like the texture.

I like to use green or white cabbage for this recipe. When selecting a cabbage you want it to be firm when you squeeze it. For example, you DO NOT want to use leafy cabbage like Bok Choy as it will become soggy and wilt when cooked.

If you want to add in even more color to the dish add some purple cabbage as well. Corn is another great addition to the dish and adds a nice texture.

Steamed Cabbage Variations

Here are a few variations to add if you would like to change it up a bit and do something a little bit different. This is fun to do because this Caribbean style cabbage is versatile.

  • Sausage
  • Shrimp
  • Bacon
  • Corn
  • Green Beans
  • Red Cabbage (optional)

Steamed Cabbage in the Instant Pot

Cabbage can be cooked in an Instant Pot. It is simple to do and can be done in less than 10 minutes. Follow my cooking instructions below on how to steam cabbage in the Instant Pot.

  1. Cut Cabbage into squares about 2 inches.
  2. Add 2 Tablespoons of Butter instead of oil to the Instant Pot
  3. Add all other ingredients.
  4. Place Lid on Instant Pot. Close valve and pressure cook on HIGH Pressure 7 minutes.
  5. QUICK RELEASE the Instant Pot
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (4)

This is is the best family friendly Weight Watchers recipe. There is 0 Freestyle Smartpoints in this Cabbage Recipe.

Hence making this recipe Weight Watchers Freestyle Friendly. What’s not to love about this cabbage? Give it a try. It is so yummy.

Is Steamed Cabbage Healthy?

Yes. Steamed cabbage is healthy. Eating about a half a cup of cabbage gives you 1/3 of your daily vitamin C intake. It also is loaded with fiber, folate, and vitamins. Cabbage is also great for weight loss and beautiful skin.

Other Recipes

Air Fryer Fried Chicken (Keto Friendly)
Air Fryer Meatballs (Quick and Easy)
Air Fryer Jerk Wings Recipe
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Items Used in Recipe and Kitchen Essentials

All-Clad 4405 Stainless Steel Tri-ply Saute Pan with Lid Cookware, 5-Quart
304 Stainless Steel Kitchen Cooking Tongs, 9″ and 12″ Set of 2
Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
365 Everyday Value, Organic Thyme

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (5)

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (Easy)

This Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe is an easy to make flavorful side dish. It goes with chicken,pork,fish. Weight watcher points friendly.

4.55 from 11 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Diah

Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 55kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Half Head Cabbage Sliced
  • 1 Half Onion Sliced
  • 1 Half Red Pepper Julienned
  • 1/2 Cup Shredded Carrot
  • 1/2 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 tsp. Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp. Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tbsp. Oil. Coconut, Vegetable or Avocado oil

Instructions

  • Cut half onion into quarter inch slices

  • Cut cabbage into thin slices.

  • Julienne Red Pepper

  • Heat pan to medium-high heat. When the pan is heated add oil to the pan. Saute onion for about 3 minutes. Add shredded cabbage to the pan and saute 3 more minutes. Add chicken broth and Thyme and Garlic Powder, Black Pepper and stir to combine. Turn heat to medium and cover pan for 5 minutes to get the cabbage to wilt a bit. Then add Red Pepper and Carrots. Stir to combine. Cover pan and lower heat to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or desired doneness.

Video

Notes

Vegan Friendly if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 55kcal

Tried this recipe? Dont Forget to Follow Us.Mention or Follow @stuffmattycooks or tag #stuffmattycooks!

(Visited 125,804 times, 18 visits today)

More Recipes:

Leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup RecipeInstant Pot Vegetable Broth Stock RecipeInstant Pot Lentil Soup RecipeTofu Stir Fry Recipe (Ginger and Garlic)

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Jamaican cabbage made of? ›

Jamaican Cabbage is a popular side dish in Jamaica. It is easy to prepare and very flavorful. Shredded cabbage and carrots are cooked with onion, garlic, bell pepper, and thyme. This Jamaican Cabbage recipe is easy to prepare, super delicious, and nutritious.

How many calories are in steamed cabbage from Jamaica? ›

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage (0.5 cup) contains 7g total carbs, 5g net carbs, 3g fat, 2g protein, and 54 calories.

Is it better to boil or steam red cabbage? ›

Steaming is an indirect cooking process which means delicate ingredients can be gently cooked to retain their flavour and nutrients. The benefit of steaming cabbage is that it doesn't produce the unpleasant smell associated with boiled cabbage.

How long does it take to boil green cabbage? ›

Step 1Cut cabbage into wedges or slice it thin. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add cabbage. (It's OK to crowd the pot because the cabbage will shrink!) Step 2Boil until tender, about 5 minutes for shredded cabbage and 10 minutes for wedges.

What are the active ingredients in cabbage? ›

Cabbage contains considerable amounts of bioactive compounds such as glucosinolates, vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols.

Is steamed cabbage good for you? ›

Half a cup of cooked cabbage has about a third the vitamin C you need for the day. It also gives you doses of fiber, folate, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A and K, and more.

What are the benefits of Jamaican cabbage? ›

In certain rural Jamaican communities for example, cabbage is boiled and the tea is used as a remedy to counter the effects of the common cold and flu like symptoms. This wonder vegetable also helps to promote a healthy complexion, increased energy and overall lower weight.

How nutritious is steamed cabbage? ›

Cabbage is highly nutritious vegetable. Cabbages are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. They may help with heart and digestive health. Cabbage, which is often lumped into the same category as lettuce because of their similar appearance, is actually a part of the cruciferous vegetable family.

How long does steam cabbage last? ›

Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months.

Is cabbage healthier steamed or raw? ›

There is no definitive answer as to whether cabbage is better for you cooked or raw - it depends on the nutritional aspect you're looking at: Raw cabbage is higher in Vitamin C. Cooking cabbage can destroy some of its Vitamin C content. Raw cabbage retains more of this important antioxidant vitamin.

Do you wash cabbage before steaming? ›

Before cooking cabbage, it's best to give it a good wash and pat dry. Remove the outer leaves since they are tough and are more likely to carry residual pesticides.

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

Red cabbages can be stored in a cool, dark place for a week to ten days. Before cooking, remove any tired or discoloured leaves and always cook red cabbage with a little vinegar. This preserves the beautiful purple colour – without it, the cabbage will turn blue!

How do you know if cabbage is fully cooked? ›

Simmer, covered, until the cabbage begins to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the cabbage carefully, and continue to simmer until the cabbage is tender, an additional 5 minutes. The cabbage is ready when a small paring knife inserted into the thickest part of the cabbage near the core slides through easily.

Is hearts of palm and swamp cabbage the same thing? ›

For a nuisance, hearts of palm are delicious, with the “consistency, tenderness and texture of regular cabbage,” according to IFAS, leading to their local nickname: swamp cabbage. Considered a traditional Native American food, swamp cabbage is part of the historical Seminole, Miccosukee, and Calusa tribal diets.

Can you eat swamp cabbage? ›

Following trimming, the swamp cabbage may be prepared in various ways. The most popular old cracker way is to cut into thin slices like cole slaw and cook with meat seasoning until done. After the swamp cabbage is cooked, the white color changes to a grayish brown. The unique flavor is best described as smoky and wild.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Eusebia Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6361

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Eusebia Nader

Birthday: 1994-11-11

Address: Apt. 721 977 Ebert Meadows, Jereville, GA 73618-6603

Phone: +2316203969400

Job: International Farming Consultant

Hobby: Reading, Photography, Shooting, Singing, Magic, Kayaking, Mushroom hunting

Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.