Jamaican Steamed Cabbage: A Flavorful and Easy Side Dish

When it comes to classic Jamaican side dishes, steamed cabbage is a must-have! Light, slightly spiced, and incredibly flavorful, it pairs beautifully with jerk chicken, curry dishes, and BBQ favorites. Inspired by the traditional Jamaican steamed cabbage, this version stays true to its roots while incorporating bold seasonings for extra depth.

Serve this alongside my Jerk BBQ Baked Chicken for a complete and satisfying meal!

The Inspiration Behind This Recipe

Jamaican steamed cabbage is a staple side dish served with many of the island’s most beloved meals. You’ll often find it alongside jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, or curry goat, balancing out the richness of these dishes with its light and slightly crisp texture.

Unlike the overcooked, soggy cabbage often found in American-style cooking, Jamaican steamed cabbage retains a perfect balance of tenderness and freshness. The addition of bell peppers, garlic, thyme, and allspice gives it the signature Caribbean flavor, while a little butter at the end enhances its natural sweetness.

This recipe captures the essence of traditional steamed cabbage but with a simple preparation that makes it easy to recreate at home. Whether you’re serving it with spicy meats or enjoying it on its own, this dish is healthy, delicious, and incredibly versatile.

What You’ll Need

For the Cabbage:

• 1 medium green cabbage (about 1.5 lbs), thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded (optional)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tbsp oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter

How to Prepare

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Thinly slice the cabbage, red bell pepper, and onion.
• Mince the garlic and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Heat a large pot or skillet over medium heat and add the oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

3. Add the Cabbage and Spices:

• Add the cabbage and bell pepper to the pot, tossing them with the onion and garlic.
• Sprinkle in the thyme, paprika, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the seasonings.

4. Steam the Cabbage:

• Pour in the broth and cover the pan with a lid.
• Steam for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.

5. Finish with Butter:

• Remove the lid and add the butter. Stir everything together.
• Let the cabbage cook uncovered for 2 more minutes, allowing any excess liquid to evaporate.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve the cabbage hot as a side dish to your favorite Caribbean-inspired meals!

Serving Suggestions

This steamed cabbage is a fantastic side dish that pairs well with so many different meals. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• With Jerk BBQ Baked Chicken – Try it with my Jerk BBQ Baked Chicken for a balanced, flavorful meal.
• Alongside Rice & Peas – A classic Jamaican combination!
• With Grilled or Roasted Meats – Perfect with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or even steak.
• As a Base for Protein Bowls – Top it with shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp for a low-carb meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal effort.
• Healthy & Light: Naturally low in calories and packed with fiber and nutrients.
• Bold Caribbean Flavors: Smoky paprika, earthy allspice, and fragrant thyme make this cabbage anything but boring!
• Pairs with Everything: Whether you’re serving it with jerk chicken or a grain bowl, this dish fits perfectly into any meal.

This Jamaican-inspired steamed cabbage is simple yet packed with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re making a Caribbean feast or just need a quick and healthy side, this dish is sure to impress.

Give it a try and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to pair it with my Jerk BBQ Baked Chicken for the ultimate meal.

Print Recipe

Steamed Cabbage

Ingredients

• 1 medium green cabbage about 1.5 lbs, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot julienned or shredded (optional)
• 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt adjust to taste
• 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

• Thinly slice the cabbage, red bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic and set ingredients aside.
• Heat a large pot or skillet over medium heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
• Add the cabbage and bell pepper to the pot. Toss to combine with the onion and garlic.
• Sprinkle the thyme, paprika, allspice, salt and black pepper. Stir to coat the vegetable in the spices.
• Pour in the broth and cover the pan with a lid to let the cabbage steam. Steam for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender but not mushy.
• Remove the lid and add butter. Cook uncovered for an additional 2 minutes to evaporate any excess liquid.

Notes

Storage:

• Let the cabbage cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• This dish does not freeze well, as cabbage tends to become watery when thawed.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Warm in a microwave-safe dish on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.