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Caribbean Cabbage Dish

Featured in Delectable Side Dishes to Complement Any Meal.

This Caribbean cabbage dish delivers vibrant flavors. Soft cabbage blends with sweet carrots, peppers, thyme, garlic, and zingy scotch bonnet. Steamed in coconut oil, it keeps the veggies crisp and flavorful. Vegan, healthy, and gluten-free, it shines beside classic dishes like jerk chicken or rice and peas. Fast, tasty, and ready in 30 minutes!
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Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 18:14:31 GMT
A vibrant plate of steamed cabbage mixed with carrots and peppers, seasoned to perfection. Pin it
A vibrant plate of steamed cabbage mixed with carrots and peppers, seasoned to perfection. | chefmelt.com

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

This side captures what Caribbean cooking is all about, where basic ingredients shine through smart cooking. The veggies keep their own feel while coming together in an amazing, fragrant mix.

Must-Have Ingredients

  • Cabbage: Go for a fresh, heavy head with snappy leaves and no spots. Tight leaves will give you the right texture.
  • Bell Peppers: Look for solid, vibrant peppers to make your dish taste great and look amazing.
  • Carrots: Pick fresh, hard carrots without any splits for just the right sweet touch.
  • Scotch Bonnet: It's the classic choice but you can skip it. Brings that real Caribbean kick and fruity flavor.
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onions start your flavor base.
  • Seasonings: Caribbean blend, fresh thyme, and sea salt create that genuine island taste.

Cooking Steps

Cutting Veggies:
Cut cabbage into thin quarter-inch strips. Slice carrots and peppers into matchsticks the same size. Good cutting means everything cooks evenly.
Flavor Start:
Warm oil until it ripples. Cook aromatics until they smell good but don't let them brown.
Stacking:
Put in veggies one after another - carrots go in first, then cabbage, and peppers last. Add spices to each layer.
Steam Time:
Pour in just a bit of water, put the lid on tight, and keep the steam gentle 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. | chefmelt.com

Getting steamed cabbage just right comes down to watching the clock and controlling the heat. Listen for a soft bubbling sound while it cooks.

Perfect Timing

Let it steam with the lid on for 15 minutes flat. You'll know it's done when the cabbage looks a bit see-through but still holds its shape.

Serving Style

Put it in a wide, flat bowl to show off all the colorful veggies. The steam coming off makes it look even better.

Twist It Up

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

Keeping Leftovers

Store in airtight containers and eat within a day. The flavor actually gets 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. | chefmelt.com

This dish keeps the old-school Caribbean cooking ways alive while always turning out great. The right approach makes simple ingredients taste amazing in this fantastic side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of cabbage should I use?
Firm white cabbage works great! Skip varieties like bok choy or savoy since they don't hold up as well when cooked.
→ How do I cut back the spice?
Just leave out the scotch bonnet! Or use a pinch of mild chili powder as a softer replacement.
→ How long does this stay good?
Fresh is best for taste. Freeze leftovers if you need to, since cabbage can quickly turn bitter.
→ What should I serve this with?
Pair it with jerk chicken, spicy rice and peas, or curry goat for a hearty Caribbean-style meal.
→ Can I prep this in advance?
You sure can, but fresh is better. Warm it gently if made ahead and enjoy it within a day for the best taste.

Caribbean Cabbage Dish

Bold and flavorful Caribbean side with tender cabbage, crunchy carrots, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for adding a kick to your meals.

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

Category: Side Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Jamaican

Yield: 4 Servings

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

Ingredients

→ Base

01 3 garlic cloves, coarsely minced
02 3-4 sprigs of thyme bundled together
03 2 tablespoons coconut oil
04 1 small onion, cut into strips

→ Vegetables

05 ½ scotch bonnet, chopped super fine (or use ¼ teaspoon chili powder for a milder kick)
06 ½ of a big white cabbage, thinly shredded
07 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
08 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
09 1 medium carrot, julienned

→ Seasonings

10 A pinch of pink salt—change the amount to suit your taste
11 ¼ cup water
12 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning blend
13 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
14 1 tablespoon non-dairy butter

Instructions

Step 01

Heat up the coconut oil on medium. Add onion, garlic, and thyme, and cook while stirring off and on until soft and fragrant.

Step 02

Toss in the cabbage, carrot, peppers, and finely chopped scotch bonnet. Stir and flip through for roughly 5 minutes, letting the cabbage shrink and soften a bit.

Step 03

Lower the heat, splash in the water, cover the pan, and let it steam for about 15 minutes. If you like it crispier, just go for 10 minutes.

Step 04

Take off the lid, sprinkle in the spice mix, stir in the butter, and season everything with black pepper and salt. Combine everything well.

Step 05

Plate it up while warm. Throw on a sprig of thyme if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

  1. Pick dense white cabbage—skip the leafy types like bok choy or savoy.
  2. Dig in the same day you make it; it’s best fresh.
  3. Freeze leftovers in airtight freezer containers if you need to.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big skillet with a lid
  • A sturdy cutting board
  • A sharp kitchen knife
  • Measuring tools, both 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