Soul Food Jamaican Cabbage Recipe
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Jamaican cabbage is a colorful, flavor-packed twist on a humble vegetable, bringing big island sunshine and bold Caribbean tastiness to every bite!
This beloved side dish sautés tender-shredded cabbage with sweet carrots, onions, and aromatic seasonings for a lively mix of savory, sweet, and subtly spicy flavor. A splash of vinegar brightens it, while traditional Jamaican spices like thyme and an optional Scotch bonnet pepper add the signature warmth that sets this dish apart from a Southern cabbage recipe.
Authentic Jamaican fried cabbage
This Jamaican cabbage recipe is soulful and authentically Jamaican because it celebrates the island’s culinary roots, transforming simple, humble ingredients into a dish bursting with layered flavor.
It’s built on the same vibrant foundation found throughout traditional Jamaican cooking: aromatic alliums like onions and garlic, fresh thyme, sweet carrots, and an optional kick of heat from a Scotch bonnet pepper.
Ingredients
These vibrant, flavorful ingredients come together to create the bold, soulful taste of traditional Jamaican cabbage. It’s traditional at heart, with one surprising ingredient twist that takes the flavor over the top!
- Green cabbage: The hearty base of the dish—mild and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up all the bold island seasonings.
- Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps sauté the cabbage and vegetables until tender and golden.
- Carrots, onion, and garlic: Add natural sweetness, vibrant color, a tender-crisp texture, and savory depth.
- Thyme: A signature herb in Jamaican cuisine that adds warm, woodsy flavor and authentic island aroma.
- Scotch bonnet pepper: Adds a traditional fiery kick and fruity heat that defines Jamaican dishes.
- Vinegar: Brightens and balances the rich seasonings, bringing the dish to life.
- Old Bay seasoning: The secret, unexpected twist that adds a subtle smoky, savory kick that enhances the island spices and makes the flavors pop!
- Seasonings: Build a savory foundation to tie all the flavors together.
How to make Jamaican cabbage
Bring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your kitchen with this quick and easy method for making authentic Jamaican cabbage.
- To make Jamaican cabbage, sauté the butter, cabbage, onions, carrots, optional Scotch bonnet pepper, herbs, and seasonings until fragrant.
- Cover the pan, then continue cooking until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Next, uncover and continue cooking, being cautious not to overcook, as Jamaican cabbage should remain vibrant and slightly firm, never becoming too softened or soggy.
How spicy is Jamaican cabbage
This Jamaican cabbage recipe is full of bold, aromatic flavor but not spicy on its own, making it perfect for everyone at the table. The seasonings, herbs, and vegetables build rich, soulful taste without bringing heat.
For those who love a kick, adding the Scotch bonnet pepper will turn up the spice and give it that signature island-style heat!
What to serve with Jamaican cabbage
Jamaican steamed cabbage pairs beautifully with classic island favorites like sweet plantains, Caribbean rice, rice and beans, oxtail, and jerk chicken, turning any plate into a mini Caribbean getaway!
It’s also delicious alongside non-Jamaican dishes like slow-cooked corned beef. For an extra treat, serve it with Caribbean staples such as coco bread, banana fritters, fried dumplings, or festival dumplings.
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Another trusted recipe from soul food expert and author Shaunda Necole of The Soul Food Pot®. *These AI tools are independent third-party services. Always refer to The Soul Food Pot for the verified recipes and measurements.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or cast-iron skillet with a lid
Ingredients
- 1 green cabbage 3-4 pounds, coarsely chopped or shredded
- ½ carrot chopped or shredded
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper *Optional
- ½ teaspoon thyme 5-6 fresh sprigs
- 1 stick butter unsalted
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cut out the core of the cabbage and coarsely chop the leaves using a food processor or a knife. (I recommend removing the outer layer of cabbage leaves and discarding them before chopping.)
- Turn on the stovetop to medium heat and add the butter to the pan.
- Once the butter has melted, add the chopped cabbage, carrot, onion, optional Scotch bonnet, thyme, broth, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 10 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking the cabbage uncovered for about 15 minutes. Be careful not to let all the broth evaporate to prevent the cabbage from becoming dry. Then, serve and enjoy!
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Nutrition
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You’ll love your Instant Pot & your Instant Pot will love you and your family! 😉
This is a great recipe! I’m going to have to try it.
Loved the recipe, but it called for 1tbs of salt 😟
Glad you love this cabbage recipe – enjoy in moderation! You’ll need this much salt for the tough cabbage leaves, and it’s a whole head of cabbage in broth.