Jamaican Cabbage

Name: Jamaican Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 1 small head of cabbage, chopped; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried); 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, sliced (or to taste); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Author: Emily

Published: 14 February 2025

Updated: 11 February 2026

When craving something warm and delicious, Jamaican cabbage comes to mind. This colorful dish is not just tasty; it’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of spice. It brings back memories of sunny days and joyful gatherings. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up!

why make this recipe

Cooking Jamaican cabbage is a beautiful way to enjoy a healthy side dish. It’s light yet satisfying. Cabbage is fantastic for you, packed with vitamins and nutrients. And that hint of Scotch bonnet pepper? It adds a delightful kick! This dish pairs wonderfully with rice and peas or even some jerk chicken. You’ll impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

how to make Jamaican Cabbage

Start by gathering your ingredients:

1 small head of cabbage, chopped
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, sliced (or to taste)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it’s nice and warm.
Toss in the sliced onions and sauté them until they turn translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and thyme to the mix. Let everything cook together for an additional minute. Oh, it smells great already!
Now, stir in the chopped cabbage and sliced Scotch bonnet pepper.
Sauté the cabbage until it’s tender but still a bit crisp. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want that perfect texture!
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good stir.
Serve it hot as a delightful side dish.

Jamaican Cabbage

how to serve Jamaican Cabbage

Jamaican cabbage is such a versatile dish! Serve it alongside your favorite meats, like grilled jerk chicken or even with a hearty bowl of curried lentils. It can also be the star of a vegetarian meal, paired perfectly with some seasoned quinoa. The flavors complement each other beautifully!

how to store Jamaican Cabbage

Have leftovers? No problem! Allow the cabbage to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

tips to make Jamaican Cabbage

Here are a few little nuggets of wisdom to enhance your dish! If you like it extra spicy, add more Scotch bonnet pepper or even a dash of hot sauce. For a hint of sweetness, sprinkle in some grated carrots while sautéing. You can also elevate it even further with a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. And don’t forget to try it with my favorite Jamaican rice and peas on the side!

variation

If you want to shake things up a bit, consider adding bell peppers or a dash of soy sauce for an umami kick. You can also toss in some cooked chickpeas for added protein. The beauty of this dish is that it adapts beautifully to your taste!

FAQs

Can I use another type of pepper instead of Scotch bonnet?
Absolutely! If Scotch bonnet is too spicy for you, try a jalapeño or even a bell pepper for a milder flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your vegetable oil is cruelty-free if that’s a concern.

Can I prepare Jamaican cabbage ahead of time?
Definitely! You can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Sauté when you’re ready to eat!

Jamaican Cabbage

Cooking should be fun and filled with laughter, just like sharing a meal with friends. Enjoy this delicious Jamaican cabbage, and happy cooking!

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