Make Jamaican Cabbage in Just 35 Minutes

Jamaican cabbage is a side dish that brings color and flavor to any plate. It is lightly spiced, slightly sweet, and has a perfect crunch. I learned to make this from a friend from Kingston. You can serve it with rice, jerk chicken, or fried fish. The best part is that it cooks fast. In this post, I will show you how to make Jamaican cabbage in just 35 minutes. From the original recipe to easy, instant pot, curry, and crunchy versions, you will find a new favorite.

Green Cabbage I Love The Most

Jamaican Cabbage Original Recipe

Jamaican cabbage original recipe is a simple stir fry of shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet pepper. The Jamaican cabbage is cooked until tender crisp. A cabbage recipe that is full of Caribbean flavor. The blog has a video of the chopping technique.

Ingredients

• 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (or 1/2 for less heat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

How To Make

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
• Add onion, garlic, and whole Scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté for 1 minute.
• Add shredded cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir well.
• Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix.
• Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but still has a crunch.
• Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving.

Jamaican Cabbage Easy Recipe

Jamaican cabbage easy recipe uses pre shredded coleslaw mix to save time. This easy cabbage dish is ready in 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick side with any meal. The blog has a list of shortcut ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (16 oz) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (instead of Scotch bonnet)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

How To Make

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
• Add onion and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
• Add coleslaw mix, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Stir fry for 5 to 7 minutes until cabbage is tender.
• Serve warm.

Jamaican Cabbage 12 Tomatoes Recipe

Jamaican cabbage 12 tomatoes recipe is inspired by the popular cooking site. It uses a whole Scotch bonnet and adds a splash of coconut milk for creaminess. This Jamaican cabbage is rich and flavorful. The blog has a coconut milk substitute.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 can (5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

How To Make

• Heat oil in a pot. Add onion and whole Scotch bonnet. Cook for 1 minute.
• Add cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir.
• Pour in coconut milk. Stir well.
• Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until cabbage is tender.
• Remove Scotch bonnet before serving.

Jamaican Cabbage vinegar Recipe

Jamaican cabbage vinegar recipe adds a tangy kick. A splash of white vinegar at the end brightens all the flavors. This cabbage with vinegar is great with fried fish. The blog has a tip for using apple cider vinegar.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

How To Make

• Heat oil. Sauté onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet for 1 minute.
• Add cabbage, carrot, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir fry for 5 minutes.
• Add vinegar and stir for 1 more minute.
• Remove Scotch bonnet. Serve.

Jamaican Cabbage instant Pot Recipe

Jamaican cabbage instant pot recipe is a hands off method. The pressure cooker makes the cabbage tender in minutes. This instant pot cabbage is perfect for meal prep. The blog has a quick release guide.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/4 cup water or broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

How To Make

• Set instant pot to sauté mode. Heat oil. Add onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet. Cook for 1 minute.
• Add cabbage, carrot, water, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir.
• Close lid and set valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
• Quick release. Remove Scotch bonnet. Serve.

Jamaican Cabbage Jerk Chicken Recipe

Jamaican cabbage jerk chicken recipe cooks the cabbage with jerk seasoning and shredded chicken. This jerk cabbage is a complete meal. Serve with rice. The blog has a homemade jerk seasoning recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup cooked shredded jerk chicken (or rotisserie chicken tossed with jerk paste)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

How To Make

• Heat oil in a skillet. Add onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet. Cook for 1 minute.
• Add cabbage, jerk seasoning, and salt. Stir fry for 5 minutes.
• Add shredded chicken. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
• Remove Scotch bonnet. Serve.

Jamaican Cabbage Curry Recipe

Jamaican cabbage curry recipe adds curry powder for a warm, earthy flavor. This curry cabbage is a great side for rice and peas. The blog has a mild curry option.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste

How To Make

• Heat oil. Sauté onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet for 1 minute.
• Add curry powder and turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds.
• Add cabbage, carrot, and salt. Stir for 2 minutes.
• Add coconut milk. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
• Remove Scotch bonnet. Serve.

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe

Jamaican steamed cabbage recipe cooks the cabbage with a little water and butter instead of frying. This steamed cabbage is softer and lighter. The blog has a vegan butter option.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

How To Make

• In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and Scotch bonnet. Cook for 1 minute.
• Add cabbage, carrot, water, salt, and thyme.
• Cover and steam for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once.
• Remove Scotch bonnet. Serve.

35 Minutes Jamaican Cabbage Recipe

35 Minutes Jamaican Cabbage Recipe is the perfect timing from start to finish. Prep and cook in just over half an hour. This quick cabbage is ideal for weeknight dinners. The blog has a timing breakdown.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

How To Make

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (2 minutes).
• Add onion and Scotch bonnet. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Add cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, salt, pepper, and paprika (2 minutes).
• Stir fry for 8 to 10 minutes until cabbage is tender crisp.

– Total time 30 to 35 minutes. Remove Scotch bonnet. Serve.

Crunchy Jamaican Cabbage Recipe

Crunchy Jamaican cabbage recipe keeps the cabbage very crisp. Cook for only 5 minutes. This crunchy cabbage is great for tacos or sliders. The blog has a serving suggestion.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage, thinly shredded
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make

• Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
• Add cabbage, carrot, onion, and minced Scotch bonnet (if using). Stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 more minute.
• Serve immediately while still crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Jamaican cabbage without Scotch bonnet?

Yes. Use 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for mild heat.

How do I store leftover Jamaican cabbage?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet.

Is Jamaican cabbage gluten free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Can I freeze Jamaican cabbage?

Freezing changes the texture. It becomes softer. It is fine for soups but not for stir fries.

What protein goes well with Jamaican cabbage?

Jerk chicken, fried fish, curry goat, or even simple grilled sausages.

How do I make it vegetarian?

The recipes are already vegetarian. Use oil instead of butter for steamed version.

Conclusion

Jamaican cabbage is a fast, flavorful side dish that brings Caribbean sunshine to your table. Whether you make the original recipe with a whole Scotch bonnet, an easy version with coleslaw mix, or a curry cabbage for extra warmth, you will love how simple it is. I hope you try the instant pot method for a hands off meal or the crunchy cabbage for tacos. The 35 minute recipe is perfect for busy nights. Now you have everything you need to make authentic Jamaican cabbage at home. Happy cooking.