This Jamaican cabbage recipe is packed with bold Caribbean flavors! Made with cabbage, carrots, Scotch bonnet, and thyme, it’s a simple but flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with jerk chicken or rice and peas.
You ever take a bite of something and suddenly feel like you’re right back in a specific moment? That’s what happened the first time I made this Jamaican cabbage recipe in my own kitchen.
I had first tried it on a trip to Jamaica. It wasn’t at a fancy resort or anything—just a small roadside shack, the kind where the smell of jerk chicken drifts through the air, music is playing, and everything feels right. My plate had a perfect scoop of rice and peas, a smoky jerk chicken leg, and this cabbage—simple, slightly spicy, with just the right crunch. I remember thinking, how does something so basic taste THIS good?
Fast forward to me back home, standing in my kitchen, determined to recreate it. And let me tell you, when I nailed it? It felt like a win. Now, this dish is a regular on my table—because it’s easy, packed with flavor, and goes with just about everything.
If you’ve never made Jamaican-style cabbage, you’re in for a treat. Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Cabbage Recipe?
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – No fancy ingredients, just fresh, bold flavors that come together perfectly.
- Super Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal effort.
- Pairs With Everything – Jerk chicken, grilled fish, rice and peas… you name it!
- A Little Spicy, A Little Tangy – That Scotch bonnet heat + vinegar combo is what makes this dish sing.
Ingredient Notes:
This dish is proof that humble ingredients can create magic when done right.
- Cabbage – The star of the show! Green cabbage is best, shredded into thin strips.
- Olive Oil – Helps sauté the onions and peppers for a richer flavor.
- Onion & Green Onion – Adds depth and a little crunch.
- Bell Pepper – A touch of sweetness and color. Red, yellow, or green—your choice!
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper – This is the real deal for authentic Jamaican heat. Leave it whole for mild heat, or chop it up if you want a fiery kick.
- Fresh Thyme – Classic Caribbean seasoning. Gives the dish that earthy, herby taste.
- Carrots – Adds a pop of color and just a hint of sweetness to balance the heat.
- Vinegar & Sugar – That sweet-and-tangy contrast that makes the flavors pop.
Pro Tip: Want even more island flavor? Add a dash of allspice or smoked paprika for extra depth!
How To Make Jamaican Cabbage?
Step 1: Prep the Cabbage & Veggies
First things first—shred the cabbage into thin strips. If you’re like me and hate unnecessary dishes, just slice it right on your cutting board. Chop the onion, bell pepper, green onions, and carrots, and set them aside.
If you’re using Scotch bonnet, here’s the deal: leave it whole for a milder heat (it’ll infuse the dish gently), or chop it up if you’re feeling bold.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion, green onions, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and smell amazing.
Step 3: Add the Seasoning & Cabbage
Now, let’s bring in the flavor. Add the Scotch bonnet, fresh thyme, and salt. Stir everything together, then add the shredded cabbage and carrots.
Mix well so the seasonings coat every bite. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Vinegar & Sugar
Want To Save This Recipe?
Here’s where the magic happens! Stir in the vinegar and sugar, giving the cabbage that signature sweet-and-tangy balance.
Cook uncovered for another 3–5 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but still has a little crunch.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the Scotch bonnet and thyme sprigs, and serve your flavor-packed Jamaican cabbage with your favorite main dish.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cabbage can get a bit mushy when frozen, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
- Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Pro Tip: If it looks dry, add a tiny splash of water or broth before reheating!
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch it up? Try these ideas:
- Milder Version – Swap the Scotch bonnet for jalapeño or just leave it out.
- Extra Flavor – Add garlic, smoked paprika, or a little allspice for extra depth.
- Make It Vegan – It already is! But using coconut oil instead of olive oil takes it up a notch.
- Bulk It Up – Stir in some black beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
What to Serve with Jamaican Cabbage?
This dish pairs perfectly with so many Caribbean flavors!
- Jerk Chicken – That spicy, smoky kick + this tangy cabbage = perfection.
- Rice & Peas – A classic pairing that never fails.
- Fried Plantains – Sweet and caramelized, the perfect contrast.
- Grilled Fish – Light and fresh, balances the bold cabbage flavors.
- Roti or Flatbread – Use it to scoop up every last bite!
Pro Tip: Want a full Jamaican feast? Serve this cabbage with oxtail stew and rice!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
How spicy is this dish?
It depends on the Scotch bonnet! Leave it whole for a subtle warmth, or chop it for serious heat.
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Absolutely! It’s a time-saver. Just reduce the cooking time since it’s already finely shredded.
Give This Recipe a Try!
If you love bold, simple, and delicious recipes, this Jamaican cabbage recipe is a must-try. Whether you’re serving it with jerk chicken, fried fish, or just a bowl of rice, it’s guaranteed to bring a taste of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen.
So, tell me—are you a spicy food lover, or do you prefer it mild? Drop a comment and let me know!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Jamaican Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- ½ green bell pepper chopped
- 1 green onion sliced
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper left whole for mild heat, chopped for spicier flavor
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt optional
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Remove the tough outer leaves from the cabbage and discard. Cut the cabbage in half, remove the core, and shred it into thin strips. Slice the onion, green bell pepper, and green onion. Set all vegetables aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and green onion. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Add the Seasonings:
- Introduce the Scotch bonnet pepper, fresh thyme sprigs, and salt (if using) into the pan. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings, allowing the flavors to infuse into the vegetables.
Incorporate the Cabbage and Carrots:
- Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet, mixing well to combine them with the sautéed vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and allow the cabbage to steam for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Enhance the Flavor:
- Pour the white vinegar and sprinkle the sugar over the cabbage mixture. Stir to incorporate these final ingredients, ensuring an even distribution. Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 3–5 minutes, until the cabbage is tender yet retains a slight crunch.
Final Touch and Serving:
- Remove the thyme sprigs and the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm as a side to your favorite Jamaican or Caribbean dishes.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
