Jamaican Cabbage and Carrot Skillet

Name: Jamaican Cabbage and Carrot Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 large carrots, julienned; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making this Jamaican Cabbage and Carrot Skillet! It's a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The sweet crunch of the carrots paired with the tender cabbage creates a harmony of textures that I can't resist. With the added spices and a dash of vinegar, every bite is bursting with flavors reminiscent of a Caribbean kitchen. I'm excited to share this recipe with you because it not only satisfies my cravings but also keeps things light and healthy!

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:43:11.831Z

When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how quickly I could make such a colorful and tasty meal. Cooking the cabbage and carrots together allows them to infuse their flavors, and I love adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a touch of brightness. I often serve it as a side dish, but sometimes I pair it with grilled chicken for a complete meal!

One tip I found helpful is to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking! The freshness of thyme and the warmth of allspice bring this dish to another level. Trust me, it's a joy to eat and share!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright, fresh flavors that brighten your day
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings
Versatile recipe that pairs well with a variety of proteins

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The primary components of this dish—cabbage and carrots—offer not just vibrant color but essential nutrients. Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, providing both immune support and aiding in blood clotting. Carrots contribute beta-carotene, which our bodies convert to vitamin A, promoting eye health. Utilizing fresh produce will yield a dish that’s not only bright and appealing but also packed with health benefits. Opting for organic varieties can elevate the flavor profile even further, as they tend to be crisper and fuller in taste.

The spices in this recipe play a crucial role in achieving that authentic Caribbean flavor. Allspice, often associated with warm notes, complements the sweetness of the carrots while balancing the mild taste of cabbage. Dried thyme brings an herbal essence that rounds out the dish, enhancing the overall enjoyment. When using dried herbs, make sure they're fresh enough for effective flavor extraction; a good rule of thumb is to replace dried herbs after a year for optimal potency.

Perfecting Cooking Techniques

When sautéing the onions and garlic, aim for just the right level of heat—medium to medium-high works best. You'll know it's time to add the vegetables when the onions become translucent, giving them a soft, glossy appearance without browning. Browning can impart bitterness, so as soon as they soften, throw in those vibrant vegetables. Stirring frequently ensures even cooking and preserves the crunch of the carrots, preventing them from becoming mushy, which can happen if left unattended for too long.

One technique to ensure the vegetables stay vibrant and retain their nutrients is to cook them just until tender. This is around 10–15 minutes total for this recipe, but keep an eye on them after the five-minute mark of seasoning. If you like your cabbage slightly firmer, reduce the cooking time; conversely, if you're after a softer texture, extend it a bit. Always taste as you go to hit your desired balance.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started on this delicious dish:

Ingredients

1 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
2 large carrots, julienned
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon allspice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

With your ingredients prepared, you're ready to bring this dish to life!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Jamaican Cabbage and Carrot Skillet:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.

Add the Vegetables

Stir in the sliced cabbage and julienned carrots, mixing well with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the dried thyme and allspice, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Finish with Vinegar

Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle with apple cider vinegar. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

Enjoy your flavorful Jamaican Cabbage and Carrot Skillet as a delicious side or a light main dish!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or green beans, to personalize this dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed for different veggies.

Serving Suggestions

This Jamaican Cabbage and Carrot Skillet is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a range of proteins. For a light meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, as the freshness of the vegetables complements their flavors beautifully. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas or tofu, which can absorb the dish’s delightful spices while increasing the protein content. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro can also elevate the presentation and taste.

If you’re looking to turn this into a full meal, consider serving it over a bed of rice or quinoa. The grains will soak up the tangy flavor from the apple cider vinegar and provide a lovely contrast to the crunch of the veggies. I love adding a squeeze of lime juice just before serving for an extra zing, enhancing the Caribbean vibe.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, this dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option for meal prep. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, which prevents the vegetables from drying out. You can also microwave for 1-2 minutes on medium power, stirring in between intervals until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture of the cabbage, but the flavor will still be spot on!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan as it contains only vegetables and olive oil.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

→ Can I use different spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or coriander for a different flavor profile.

→ What pairs well with this dish?

It pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or fish, or can be served over rice for a hearty meal.