If you have yet to discover the charm of Cabbage Steaks, get ready to add a new favorite to your culinary repertoire. These beautifully roasted cabbage slices take a humble vegetable and elevate it into a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and full of texture. The caramelization from roasting creates crispy edges while the inside stays tender and satisfying. With a simple blend of olive oil, garlic, and seasoning, these Cabbage Steaks deliver a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavor that’s both comforting and unexpected. Whether you’re aiming for an easy weeknight side or a centerpiece for a plant-forward meal, this recipe will become your go-to for showcasing cabbage in a whole new light.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these amazing Cabbage Steaks, you’ll rely on just a handful of ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component is straightforward yet essential, ensuring your steaks turn out perfectly caramelized and delicious every time.
- 1 medium green cabbage: The star of the show, firm and fresh to create thick, sturdy steaks.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp the edges beautifully during roasting.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warmth and gentle depth without overpowering the cabbage’s natural flavor.
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the cabbage’s natural sweetness.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little bite and complexity to every forkful.
- Lemon wedges, for squeezing: A bright, zesty finish that wakes up the flavors just before serving.
How to Make Cabbage Steaks
Step 1: Preparing the Cabbage
Start by removing any loose outer leaves from your cabbage to reveal a clean, crisp head. Using a sharp knife, slice off the bottom of the core so the cabbage can stand flat. This stability is crucial when slicing your Cabbage Steaks into even, 1-inch thick rounds. Having uniform thickness ensures they roast evenly, achieving that perfect balance between crispy exterior and tender center.
Step 2: Seasoning the Steaks
Prepare a simple but flavorful mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt in a small bowl. Brush half of this mixture generously onto one side of each cabbage steak. Then carefully flip the slices and apply the remaining oil blend on the other side. This step not only infuses the steaks with flavor but also helps them caramelize and develop that irresistible roasted crust.
Step 3: Roasting to Perfection
Arrange your cabbage steaks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides. Look for beautifully browned edges and a tender interior to know when they’re perfectly done. The natural sugars in the cabbage will create an amazing caramelized flavor.
Step 4: Final Seasoning
Once roasted, give your Cabbage Steaks a final sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten and lift the flavors just before serving. This little addition makes the dish sing.
How to Serve Cabbage Steaks
Garnishes
Enhance your Cabbage Steaks with garnishes like fresh parsley, thinly sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a delightful crunch. A drizzle of tahini or a dollop of herbed yogurt adds creamy richness that contrasts beautifully with the roasted cabbage’s texture.
Side Dishes
These roasted cabbage slices pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think roasted potatoes, quinoa salad, or a hearty grain bowl. They also complement protein-rich dishes like grilled chicken, baked salmon, or your favorite plant-based options. Their versatility makes them a perfect match for everyday meals or special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, unexpected presentation, stack Cabbage Steaks layered with slices of roasted vegetables and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a colorful veggie stack. Alternatively, chop leftover steaks and toss them into a warm salad or grain bowl for textured bites throughout. The options to get creative with this recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cabbage Steaks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping them properly sealed helps maintain their tenderness and flavor, so you can enjoy them in quick meals later.
Freezing
While cabbage steaks are best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Cabbage Steaks can last up to 2 months, but note that the texture may soften a bit upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your cabbage steaks into a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve their crisp edges and delicious roasted texture.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green for Cabbage Steaks?
Absolutely! Red cabbage works beautifully and adds a gorgeous pop of color and a slightly earthier flavor. Just follow the same roasting method for equally delicious results.
How thick should I slice the cabbage for Cabbage Steaks?
About 1 inch thick is ideal. This thickness ensures the steaks hold together during cooking, developing a good crust while remaining tender inside without falling apart.
Can I add other seasonings to the cabbage steaks?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, chili flakes, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These additions can take your Cabbage Steaks in exciting new flavor directions.
Is it necessary to flip the cabbage steaks during roasting?
Flipping halfway through ensures even browning on both sides, which really elevates the texture and flavor. If you skip flipping, one side may burn while the other stays pale and less tasty.
Can Cabbage Steaks be made vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, meaty texture from veggies without any animal products.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe inspires you to embrace the deliciousness of Cabbage Steaks. They’re simple, wholesome, and endlessly versatile, making them a joy to cook and share. Once you try them roasted to perfection with that lovely caramelized edge, you’ll understand why they’ve become a beloved comfort food for so many. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a humble head of cabbage transforms into something truly special!
Print
Cabbage Steaks Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cabbage Steaks are a simple, savory, and healthy roasted vegetable dish where thick slices of green cabbage are seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then oven-roasted until tender and caramelized. This easy recipe makes a delicious side dish perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses or enjoyed on its own with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium green cabbage
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Lemon wedges, for squeezing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cabbage Steaks: Remove any loose outer leaves from the cabbage. With a sharp knife, slice off the bottom of the core to create a flat base so that the cabbage can stand upright. Then, slice the cabbage vertically into 1-inch thick steaks. Arrange the cabbage steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the Cabbage: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt. Brush half of this mixture onto one side of the cabbage steaks. Carefully flip the steaks over and brush the remaining oil mixture onto the other side.
- Roast the Cabbage: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cabbage steaks for 30 to 40 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, rotate the baking sheet to ensure even browning. Roast until the cabbage is tender in the centre and develops a nicely browned, caramelized surface.
- Season and Serve: Once roasted, season the cabbage steaks with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the top to enhance the flavor. These cabbage steaks make a delicious side dish for any meal.
Notes
- Use a very sharp knife to get clean, even slices of cabbage that will cook uniformly.
- You can add other seasonings like smoked paprika or chili flakes for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure the cabbage steaks are not too thin or they can overcook and become mushy.
- Flip the steaks gently to keep them intact since cabbage layers can sometimes separate.
- Leftover cabbage steaks can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
