If you’re looking for a game-changing vegetable dish, Cabbage Steaks will win you over! These thick, beautifully roasted slabs of cabbage get irresistibly caramelized in the oven, turning the humble veggie into a savory, crave-worthy side that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor, Little Effort: With just a handful of inexpensive ingredients, Cabbage Steaks turn into a rich, caramelized masterpiece in under an hour.
- Incredible Texture: Roasting brings out tender centers and delightfully crispy, golden edges—no sogginess in sight!
- Versatile Side or Main: These steaks shine alongside any main dish, but you can also bulk them up for a simple vegetarian meal.
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegan: This recipe fits almost any dietary preference without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making memorable Cabbage Steaks is all about letting a few simple ingredients shine. Each one works together to add flavor, create addictively crisp edges, and add a pop of bright, fresh color!
- Medium green cabbage: Look for a firm, vibrant head—this is the true star, becoming tender and sweet as it roasts.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps crisp up those edges and adds a fruity richness to every bite.
- Garlic powder: Brings in a warm, savory aroma and mellow garlic flavor that infuses each steak.
- Sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of cabbage while seasoning the whole dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Lends subtle heat and peppery spark right at the finish.
- Lemon wedges: A fresh squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens up the flavors and makes the dish irresistible.
Variations
One of the best things about Cabbage Steaks is how flexible the recipe is! Don’t be afraid to make it your own—there are endless ways to tweak the flavors, textures, and ingredients to reflect your favorites or whatever you have on hand.
- Cheesy Cabbage Steaks: Top with freshly grated Parmesan or a vegan cheese before roasting for a savory, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle chili flakes or smoked paprika over the steaks before roasting for a bold, smoky heat.
- Herb Lovers: Add a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the olive oil for aromatic, garden-fresh flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic reduction after roasting for a tangy-sweet boost that partners beautifully with the caramelized cabbage.
How to Make Cabbage Steaks
Step 1: Prep Your Cabbage
First, preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (this prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy). Trim away any loose, wilted outer leaves and use a sharp knife to slice a thin piece off the bottom, forming a flat base. Now, stand the cabbage upright and carefully slice it into thick, 1-inch steaks—the key to a sturdy, juicy interior and crispy edges.
Step 2: Season Generously
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt to make a savory, aromatic brushing oil. Arrange your cabbage steaks in a single layer on your baking sheet, then brush half the oil mixture on top. Flip each slice gently, and brush the other side with the remaining oil to ensure every nook gets flavored.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Slide the pan into your hot oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes total, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. You’ll know the Cabbage Steaks are ready when their edges are deep golden, crispy, and a fork slides right through the thickest part. Sprinkle with more salt and fresh black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Right before serving, squeeze fresh lemon over the cabbage steaks for a burst of brightness. Serve them hot and savor the magical blend of crisp, sweet, and savory flavors!
Pro Tips for Making Cabbage Steaks
- Uniform Thickness: Slice your cabbage steaks evenly so they roast at the same pace—too thin and they’ll burn, too thick and the centers might stay tough.
- High Heat Magic: Roasting at 425°F is essential for that golden, crisp exterior while still keeping the inside meltingly tender.
- Single Layer Only: Don’t overcrowd the pan—give each steak plenty of space to allow the edges to crisp up beautifully instead of steaming.
- Lemon Squeeze Finish: Add lemon just before serving; this freshens everything up and makes the flavors pop with each bite!
How to Serve Cabbage Steaks
Garnishes
Dress up your Cabbage Steaks with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or even a drizzle of tahini or balsamic glaze for extra flair. A shower of lemon zest over the top will make the dish feel fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Cabbage Steaks make a fabulous side for everything from roasted chicken and grilled fish to hearty plant-based mains like lentil loaf or chickpea patties. Try pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy quinoa, or a zippy green salad for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack two steaks for a “tower” effect, fan slices over a platter with colorful roasted veggies for a celebration of color, or serve individual steaks on personal plates with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. They look gorgeous and feel a bit gourmet with minimal effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cabbage Steaks (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll keep their flavor beautifully—just expect the edges to soften a bit.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze them, cabbage releases a lot of water as it thaws, so the texture will be much softer after reheating. If you plan to freeze, separate layers with parchment and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cabbage Steaks in a 400°F oven for 7-10 minutes until warm and the edges perk up a bit. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that irresistible crispness.
FAQs
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Why did my Cabbage Steaks turn out soggy instead of crisp?
This usually happens if the pan is too crowded or the oven temperature is set too low. For crisp edges, make sure each steak has space on the sheet pan and roast at a nice high heat—425°F is ideal.
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Can I make Cabbage Steaks on the grill?
Absolutely! Simply brush both sides with the oil mixture and grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden and tender. Keep an eye on them for gorgeous grill marks and a little smoky flavor.
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Is it possible to use red cabbage for this recipe?
Yes—red cabbage works just as well for Cabbage Steaks. The flavor will be similar, though the final look will be even more vibrant and striking on the plate!
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How thick should I slice cabbage for steaks?
Aim for 1-inch thick slices. This thickness lets the center turn tender without falling apart, while the edges develop a gorgeous crisp and caramelized finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, nourishing, and unbelievably easy, give these Cabbage Steaks a try! Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, they’ll bring a wow factor to your table with hardly any fuss. I can’t wait for you to taste how special and satisfying a simple cabbage can really be!
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Cabbage Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cabbage Steaks are a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that will impress your guests. Roasted to perfection with a blend of olive oil and seasonings, they are a delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Heaping 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Additional:
- Lemon wedges, for squeezing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the cabbage: Remove any loose outer leaves and slice the cabbage into 1-inch-thick steaks.
- Prepare the seasoning: Mix olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Brush onto the cabbage steaks.
- Roast the cabbage: Roast for 30-40 minutes until browned and tender, flipping halfway through.
- Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cabbage steak
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
