If you’re on the hunt for a healthy, satisfying, and outrageously simple side or main dish, let me introduce you to one of my all-time favorites: Cabbage Steaks! Thick slabs of roasted cabbage transform in the oven to become tender, caramelized, and packed with savory flavor—it’s the kind of dish that turns humble cabbage into the star of the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: All it takes are a handful of pantry staples and simple steps for roasted cabbage that’s incredibly tasty and deeply caramelized.
- Naturally Versatile: Cabbage Steaks play well as a hearty side dish or can even take center stage as a main for vegetarians and vegans.
- Budget Friendly: Fresh cabbage is one of the most affordable veggies around—stretching a dollar but never skimping on taste or satisfaction.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even committed carnivores are wowed by the texture and flavor—expect clean plates all around!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cabbage Steaks lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to bring out the natural sweetness, earthiness, and hint of savoriness that makes roasted cabbage so irresistible.
- Head of Cabbage: Choose a firm, medium to large green cabbage—look for tight, heavy heads without any cracks or browning.
- Light Olive Oil: This is just enough to crisp up the edges during roasting and keep everything deliciously moist; you can substitute avocado oil if you prefer.
- Minced Garlic: A generous scattering of fresh garlic infuses every steak with big, bold flavor—you can adjust the amount if you like more or less garlicky goodness.
- Salt: Essential for pulling out the natural sweetness of the cabbage and waking up all the other flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper: A touch of pepper adds warmth and just the right amount of earthy background spice.
Variations
One of the most wonderful things about Cabbage Steaks is just how customizable they are. Whether you’re working around dietary needs or just want a new twist, there are plenty of ways to keep this recipe exciting from week to week!
- Cajun Spice Kick: Add a sprinkle of Cajun or Creole seasoning for a smoky, slightly spicy vibe that pairs beautifully with cabbage.
- Cheesy Finish: In the last ten minutes of roasting, sprinkle the steaks with grated parmesan or vegan cheese for melty, golden tops.
- Balsamic Drizzle: Finish the roasted cabbage with a sweet-tart drizzle of balsamic reduction for gorgeous flavor complexity.
- Lemon & Herb: Add some fresh thyme or rosemary and a squeeze of lemon just before serving for bright, herbaceous lift.
How to Make Cabbage Steaks
Step 1: Prep the Cabbage
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—having everything ready makes the whole process a breeze. Remove any outer leaves that look wilted, then use a sharp knife to slice the bottom core from the cabbage so it sits flat on your cutting board.
Step 2: Cut into “Steaks”
With the flat side down, carefully slice your cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds. Try to keep each slice intact so they roast evenly; you should end up with sturdy, beautiful discs that will crisp up at the edges in the oven.
Step 3: Arrange and Season
Place the cabbage steaks on a large sheet pan or in a roomy casserole dish, arranging them in a single, snug-but-not-overlapping layer. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, scatter the minced garlic over each steak, and finish with a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy—this simple seasoning is all you need for big flavor!
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the pan tightly with foil. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. By the end, the cabbage will turn tender in the center, the edges just beginning to caramelize and crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork glides easily through the thickest part of each steak.
Pro Tips for Making Cabbage Steaks
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Heavier, tighter green cabbage heads are sturdier and easier to slice into thick steaks without falling apart.
- Even Slicing: Try to keep all slices close to the same thickness so everything cooks through at the same rate—about 1 inch is the sweet spot for tender centers and crisp edges.
- Get Those Caramelized Edges: If you love a little extra color, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to let the edges crisp and brown beautifully.
- Don’t Skimp on Olive Oil: A light, even drizzle ensures the seasonings stick and gives every steak a deliciously rich, golden finish.
How to Serve Cabbage Steaks
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that takes your cabbage steaks from simple to stunning, try a scattering of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, a dusting of chili flake for heat, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds can also add a lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
Cabbage Steaks are basically a blank canvas—pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, a hearty grain salad, or even a generous dollop of hummus or tzatziki. They’re also fabulous alongside grilled meats or as a part of a full vegetarian spread with roasted carrots and chickpeas.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the steaks whole as a dramatic main course atop a platter, topped with a runny fried egg for brunch or sliced thin and tucked into pita bread. Another fun idea: cut them into wedges for a tapas-style side with dipping sauces for a casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover cabbage steaks cool fully, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for easy meal-prep lunches and quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
For best results, I recommend enjoying cabbage steaks fresh or reheated from the fridge. However, if you’d like to freeze them, wrap each cooled steak tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. The texture may become a bit softer upon thawing, but the flavors will still be lovely.
Reheating
To reheat cabbage steaks, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through—this helps crisp up the edges again. You can also warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side.
FAQs
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Can I use red cabbage instead of green for cabbage steaks?
Absolutely! Red cabbage works beautifully and will add a gorgeous pop of color to your table. Just know the flavor will be slightly earthier, and the steaks may take a few extra minutes in the oven to get tender.
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How do I keep cabbage steaks from falling apart?
Slicing evenly from top to bottom through the core helps each steak hold together. Also, use a sharp knife and be gentle when transferring the slices to your baking sheet—if a few outer leaves loosen, simply tuck them back in!
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Can I make cabbage steaks on the grill?
Yes! Brush the cabbage with oil and grill over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, until beautifully charred and tender. They’ll have an extra smoky flavor that’s irresistible in the summer.
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What protein can I serve with cabbage steaks for a full meal?
These go wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork chops, baked tofu, or even a fried egg on top! You can also serve them alongside a bean salad or your favorite legumes for a hearty vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a cozy, flavor-packed (and honestly, fun!) way to enjoy your veggies, don’t wait to make these Cabbage Steaks. They’re proof that the simplest ingredients often create the most memorable dishes—you’ll be making them on repeat all season long!
Print
Cabbage Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cabbage steaks are a delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian dish that features thick slices of cabbage roasted to perfection with garlic and seasoning. These hearty ‘steaks’ make a flavorful and satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 head cabbage
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut Cabbage: Cut the bottom off the cabbage and slice into 1-inch thick steaks.
- Arrange: Place cabbage slices in a single layer on a sheet pan or casserole dish.
- Season: Drizzle olive oil over cabbage, sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cover: Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake: Bake for about 45 minutes until cabbage is tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
