If you’re craving a dish that’s as hearty as it is simple, look no further than this delightful Cabbage Steaks Recipe. Perfectly roasted to golden perfection, these cabbage steaks offer a beautiful balance of tender insides and crispy edges, bursting with savory flavors from garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s a fantastic way to turn humble cabbage into a show-stopping side or even a vegetarian main that’s comforting, nutritious, and downright delicious. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of ingredients are needed, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the natural sweetness and texture of the cabbage while adding layers of flavor and color. The simplicity here lets the star ingredient truly shine.
- Green cabbage: The hearty head of cabbage provides a firm structure that holds up well to roasting, creating those beautiful steak-like slices.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors and helps draw out moisture, creating a lovely caramelization on the edges.
- Garlic powder: Offers a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the cabbage’s subtle sweetness.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and pairs perfectly with the salt and garlic for a balanced seasoning.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Coats the cabbage steaks to promote crisping and infuses the dish with rich, fruity undertones.
How to Make Cabbage Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oven
Start by adjusting your oven rack to the middle position and preheating it to 400ºF (204ºC). This precise heat setting is perfect for roasting the cabbage evenly. Be sure to line a large sheet pan with olive oil or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and help the cabbage caramelize beautifully.
Step 2: Slice the Cabbage
Using a large knife, trim the bottom of the cabbage core so it sits sturdy on your cutting board. Remove any loose outer leaves for a clean slate. Then, slice the cabbage lengthwise into 1-inch thick ‘steaks.’ This thickness ensures that the cabbage cooks through but still maintains some bite. Place the steaks in a single layer on your prepared sheet pan for even roasting.
Step 3: Season the Cabbage
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to create your seasoning mix. Brush each cabbage steak’s top, sides, and bottom generously with extra-virgin olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning evenly. Don’t forget to flip the steaks and repeat the oil and seasoning application on the other side for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Roast
Place the sheet pan in the oven and let your cabbage steaks roast for 35 to 40 minutes. About halfway through, rotate the pan to encourage even browning. You want the edges to turn a deep golden brown with delightful crispiness while the center remains tender. If you like, brush some more olive oil over the steaks midway to enhance richness and crispiness. Before serving, season with a little extra salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Cabbage Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme brings a fresh pop of color and brightness that complements the roasted richness. For a little extra flair, grated Parmesan or a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze can elevate the steaks effortlessly.
Side Dishes
Cabbage steaks work wonderfully alongside roasted potatoes, quinoa salad, or a hearty grain bowl. If you’re serving them as a main, a dollop of creamy hummus or a scoop of warm lentils can provide protein and extra texture, making the meal fulfilling and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing your cabbage steaks atop a bed of mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a cozy plate. You can also chop leftover roasted cabbage and toss it into salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week, adding delicious roasted flavor anytime you want.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cabbage steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor beautifully, and storing them properly prevents sogginess while keeping that desirable texture intact.
Freezing
While cabbage steaks are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing individual steaks in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cabbage steaks will keep well for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To bring leftover cabbage steaks back to life, reheat them in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375ºF (190ºC) for about 10 minutes. This method crisps up the edges again without drying out the centers, which microwave reheating may cause.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green for this Cabbage Steaks Recipe?
Absolutely! Red cabbage offers a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor and will add a beautiful pop of color to your dish. Just keep the same roasting time and seasoning.
Do I need to peel the cabbage before making steaks?
Only remove the loose or wilted outer leaves. The inner leaves provide great texture and flavor, so there is no need to peel the cabbage like you would some vegetables.
Can I add other spices to the seasoning mix?
Definitely. Smoked paprika, cumin, or even a pinch of chili flakes can add exciting layers of flavor, but the simple salt, pepper, and garlic powder blend is a perfect base for many palates.
How do I know when the cabbage steaks are done?
Look for deep golden-brown edges and tender knife-test centers. The cabbage should be soft enough to be fork-tender but still hold its shape beautifully.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This Cabbage Steaks Recipe uses only whole, plant-based ingredients, making it perfectly vegan and gluten-free—ideal for many diets and easy to customize too.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Cabbage Steaks Recipe that turns an everyday vegetable into a star of the table. The simplicity of the ingredients and preparation combined with the rewarding textures and flavors make it a versatile and approachable dish for any cook. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and see how a little roasting magic transforms cabbage into pure comfort food happiness.
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Cabbage Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This simple and flavorful Cabbage Steaks recipe features thick slices of green cabbage seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then roasted to perfection with olive oil. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness and crisp edges of the cabbage, making it a delicious and healthy side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 head of green cabbage
- 1 teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the Oven: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Line a large sheet pan with olive oil or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Slice the Cabbage: Use a large knife to trim the bottom of the cabbage core to create a stable base. Remove any loose outer leaves, then cut the cabbage lengthwise into 1-inch thick steaks. Lay them in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan to ensure even roasting.
- Season the Cabbage: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Brush both the surface and sides of each cabbage steak generously with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides.
- Roast: Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast the cabbage steaks for 35 to 40 minutes, turning the pan halfway through cooking. Roast until the edges are deeply golden brown and the centers are tender. Optionally, brush more olive oil on the steaks and season with additional salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a sharp knife to slice the cabbage evenly into thick steaks.
- If you prefer, you can add other seasonings such as smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Leftover roasted cabbage steaks can be reheated or added to salads and wraps.
- Use a sturdy baking sheet to avoid bending or tipping while roasting.
- Roasting time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the cabbage steaks.
