Cabbage Steaks

When you just can’t stand the thought of another boring salad, cabbage comes to the rescue! No, we’re not talking about coleslaw; we’re talking about transforming raw cabbage into something completely new and different. Roasting breathes new life into this brassica vegetable, bringing out the cabbage’s natural sweetness and adding complex flavors and textures. The result is a veggie that’s tender yet crisp, sweet yet savory, wholesome yet indulgent.

Learning how to make cabbage steaks will absolutely change your veggie game—for the better. These crispy roasted cabbage slices taste similar to roasted Brussels sprouts but with a less pronounced cruciferous flavor. That is to say, cabbage’s flavor is mild and less bitter, making it a great introduction to vegetables for picky eaters. These cabbage steaks are a delicious and affordable side dish or a hearty addition to vegetarian dinners.

How to Cut Cabbage for Cabbage Steaks

To create perfect cabbage slices, remove the cabbage’s outer leaves. Rinse the cabbage and pat it dry. Cut off the very bottom of the stem (the cabbage’s root) to help it stand straight on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the cabbage into 1-inch-thick rounds. I find it’s easiest to start at one end of the cabbage and move to the other, but some find it easier to start in the middle and work outward. Either way, take your time and concentrate on slicing down in a straight line.

Ingredients for Cabbage Steaks

• Cabbage: We tested this recipe with green cabbage, but red cabbage works just as well. You could use a Chinese cabbage (aka napa cabbage), but the steaks won’t hold together as firmly. No matter which variety you choose, the cabbage should have crisp, unblemished leaves and feel firm to the touch. Compare the head to the other cabbages at the store, and choose the one that feels heavy for its size.
• Olive oil: Olive oil helps the steaks brown and caramelize in the hot oven. You could substitute another type of cooking oil, but we like the flavor of an olive oil brand with a bright, grassy flavor. You could use melted butter instead, if you’re not worried about keeping the recipe vegan.
• Seasoning blend: Any of your favorite herbs and seasonings will work for this cabbage steak recipe. I love this particular blend of salt, garlic powder, parsley, basil, onion powder and ground pepper for its savory, herby flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cabbage

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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the cabbage into 1-inch-thick slices. Place in a greased foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan.

Editor’s Tip: One medium cabbage should create four to six rounds.

Step 2: Season the cabbage steaks

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Brush both sides of the cabbage with oil. Mix the salt, garlic powder, parsley, basil, onion powder and pepper, and sprinkle the mixture over the cabbage.

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Editor’s Tip: Don’t forget to season both sides of the cabbage! If you still have leftover seasoning, transfer it to a container with a tightly fitted lid. Store it in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

Step 3: Roast the cabbage steaks in the oven

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Roast the cabbage until tender and the edges are lightly browned, 40 to 45 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: For darker, crispier cabbage (which is very flavorful!), leave the cabbage steaks in the oven for up to one hour. Cabbage is more delicate than meaty steaks, so use a wide spatula to keep the slices intact as you carefully lift them off the baking sheet.

Cabbage Steak Variations

• Grill the cabbage steaks: For grilled cabbage, wrap the seasoned cabbage steaks in a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Grill over medium heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Carefully unwrap the foil packages, and finish the steaks directly on the grill to give them a smoky, charred finish.
• Finish with cheese: Sprinkle the cabbage steaks with grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese just before serving to boost the savory vibes. For a melty cabbage steak experience, add shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese to the steaks for the final five minutes.
• Use another seasoning blend: Use a seasoning blend like Cajun seasoning or a fresh herb combination with garlic salt, chopped fresh parsley, rosemary or thyme. For a smoky vibe, include a little smoked paprika in the mix.

How to Store Cabbage Steaks

Store leftover roasted cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How do you reheat cabbage steaks?

To reheat a single cabbage steak, place the cabbage in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook it for a few minutes on each side until warmed through. To reheat larger portions, place the cabbage on a baking sheet. Reheat it in a 350° oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the cabbage in the microwave, but it will lose its crispy edges.

Cabbage Steak Tips

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What are cabbage steaks?

Cabbage steaks are thick slices of cabbage. In this recipe, we brush them with olive oil and seasonings before roasting them in a hot oven. They taste similar to roasted Brussels sprouts, but they’re significantly easier to prepare. Instead of trimming many individual little sprouts, simply slice a single head of cabbage into multiple steaks.

Why roast cabbage?

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, and this cabbage steak recipe is no exception. Raw cabbage doesn’t taste impressive. It has a mild character and can even taste a little bitter. Roasted cabbage has a sweet and buttery flavor, and the texture mellows from harsh and crunchy to soft and tender. The edges get crispy and caramelized in the oven, too, adding complexity and depth. It’s is a far cry from the raw, tough, shredded cabbage found in coleslaw recipes!

How do you serve cabbage steaks?

This recipe for cabbage steaks works as a side dish or a vegetarian main dish, either served whole or cut in half for smaller portions. As a side, pair roasted cabbage steak with hearty meats like grilled pork chops, meat loaf or roast chicken. To turn the dish into an entree, serve cabbage steaks with a hearty starch or grain like pasta, baked potatoes, couscous, rice or quinoa salad recipes. Cabbage tastes fantastic with sauces like hummus, tahini dressing or an herby pesto, too.

What do you do if cabbage steaks taste bitter?

If your cabbage steaks turn out bitter, try adding sweet, salty or sour ingredients to suppress the bitterness. Finish the steaks with a splash of tart citrus juice or vinegar, or drizzle them with sweet balsamic vinegar. For a sweet-and-salty combo, try a soy sauce-based sauce like teriyaki sauce. Or opt for a salty-umami combo with salted chopped nuts, grated cheese or chopped bacon.