These Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks transform humble cabbage into a showstopping side dish with incredible depth of flavor. Thick slices of cabbage are seasoned with aromatic spices and roasted until the edges caramelize and become deliciously crispy while the centers remain tender and juicy. This simple yet elegant dish proves that cabbage deserves a starring role on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
• Budget-friendly way to elevate a common vegetable
• Perfect blend of crispy edges and tender centers
• Versatile side dish that pairs with nearly any protein
• Naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and can be made vegan

Ingredients

• Cabbage: Choose a firm, heavy head of green or red cabbage. Green offers a milder flavor, while red provides stunning visual appeal and a slightly peppery taste.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, or substitute with melted butter for a richer, more indulgent taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides that essential savory flavor throughout each cabbage steak. Fresh minced garlic can be used but may burn during the long roasting time.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a wonderful smoky depth that transforms the cabbage. Sweet paprika can work in a pinch but won’t provide the same complexity.
• Onion Powder: Complements the garlic with its sweet, aromatic quality. Use fresh grated onion if you prefer, but onion powder distributes more evenly.
• Dried Thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly floral note. Rosemary or oregano make excellent substitutions if you prefer.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Kosher salt is ideal, but sea salt works wonderfully too.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides the best flavor punch and complements the other seasonings perfectly.
• Optional Toppings: Consider Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like parsley to finish the dish and add another layer of flavor.

Variations

Mediterranean Style

Transform these cabbage steaks with a Mediterranean twist by replacing the thyme with dried oregano. After roasting, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for a bright finish.

Asian-Inspired

Give your cabbage steaks an Asian flair by swapping the seasoning blend for a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. After roasting, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of sriracha for heat. A squeeze of lime juice adds the perfect finishing touch.

Bacon and Blue Cheese

For an indulgent variation, sprinkle the cabbage steaks with crumbled bacon halfway through the cooking time. When they’re done roasting, top with tangy blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of smoky bacon, pungent cheese, and sweet balsamic perfectly complements the roasted cabbage.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the cabbage. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The parchment also helps the cabbage steaks develop better caramelization.

Step 2: Slice the Cabbage

Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves from your cabbage head. With a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice the cabbage into ¾-inch thick rounds, making sure to keep the core intact. The core is crucial as it holds each “steak” together during cooking. Try to make the slices even in thickness to ensure they cook at the same rate.

Step 3: Season Generously

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create your seasoning mixture. Using a pastry brush, generously coat both sides of each cabbage steak with this flavorful oil blend. Take your time with this step to ensure every nook and cranny gets seasoned for maximum flavor development.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Arrange the seasoned cabbage steaks in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to promote even cooking and proper caramelization. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, carefully flipping the steaks halfway through. Look for golden brown, crispy edges and tender centers to know they’re done.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the roasted cabbage steaks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This brief rest allows the flavors to settle and makes for easier serving. Add your choice of optional toppings – a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds savory depth, red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat, or fresh herbs like parsley add brightness and color.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut the cabbage steaks slightly thicker than you think you need, as they will shrink a bit during roasting
• Don’t skip the oil – it helps the seasonings stick and promotes caramelization
• For extra flavor, broil the cabbage steaks for the final 1-2 minutes to enhance the crispiness
• Choose cabbages with tight, firm heads for the best texture and stability when sliced
• If your cabbage steaks break apart, don’t worry! The separated leaves will become extra crispy and delicious
• Season more generously than you might think necessary – cabbage can handle bold flavors

How to Serve

These Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks make a stunning side dish for almost any protein – try them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. They’re hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian main course when paired with a protein-rich grain like quinoa or farro.

For a complete meal, serve the cabbage steaks over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, which will soak up the delicious roasted flavors. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, caramelized cabbage.

These steaks also make an impressive dinner party side dish – the presentation is unique and guests will be surprised by how flavorful cabbage can be when prepared this way.

Make Ahead

While these cabbage steaks are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they’re at peak crispiness, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline your cooking process.

Slice the cabbage and mix the seasoning blend up to 24 hours in advance. Store the cabbage slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel to maintain freshness. Keep the seasoning mixture in a small jar at room temperature.

If you have leftover roasted cabbage steaks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore some crispness. They won’t be quite as crispy as when freshly made, but the flavor will still be delicious.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works beautifully in this recipe and creates a stunning visual presentation. Keep in mind that red cabbage tends to be slightly tougher than green, so you may need to extend the cooking time by 5-7 minutes. The flavor profile is similar but with a slightly peppery note that pairs wonderfully with the garlic and smoked paprika.

Why did my cabbage steaks fall apart?

Cabbage steaks can fall apart if they’re sliced too thinly or if the core is removed. The core is crucial for holding each steak together. Try cutting thicker slices (at least ¾-inch) and being gentle when flipping them halfway through cooking. If they do break apart, don’t worry – the separated leaves will become extra crispy and delicious!

Can I make these cabbage steaks in an air fryer?

Yes! Cabbage steaks cook beautifully in an air fryer. Prepare them with the same seasonings, then air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. The result will be extra crispy edges and tender centers.

How do I know when the cabbage steaks are done?

Perfectly cooked cabbage steaks will have golden brown, slightly crispy edges while the centers should be tender when pierced with a fork. The cabbage will have shrunk somewhat in size and taken on a sweet, nutty flavor as it caramelizes. If you prefer a softer texture throughout, you can cook them a bit longer, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Conclusion

These Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks transform an often overlooked vegetable into an impressive, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. With their perfect balance of tender centers and crispy, caramelized edges, they prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Whether served as a side dish or plant-based main, these cabbage steaks deliver a delightful textural experience and depth of flavor that will surprise and delight even the most skeptical cabbage eaters. Give this recipe a try and discover a whole new way to enjoy this versatile and nutritious vegetable!

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