Cabbage Steaks: Recipe, Serving Suggestions, Cooking Tips

Cabbage steaks are thick slices of cabbage cooked over an open fire on a gas or charcoal grill, which gives them a rich, smoky flavor and crispy exterior. While cabbage bears a close resemblance to lettuce, it actually belongs to the Brassica genus of vegetables, which include broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. Cabbage is low in carbs and calories and rich in potassium, fiber, calcium, and other vital nutrients.

There are many pairing options for cabbage steaks, from flavorful sauces and tasty toppings to filling side dishes. Popular foods to serve with cabbage steaks include:

• Cheeses: Take your cabbage steaks to the next level by topping them with melted hard cheeses (like Parmesan) or crumbly cheeses (like feta).
• Grilled vegetables: Cook other grilled vegetables—like summer squash, tomatoes, asparagus, and eggplant—alongside your cabbage for a healthful veggie medley.
• Mashed potatoes: This classic creamy side dish makes the perfect pairing for a crispy, caramelized cabbage steak. Learn how to make mashed potatoes.
• Salad: Pair your cooked cabbage steak with a fresh green salad for a light meatless spread.
• Sauces: This versatile dish pairs well with various sauces and condiments, from balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil to homemade chimichurri or romesco sauce to a drizzle of Mexican crema or sriracha mayo.

This simple grilled vegetable recipe is suitable for home cooks of all experience levels. Follow these tips to make flavorful cabbage steaks:

1. 1. Choose the right cabbage. When choosing a head of cabbage, make sure to pick ones that are firm, bright in color, and heavy, with tightly packed leaves. The tighter the leaves are, the better the cabbage will hold its shape once sliced into steaks. Discard any wilted outer leaves before carving up your steaks.
2. 2. Experiment with seasonings. Customize your cabbage steaks with various spices, herbs, and sweeteners. Add some honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of sugar to your seasoning mixture for a sweet-and-savory dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for some bright, citrusy notes. Use a zesty seasoning blend with various spices and herbs, like cayenne pepper, chili powder, dill, and fennel.
3. 3. Change up the toppings. Play with flavorful finishing touches once you’ve mastered the cabbage steak basics. Top the steaks with grated or crumbled cheese, like Parmesan, blue cheese, or cheddar cheese. Drizzle the top with ranch dressing for a creamier dish. Top the steak with crumbled bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative for some meaty notes. Garnish the grilled cabbage with toasted nuts for a crunchy textural contrast.
4. 4. Make the veggie steaks in the oven. As an alternative to grilling, make oven-roasted cabbage steaks by cooking the seasoned vegetable slices in a single layer on a parchment paper–lined rimmed baking sheet in a 400-degree-Fahrenheit oven for 20–25 minutes.
5. 5. Store in an airtight container. Grilled cabbage steaks will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat the leftovers, warm the veggie steaks on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 350-degree-Fahrenheit oven for 3–5 minutes.