These Cabbage Steaks transform a humble vegetable into a culinary masterpiece using a medley of sliced cabbage, Italian-inspired seasonings, cheese and marinara sauce baked, air fried or grilled until crispy. Makes an impressive centerpiece or a side dish with your favorite protein that’s sure to please your palate.
Crispy Cabbage Steaks Recipe: A Delectable Twist on a Classic
Are you looking to elevate your vegetable game and add a touch of elegance to your dinner table? These mouthwatering Cabbage Steaks combines the earthy goodness of roasted cabbage with a burst of savory Italian-inspired flavors. This Chicken Parmesan-Inspired Cabbage Steaks recipe brings the beloved flavors of this Italian classic to your dinner table, but with a healthy and satisfying cabbage base.
With its crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and savory seasonings, our baked cabbage steaks are a delightful way to enjoy this humble vegetable. Whether you’re serving it as a centerpiece or a side dish, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Green cabbage: Cabbage forms the hearty base of this dish, providing a satisfying crunch and a host of health benefits.
- Avocado oil or olive oil: Used for frying the cabbage, these oils add a rich, buttery flavor and help achieve that irresistible crispy texture.
- Kosher or coarse sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the cabbage and brings out its sweetness.
- Cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complements the other seasonings.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the cabbage steaks with a delightful aroma and a hint of garlic goodness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of aromatic herbs and spices that elevates the overall taste profile.
- Chopped fresh basil: Provides a fresh, herbal note to balance the dish’s richness.
- Marinara sauce: Adds a burst of tomatoey goodness, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors.
- Shredded/grated dairy-free (or regular) parmesan cheese: For that irresistible cheesy crust, whether you opt for dairy-free or regular. We like Chao, Miyokos or Violife.
- Fresh dairy-free (or regular) mozzarella-style cheese: Melts into creamy perfection, forming a luscious topping. We like Miyokos.
- Fresh thyme: A fragrant herb that enhances the visual appeal and aroma.
- Chili flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a touch of spice, though you can skip it if you prefer milder flavors.
Instructions: How to make Cabbage Steaks
Making cabbage steaks in the oven couldn’t be easier. Be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage into thick slices, about 1″ to 1½” in thickness.
- Heat the Oil: Heat avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Cabbage: Carefully arrange the cabbage slices in the skillet, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook until they turn golden brown on both sides, roughly 4 to 6 minutes. Once done, transfer the cabbage slices to the prepared baking sheet.
- Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and chopped basil.
- Season Cabbage: Sprinkle this blend evenly over the cabbage steaks.
- Sauce and Cheese: Spoon approximately 3-4 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each cabbage slice.
- Next, sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top and add 1-2 slices of mozzarella.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cabbage in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, typically around 15 to 18 minutes.
- Final Touch: Once out of the oven, arrange the cabbage steaks on a large plate or platter. Garnish with breadcrumbs, fresh thyme, extra basil, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a pinch of chili flakes and black pepper for that wow factor.
Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks
If you’d rather leave your oven off, air frying cabbage steaks is not only a healthier option but also a quick and delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Here’s how to make cabbage steaks in the air fryer:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Prepare the Cabbage: While the air fryer is heating up, wash the cabbage and remove any damaged outer layers. Slice the cabbage, season and layer as per the instructions above.
- Air Fry the Cabbage: Carefully place the seasoned and topped cabbage into the preheated air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them; you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the cabbage steaks turn golden brown around the edges.
- Serve and Garnish: Once your air-fried cabbage steaks are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme and, if desired, a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat and color.
Grilled Cabbage Steaks
- Preheat Your Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cabbage: While the grill is heating up, prepare, season and layer the cabbage as per the instructions above.
- Grill the Cabbage: Place the seasoned cabbage directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill them for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they develop grill marks and become tender. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning; cooking times may vary depending on your grill’s heat.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the cabbage steaks are done, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part. They should be tender but not mushy. If needed, grill for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
- Serve Hot: Once your cabbage steaks have achieved the desired level of char and tenderness, remove them from the grill. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish as desired.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the cabbage slices are of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. We like Rao’s.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the cabbage; work in batches if necessary.
- Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Vegan-friendly: To make this recipe entirely plant-based, opt for dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-free: Ensure the seasonings and marinara sauce are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
- Add-ons: Get creative by adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers for extra depth of flavor.
- Cabbage: Want to switch things up? Swap the cabbage for sliced roasted cauliflower steaks or egg plant for an eggplant parmesan.
Serving Suggestions:
Roasted Cabbage Steaks make a stunning main dish, but they also shine as a side alongside your favorite protein.
Pair them with a juicy steak, grilled chicken, or even a flavorful tofu stir-fry. This dish is versatile enough to complement a wide range of flavors.
Storage and Freezer Instructions:
If you happen to have leftovers, store the crispy cabbage steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze the baked cabbage steaks individually in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage for this recipe? While green cabbage is the traditional choice for cabbage steaks, you can certainly use red cabbage if you prefer. Keep in mind that red cabbage has a slightly different flavor and may result in a different visual appeal.
- Is there a way to make this dish vegan-friendly? Absolutely! You can make this recipe vegan by using dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The flavors will still be fantastic, and it’s a great option for plant-based eaters.
- What can I serve alongside Crispy Cabbage Steaks? These cabbage steaks are versatile and pair well with various proteins like grilled chicken, steak, or even as a side to pasta dishes. Experiment with your favorite combinations.
- Can I prepare the cabbage steaks in advance for a dinner party? Yes, you can! To save time, you can sear the cabbage steaks and assemble them with the toppings in advance. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish in no time.
- How do I ensure the cabbage steaks are crispy? To achieve that perfect crispiness, make sure the cabbage slices are not overcrowded in the skillet when searing. This allows them to brown evenly on both sides.
- Can I freeze leftover cabbage steaks? Yes, you can freeze leftover cabbage steaks. Simply wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat them in the oven until heated through.
- What are some creative variations for this recipe? Get creative with your cabbage steaks by adding extras like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers for added depth of flavor.
- Is this dish gluten-free? The cabbage steaks themselves are naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to use gluten-free seasonings and marinara sauce to keep the entire dish gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
More cabbage recipes you will love:
These Cabbage Steaks transform a humble vegetable into a culinary masterpiece using a medley of sliced cabbage, Italian-inspired seasonings, cheese and marinara sauce baked, air fried or grilled until crispy. Makes an impressive centerpiece or a side dish with your favorite protein that's sure to please your palate.
- 1 large head green cabbage , washed and cleaned with any damaged outer layers removed
- avocado oil or olive oil , for frying the cabbage (3 to 4 tbsp)
- kosher or coarse sea salt , to taste
- cracked black pepper , to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil , plus more for serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce , we like Rao's
- 2-3 tablespoons shredded / grated dairy-free (or regular) parmesan cheese , for topping. We like Chao, Miyokos or Violife.
- 6-8 ounces fresh dairy-free (or regular) mozzarella-style cheese . sliced. We like Miyokos.
- a little bit of fresh thyme , for topping
- a tiny bit of black pepper , for garnish
- a tiny sprinkle of chili flakes , for topping (leave out if sensitive to spice)
- Slice the cabbage into 4 to 6 (1”- to 1½"-thick) slices / steaks.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully arrange the cabbage slices into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides, about 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the cabbage slices to the lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, Italian seasoning and chopped basil. Sprinkle evenly over the steaks.
- Spoon some marinara sauce (about 3-4 tbsp) on each cabbage slice. Sprinkle with parmesan then top with 1-2 mozzarella slices.
Preheat the oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the cabbage in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 to 18 minutes.
- Remove cabbage from the oven and arrange on a large plate / platter.
- Garnish with breadcrumbs, fresh thyme, fresh basil, a sprinkle of parmesan and a tiny bit of chili flakes and black pepper.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it's hot and ready for cooking.
Carefully place the seasoned and topped cabbage steaks into the preheated air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them; you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the cabbage steaks turn golden brown around the edges.
Once your air-fried cabbage steaks are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme and, if desired, a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat and color.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
Place the seasoned cabbage steaks directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill them for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they develop grill marks and become tender. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning; cooking times may vary depending on your grill's heat.
To check if the cabbage steaks are done, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part. They should be tender but not mushy. If needed, grill for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
Once your cabbage steaks have achieved the desired level of char and tenderness, remove them from the grill. Transfer them to a serving platter.
For a final touch, you can garnish your grilled cabbage steaks with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
How to store: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to freeze: Freeze the cabbage steaks individually in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep well for up to three months.
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