What Are Cabbage Steaks?
Cabbage steaks are thick slices of cabbage that are cooked to a tender and slightly caramelized texture. They can be served as a main course or a side dish. This cabbage recipe is a perfect vegetarian or vegan alternative to traditional meat steaks.
You can roast them to caramelize, pan-sear them for a crispy exterior, or grill them for a smoky twist.
To make cabbage steaks, slice a cabbage head into thick rounds, similar to steak cuts, and then roast or pan-sear them until they are tender and golden brown on the edges. Season them with spices, herbs, and sauces.
What Kind of Cabbage Is Best for Cabbage Steaks?
You can use several types of cabbage to make cabbage steaks. Green cabbage, savoy cabbage, and napa cabbage are best for this steak recipe. These cabbage types have a crisp and tender texture. This makes them a good choice for cabbage steak recipes.
How To Cut Cabbage For Making Cabbage Steaks?
To cut cabbage to make cabbage steaks:
- Choose a large, firm cabbage head that feels heavy for its size. Look for cabbage heads with crisp, vibrant leaves.
- Remove the outer leaves. Peel off and discard any loose or damaged outer leaves. Trim the bottom of the cabbage head if necessary.
- Leave the core intact, as it helps hold the cabbage steak together during cooking. Otherwise, cutting through the core will cause the steak to fall apart.
- Slice into steaks. Place the cabbage head on a cutting board, stem side down. Use a large, sharp knife to slice the cabbage into thick rounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Make sure the slices are even for cooking.
- If the cabbage steaks are too large, you can cut them into smaller portions.
How to Make Cabbage Steaks?
Cabbage steaks can be cooked using various methods to suit your preferences. Here are different cooking methods for cabbage steaks:
Oven-Roasted Cabbage Steaks:
- Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
- Slice the head of cabbage into thick rounds.
- Brush both sides of the cabbage steaks with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the cabbage slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Pan-Seared Cabbage Steaks:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Slice the cabbage into thick rounds.
- Brush both sides of the cabbage slices with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place them in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until tender and nicely browned.
- Flip the steaks gently to avoid breaking them and cook the other side.
Grilled Cabbage Steaks:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Slice the cabbage into thick rounds.
- Brush both sides of the cabbage steaks with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the cabbage slices directly on the grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until tender and charred grill marks appear.
- Flip the steaks gently to avoid breaking them and cook the other side.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Cabbage Steaks?
The cooking time for cabbage steaks can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the cooking method used.
Oven-Roasted Cabbage Steaks: To bake steaks in the oven, it takes around 20-25 minutes at a temperature of 425 °F (220 °C).
Pan-Seared Cabbage Steaks: When making pan-searing steaks, this cooking method usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
Grilled Cabbage Steaks: On the grill, cabbage steaks cook for around 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
These cooking times are approximate and may vary depending on the thickness of the cabbage steaks and your desired level of tenderness.
How To Prevent Cabbage Steaks From Falling Apart During Cooking?
To prevent cabbage steaks from falling apart during cooking:
- Cut cabbage slices thick. Slice the cabbage into thick steaks, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This helps it hold together better during cooking.
- Keep the core intact. When slicing the cabbage, leave the core intact. The core helps hold the cabbage steak together and maintain its shape while cooking.
- Handle the steaks carefully. When transferring the cabbage steaks to the cooking surface or flipping them, use a spatula or tongs to prevent them from falling apart.
- Use high heat. This helps to create a firm and caramelized exterior, which helps hold the steaks together.
- Avoid overcooking. Otherwise, cabbage can become soft and fall apart. Cook until the steaks are tender but still hold their shape.
What to Serve with Cabbage Steaks?
Cabbage steaks can be served as a main course or a side dish. They go well with sauces, such as tahini, pesto, or yogurt-based dressings. You can also serve them with quinoa, rice, or couscous. For additional protein, you can serve them with grilled tofu or chickpeas. Baked cabbage steaks can be served as a side dish with roasted vegetables.
Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Cabbage Steaks:
How To Store Cabbage Steaks?
To store cabbage steaks, allow them to cool completely. Separate the steaks to avoid sticking together. Place the cabbage slices in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags. Store them for 3 days in the refrigerator.
When ready to eat, reheat the cabbage steaks in the oven or on the stovetop over gentle heat. This helps retain their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy.
Can Cabbage Steaks Be Frozen?
Yes, cabbage steaks can be frozen. However, the texture of cabbage may change after freezing and thawing. Freezing can cause the cabbage to become softer and lose some of its crispness.
To freeze the cabbage steaks, cook them using your preferred method. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Wrap each cabbage steak tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags. Store them for 2 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cabbage steaks, transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop using gentle heat until they are warmed through.
How To Reheat Cabbage Steaks?
To reheat cabbage steaks,
In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and place the cabbage steaks on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For a crisper texture, remove the foil and continue baking for a few more minutes.
On The Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the cabbage steaks, and cover with a lid. Allow them to warm up for a few minutes, flipping them occasionally for even heating.
In The Microwave: Place the cabbage steaks on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat on high power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
