Welcome to a world of simple, flavorful cooking! These Garlic Cabbage Steaks transform humble cabbage into a star side dish or light meal. Whether you prefer the oven’s consistent heat or the grill’s smoky char, this recipe offers an incredibly easy way to enjoy a delicious, healthy vegetable. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to cook cabbage!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Cabbage Steaks
- Easy, Minimal Prep: You only need a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools to create a delicious dish.
- Low-Carb Side Dish: These garlic cabbage steaks fit perfectly into various dietary plans, offering a healthy vegetable option.
- Simple Ingredients: Chances are you already have most of what you need in your pantry and fridge.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a standalone lunch, a side with protein, or even chopped into salads.
- Flexible Cooking Methods: Choose between oven roasting for consistent crispiness or grilling for a smoky flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds or caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for optional garnish
Notes & Substitutions
For the best Garlic Cabbage Steaks, select a firm, dense head of green cabbage. You can substitute garlic paste with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic. Any high-heat cooking oil, like avocado oil, works in place of olive oil. Feel free to swap fennel or caraway seeds with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or dried oregano for an herbaceous touch.
Equipment
You will need a sharp chef’s knife and a cutting board. For oven roasting, gather a large baking sheet and parchment paper. If grilling, an outdoor grill and a grill basket are essential. A metal spatula will also be handy for flipping your cabbage steaks.
How To Make Garlic Cabbage Steaks
Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks
Preheat your oven to 400˚F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Slice the cabbage head into 1-inch thick wedges, keeping the core intact to hold the leaves together. Arrange these garlic cabbage steaks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Brush each cabbage steak with half of the olive oil, then spread half of the garlic paste evenly. Sprinkle with half of the fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Carefully flip each slice using a metal spatula. Apply the remaining oil, garlic paste, and spices to the other side. This ensures full flavor coverage.
Roast for 25 minutes, or until the edges of the cabbage that touch the baking sheet turn a beautiful golden brown. These caramelized bits are full of flavor. Carefully flip each cabbage steak over with your spatula. Continue roasting for another 20 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes tender in the center but remains crispy around the edges. Avoid moving the slices excessively during roasting to achieve maximum crispiness. Serve your crispy Garlic Cabbage Steaks warm, garnished with coarsely chopped fresh parsley. Note that any leftover cabbage steaks may lose some of their crispiness by the next day.
Grilled Garlic Cabbage Steaks
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). While the grill heats, prepare the cabbage as you would for roasting: slice the head into 1-inch thick wedges, keeping the core intact. Lightly oil your grill basket to prevent sticking, then arrange the cabbage steaks inside in a single layer.
Brush each cabbage steak with half of the olive oil, garlic paste, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Carefully flip and apply the remaining oil and spices to the other side. Place the grill basket directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp and shows attractive char marks. The exact time depends on your grill’s heat. You want them cooked through but still holding their shape. Serve your grilled Garlic Cabbage Steaks immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your cabbage slices are at least 1-inch thick to maintain stability during cooking; thinner slices can fall apart. For maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or grill basket. Give each cabbage steak space for air to circulate. To prevent cabbage from falling apart, always keep a portion of the core attached to each slice. If your roasted cabbage seems too moist, your oven might not be hot enough or the sheet pan is too crowded. Always preheat your oven or grill fully to ensure proper cooking and browning.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
These versatile garlic cabbage steaks make a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a juicy steak. For a light lunch, serve them alongside a fried egg or crumbled feta cheese. You can also chop leftovers and toss them into a warm grain bowl or use as a topping for tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Garlic Cabbage Steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While they remain delicious, they will lose some crispiness. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to help restore some texture. Freezing is not recommended as it significantly alters the texture.
Flavor Variations
Experiment with different cabbage types like red or savoy for varied color and texture. Try other dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. For an Asian-inspired flavor, add a touch of grated ginger to the oil and garlic mixture. A sprinkle of garlic powder or a dollop of garlic butter after cooking adds richness. For a cheesy finish, sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast during the last few minutes of roasting.
Nutrition
Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Cleveland Clinic highlights the various health benefits of cabbage, including its role in boosting the immune system and improving digestion.
These Garlic Cabbage Steaks are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. They also provide a good source of Vitamin C and K. For detailed nutritional information per serving, refer to the recipe card below.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 62.1 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7.2 g |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Fat | 3.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2.6 g |
| Sodium | 311.5 mg |
| Potassium | 200.6 mg |
| Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugar | 3.7 g |
| Vitamin A | 111.4 IU |
| Vitamin C | 42.1 mg |
| Calcium | 49 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make garlic cabbage steaks in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and crispy.
What spices are best with cabbage steaks?
Beyond garlic, fennel, and caraway, smoked paprika, onion powder, and a touch of chili flakes work wonderfully.
Why do my cabbage steaks fall apart?
Ensure you slice them thick enough (at least 1 inch) and keep a piece of the core intact to hold the leaves together.
How do I ensure my cabbage steaks are crispy?
Use high heat, don’t overcrowd the pan, and allow them to make consistent contact with the hot surface for proper browning.
Are garlic cabbage steaks a healthy side dish?
Absolutely! They are naturally low in calories and carbs, packed with fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Final Thoughts
You now have two fantastic ways to create delicious Garlic Cabbage Steaks, turning a simple vegetable into a flavorful experience. This recipe is incredibly versatile, beginner-friendly, and offers a Low-Carb Side Dish for any meal. We encourage you to try these crispy, tender steaks soon. Enjoy the simplicity and fantastic taste!
Crispy Garlic Cabbage Steaks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick wedges and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet; brush both sides with the oil, garlic paste, fennel/caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 25 minutes until the cabbage edges are golden brown, then carefully flip the steaks.
- Continue roasting for another 20 minutes, or until the cabbage steaks are tender and crispy around the edges.
- Serve the cabbage steaks warm, garnished with coarsely chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
