When I eat cabbage, I generally put it in a salad or coleslaw. However, today, I decided to roast cabbage steaks for dinner. Little did I know the magic of roasted cabbage! Not only is roasting cabbage steaks simple, but it is also literally the least expensive, flavorful dinner I've ever made.
Because the cabbage steaks are roasted, the tender layers of cabbage cook soft and savory on the inside and crispy on the outside. The cabbage absorbs the sweetness of the vinegar, and the flavors of the seasonings sprinkled on them before cooking.
As a side dish or an entree, roasting cabbage is so simple.
What are the nutritional benefits of eating cabbage?
According to Healthline, cabbage has an impressive nutritional profile and is low in calories.
In fact, just 1 cup (89 grams) of raw green cabbage contains (2):
- Calories: 22
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Vitamin K: 85% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 54% of the RDI
- Folate: 10% of the RDI
- Manganese: 7% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 6% of the RDI
- Calcium: 4% of the RDI
- Potassium: 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 3% of the RDI
Cabbage also contains small amounts of other micronutrients, including vitamin A, iron, and riboflavin.
As you can see in the list above, it is rich in vitamin B6 and folate, both of which are essential for many important processes in the body, including energy metabolism and the nervous system's normal functioning.
Also, cabbage is high in fiber and contains powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols and sulfur compounds (2).
Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that have an odd number of electrons, making them unstable. When their levels become too high, they can damage your cells.
Cabbage is especially high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that may protect against heart disease, certain cancers, and vision loss.
How to choose, clean, and cut the cabbage.
For this roasted cabbage recipe, I chose green cabbage. When selecting a cabbage, focus on heavy, bright-colored, and crisp leaves without any cracks or bruises.
- Remove any loose outer leaves
- Rinse with water.
- Begin by cutting off the bottom end of the cabbage where the root or core is.
- Make 1-inch slices, holding the cabbage together, and place each slice of cabbage on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, it's important to season both sides of the cabbage. Although most recipes require oil, I brushed the cabbage steaks with rice vinegar on both sides. Then, sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
Other great seasoning and vinegar combinations for roasting cabbage steaks
- Vegetable broth with Trader Joe's Vegan Chickenless Seasoning
- Balsamic vinegar with Italian seasoning, Vegan Parmesan Cheese and serve with Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
- Champagne vinegar, maple syrup, and dijon mustard
Once the cabbage steaks are brushed on both sides with vinegar and your favorite seasoning combination, roast at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.
As a result, the cabbage's center layers melt in your mouth while the crispy edges are perfectly cooked.
Ideas to serve with roasted cabbage steaks
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Spicy Cucumber Salad
- Vegan Bean Salad
- Tahini Roasted Cauliflower
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- German Potato Salad
- Vegan Latkes
- Goulash
This time, I served my roasted cabbage steaks with Baked Parmesan Tomatoes and parmesan encrusted roasted asparagus.
So, the next time you are looking for a quick and easy dinner in 20 minutes, trying roasting cabbage steaks. I even added an edible flower for fun 🙂
📖 Recipe
Roasting Cabbage Steaks
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage
- ½ cup rice vinegar amount varies based on the amount and size of cabbage steaks; you may need more
Sprinkle both sides of each steak with the following:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes optional if you enjoy some heat
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Remove any loose outer leaves of the cabbage
- Rinse with water.
- Begin by cutting off the bottom end of the cabbage where the root or core is.
- Make 1-inch slices, holding the cabbage together, and place each slice of cabbage on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the vinegar in a bowl, and using a pastry brush, brush the vinegar onto both sides of the cabbage.
- Then, sprinkle both sides generously with the seasonings.
- Place the baking pan in the center of the oven and cook for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven.
- Serve as a side dish or an entree with your favorite veggies.
Notes
How To Choose, Clean, And Cut The Cabbage.
For this roasted cabbage recipe, I chose green cabbage. When selecting a cabbage, focus on heavy, bright-colored, and crisp leaves without any cracks or bruises.- Remove any loose outer leaves
- Rinse with water.
- Begin by cutting off the bottom end of the cabbage where the root or core is.
- Make 1-inch slices, holding the cabbage together, and place each slice of cabbage on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Nutrition
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
Risa Blair
I love savory oatmeal! I'm not a big sweets person. I use two cups of roasted cabbage with savory seasonings, one cup of water, and 1/2 cup of oatmeal in a bowl. I cook it for four minutes in the microwave for breakfast. Sometimes, I add Badia's new Mushrooms seasoning. Delish!
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Risa, I'm not a big sweets person either, but I LOVE savory. I love your savory oatmeal idea. I will give it a try.
Judith T Oruska
Sounds delicious. But if you are a single, what does one do with the "left overs" ?
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Judith, you could make a single cabbage steak and use the rest of the head cabbage during the week for a coleslaw salad, cabbage soup, or add it to a stir fry. When I buy one cabbage, and it's just me, I plan several meals that include the cabbage so I don't have to throw anything away. Also, if you make a couple cabbage steaks, they heat up well for lunch or dinner the next night.