Cabbage Steaks

By Melissa Knific

Published March 13, 2025

Cabbage Steaks
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Total Time
1 hour
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Rating
5(459)
Comments
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Tender and crisp cabbage “steaks” are indeed vegetarian, similar to cauliflower steaks, but achieve remarkable complexity from the way they are sliced into thick planks and roasted, which chars the outer edges and makes the inner leaves rippled and buttery for a balance of textures. The key is using plenty of olive oil: Some gets blended with spices and brushed all over the steaks, and even more is drizzled on top just before roasting. Serve these cabbage steaks as a simple side with a sprinkle of dill, alongside a pile of pierogi, a spatchcocked chicken or roasted salmon, or serve them as a main, with a spoonful of romesco and some fresh bread.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 1medium head green cabbage (about 3 pounds)
  • ¼cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1large garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) or ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • ½teaspoon cracked black pepper, plus more for serving
  • Flaky sea salt, chopped fresh dill, chopped roasted walnuts and lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

139 calories; 9 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 14 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams dietary fiber; 7 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 388 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oven to 425 degrees. Trim the stem of the cabbage and place the cabbage on a cutting board with the stem end underneath. (It should sit flat and be stable.) Slice the cabbage from top to bottom through the stem end into 1-inch steaks. (You will have about 6 steaks.) Arrange them flat on a baking sheet in a single layer.

  2. Step 2

    In a small bowl, using a spoon, combine oil, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper and stir until well blended. Spoon half of the mixture over the top of the cabbage steaks, then use a brush to evenly coat the top and side of each steak. Flip steaks over and spoon and brush the remaining mixture on the second side.

  3. Step 3

    Drizzle steaks with a little more olive oil, then roast until tender and charred in spots, 35 to 40 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Serve steaks immediately, using a spatula to transfer them to plates. Sprinkle with more pepper, and, if desired, any combination of flaky sea salt, dill, walnuts and a squeeze of lemon.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
459 user ratings
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Comments

JeanieDiva

I haven't made this yet, but it looks great. However, I would say that you should put the spice mixture into the oil and use a pastry brush to apply it to the cabbage. The oil will schmeer the spices if you put them on first so why not do both steps together? Is there a reason? Thank you for continuing to provide vegetarian and vegan recipes.

Paula

Walnuts cooked on top with perhaps some chopped capers- adds some subtle crunch

Sophie B.

Highly recommend mixing up a little tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice & salt/pepper— a drizzle on top is delightful. If you happen to have pomegranate molasses floating around in your cupboard, adding a second small drizzle of that is even better! We had grilled cabbage served this way at one of our favorite restaurants, and it was awesome.

Teresa

I made this about 2 weeks ago when my daughter had dropped by for dinner. She’s coming over tonight and she requested this again. She’s never really liked cabbage before but thought this was one of the best things she’s ever had. It’s amazing and so easy to make. Definitely a 5 star recipe.

Juli R

These are DELICIOUS for being so simple. Perfect example of the right amount of ingredients + the right cooking technique. The cabbage is sweet and crunchy and soft even the charred bits are tasty. It is a great and very quick, easy recipe!

Mp

Cabbage was so underrated until now!! This recipe is terrific- cabbage comes out sweet and tender and the spice drizzle is just perfect. I cut way back on the oil (only about 4 tbsp) and it was still delicious

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