A steak made of cabbage? Yes, it’s true! These easy baked cabbage steaks are a flavorful roasted vegetable side dish or main you can dress up or down. Plus, they go well with everything! Cabbage steaks aren’t meant to compete with real steaks (like a hanger steak or juicy ribeye). Instead, think of them as an over-the-top vegetarian side dish. Like cauliflower steak, they’re called “steaks” because the cabbage is cut into thick slabs before being dressed in garlic butter and roasted in the oven. The result is tender, caramelized cabbage with savory, restaurant-worthy flavors!
Why this recipe works
A healthy main or side. Cabbage is a healthy cruciferous vegetable and a fantastic source of vitamin C, antioxidants, folate, and fiber (source). All the more reason to slice it up and enjoy it for dinner! It’s quick and easy. Prepping and baking sliced cabbage is just as easy as balsamic roasted brussels sprouts, roasted potatoes and carrots, and any other vegetable. All it takes is a quick 30-minute trip in the oven. It’s so versatile. Serve the cabbage steaks as-is or take them up a notch with a ton of different toppings, like bacon, balsamic glaze, and more. There is no one way to serve them; the soft, savory, and tender roasted cabbage pairs well with practically anything!
And because this dish is naturally low carb and vegetarian, you can go ahead and serve it with more indulgent mains, like eggplant rollatini or a vegan pizza.
Ingredients needed
You don’t need much to make this healthy main dish or side – just the cabbage itself and a few things to take the flavors and textures over the top.
Cabbage. The cabbage you choose should feel heavy for its size and also be vibrant in color with very little to no loose leaves. I used green cabbage to make this recipe but you can certainly make red cabbage steaks with red cabbage if that’s what you prefer. Olive oil. The oil is crucial because it’s what tenderizes the cabbage slices as they bake. Butter. It’s melted and stirred with the other ingredients. The crave-worthy garlic butter sauce is what makes the roasted cabbage so irresistible! Garlic. Fresh cloves are a must. For extra garlic, sprinkle a little garlic powder over the cabbage steaks after they’re dressed in garlic butter. Salt and pepper. To tie the flavors together. Toppings. I chose to garnish the roasted “steaks” with chopped pecans and parsley, but this is where you can be as creative as you want.
How to make roasted cabbage steaks
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1 – Make the garlic butter. Whisk the olive oil, melted butter, and garlic together in a small bowl. Step 2 – Prepare the cabbage. Slice the cabbage lengthwise into 1-inch “steaks”. Remove any loose outer leaves, then brush the garlic butter on both sides of each slice. Season with salt and pepper. Step 3 – Bake and serve. Transfer the “steaks” to a lined baking sheet and bake until each one is golden and crisp. Sprinkle the baked cabbage steaks with chopped pecans and parsley, plate with your favorite sides or mains, then enjoy!
Recipe tips and variations
Cut the steaks evenly. Cabbage steaks that are all the same size will cook evenly and at the same time. Don’t forget the toppings. These are what tie the meal together and bulk up the cabbage. Mask any bitterness. The garlic butter and salt do a great job of toning down the natural bitter flavors of the cabbage. If you still find that the “steaks” are bitter-tasting, garnish them with a spritz of lemon juice. Make vegan cabbage steaks. Simply replace the butter with vegan butter for a vegan version of this recipe.
Storage instructions
Frequently asked questions
More vegetable side dishes to try
Sauteed Broccolini Curried Cauliflower Keto Coleslaw Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Sauteed brussels sprouts
You can take the “steaks” over the top with extra toppings, too. Crushed nuts (pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, etc.), crumbled air fryer turkey bacon, chorizo, sofritas, or tofu bacon will make every bite more filling. Finish them with fresh herbs, balsamic glaze, a pinch of red pepper flakes, paprika, or spicy mayo on top. To reheat: Lay the cabbage steaks on a lined baking sheet and reheat in a 350ºF oven until they’re warmed through.
