Ingredients
1 large head of green cabbage (approx. 2-3 lbs)
3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
½ teaspoon salt (sea salt is best)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and grease it lightly.
2. **Prepare the Cabbage:** Remove the loose, tough outer leaves of the cabbage. Cut the very bottom of the stem off to create a flat base, but **do not** remove the core.
3. Stand the cabbage upright on its base. Slice it vertically into 1-inch thick rounds (‘steaks’). You should get 4-6 steaks depending on the size of the head. (Save the loose end pieces for coleslaw or stir-fry).
4. Place the cabbage steaks flat on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart slightly.
5. **Make the Garlic Oil:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
6. **Brush:** Generously brush the garlic oil mixture over the tops and sides of each cabbage steak. (If you have extra oil, carefully flip them and brush the bottoms, but top-only is usually fine).
7. **Roast:** Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is tender when pierced with a knife and the edges are dark brown and crispy.
8. **Serve:** Remove from the oven. Drizzle the hot steaks with fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
The Core is Key: When slicing the cabbage, leave the core intact for the middle steaks. This holds the leaves together so the ‘steak’ doesn’t fall apart when you move it.
Flavor Variations: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the steaks during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Crispy Edges: Don’t be afraid of the dark, charred edges! That caramelization provides the best flavor and texture contrast to the soft center.
Storage: Leftover steaks can be stored in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to crisp them back up.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American / Healthy
- Diet: Vegan