Easy Roasted Cabbage with Garlic & Parmesan (Crispy Low-Carb Steaks)
For a digital entrepreneur in the health and wellness niche, transforming high-volume, cost-effective vegetables into “Gold Standard” side dishes is a professional-grade strategy for user retention. Cabbage is a Mediterranean nutritional powerhouse, rich in Vitamin C and detoxifying sulfur-rich compounds. From an expertise (E-E-A-T) perspective, the secret to a professional-grade cabbage steak is the “Core-Retention Cut.” By keeping the core intact, you provide the structural anchor needed to maintain the steak’s shape, allowing for maximum surface area contact with the pan to achieve that signature deep-brown caramelization and “frizzled” crispy edges.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 Min
- Cook Time: 25 Min
- Total Time: 35 Min
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Calories: 115 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
The Foundation
- 1 medium Green Cabbage (The Gold Standard for roasting)
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt & 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
The “Gold Standard” Crust
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- Optional: 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (For a professional-grade kick)
The Finishing Touch
- Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Lemon Wedges for serving
Preparation Steps:
1. The Professional “Steak” Cut
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the loose outer leaves.
- Technique: Slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds. Pro Tip: Do not remove the core! It acts as the Gold Standard structural support that keeps the leaves from scattering on the pan during roasting.
2. The Flavor Coating
- Place steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush both sides of each cabbage steak generously. This professional application ensures every layer of the cabbage is infused with the garlic oil during the roast.
3. The High-Heat Roast
- Roast for 20 minutes until edges begin to brown and the center is tender.
- Remove and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each steak. The cheese creates a savory, Gold Standard protective crust.
4. The Crispy Finish
- Return to oven for 5–8 minutes until the Parmesan is melted and golden-brown.
- The Broiler Hack: For a professional finish, turn on the broiler for the final 60 seconds to “frizzle” the leaf edges. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness.
Expert Tips:
- The “Direct Sear” Secret: If you prefer your cabbage extra crispy, use a metal baking sheet without parchment paper (lightly greased). Direct contact with the metal provides a superior professional-grade sear on the bottom surface.
- Avoid the “Steam” Trap: Do not overlap or crowd the steaks. Roasting requires airflow to achieve the Gold Standard crispness. If crowded, the cabbage will release moisture and steam, resulting in a soft, mushy texture.