Irresistible Keto Cabbage Steaks Recipe: Healthy, Low-Carb & Packed with Flavor!

Cabbage steaks offer a delightful and innovative way to enjoy this often-underestimated vegetable. This keto cabbage steaks recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Once you add the melted cheese and crispy bacon, you’ll get a filling meal that’s also low carb and low calorie. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, creating a satisfying dish that can be served as a side or a light meal.

Why Cabbage Steaks?

Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, low in calories, high in fiber and vitamin C. For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, cabbage is an excellent choice due to its low carbohydrate content. It’s full of fiber, extremely low carb and makes the most delicious Keto side dishes! Besides all that, it’s also a nutrient dense veggie. It’s rich in vitamin B6 and folate but is also loaded with vitamin C. Its neutral flavor makes it a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned in countless ways. Roasting cabbage, as opposed to boiling, helps retain valuable nutrients.

Ingredients You'll Need

Cabbage: A small head of fresh, crisp, and compact cabbage is ideal. Either green or red cabbage can be used, but avoid using cooked cabbage.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese is recommended for topping. Parmesan cheese can also be used.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are preferred, but 1 teaspoon of minced garlic or garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
Olive Oil: To brush the cabbage steaks.
Bacon: Adds a crispy and savory element to the dish. For a vegetarian/vegan option, leave off the bacon or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavor. Other seasonings such as smoked paprika and garlic powder can be added.
Optional Toppings: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Clean and Cut the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut off the bottom stem to create a flat surface. Use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage into 3/4 to 1-inch thick slices, creating even "steaks". Take your time with this step. You did just slice a ton of cabbage.
Season the Cabbage: Place the cabbage steaks on the prepared cookie sheet. Brush both sides of the cabbage steaks with olive oil. Season both sides with garlic, salt, and black pepper. Measure the olive oil - It’s important to not put too much olive oil to the cabbage or it’ll be too soaked to roast up.
Roast the Cabbage: Roast for 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and caramelized.
Cook the Bacon: While the cabbage steaks are in the oven, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes, then chop into pieces. You can also prepare the cooked bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge as well.
Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the cabbage from the oven. Top with mozzarella cheese and return it to the oven to roast for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Top with bacon and fresh chopped parsley.
Serve: Serve hot right out of the oven.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Steaks

Freshness Matters: Make sure to buy cabbage heads that are fresh and crisp while being tight and compact.
Even Slices: Cut the cabbage into even slices to ensure uniform cooking.
Don't Overcrowd: Arrange the cabbage in a single layer on the sheet pan so the edges are all touching.
Season Generously: Don't be afraid to season both sides of the cabbage steaks generously.
Adjust Cooking Time: Actual cook time will vary depending on how thick and evenly the cabbage is sliced and the amount of moisture in the cabbage slices.
Get Creative with Toppings: These could almost be a meal in themselves. But, cabbage steaks are great with any protein and would be good alongside most casseroles.

Flavor Variations

Keep it Simple: Oil, salt, and pepper are enough to make cabbage steaks taste great.
Mediterranean Flavor: Spread on a thin layer of pesto, then top with Feta and Parmesan. SO it’s no great surprise that an oily, herby, cheese-laden paste like pesto PLUS Feta and more Parmesan Cheese is going to make a lot of things taste better.
Crunch: Add some nuts or seeds to the top of the cabbage steaks to add a crunchy texture to the steaks. Pecans and walnuts are great options.
Garlic and Parmesan: Sprinkle the cabbage with garlic and grated Parmesan cheese before roasting.
Honey Mustard: Combine a little of this Keto-friendly Honey, some Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar.
Mediterranean toppings: Top the roasted cabbage steaks with crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

Baked cabbage steaks are the perfect side for many dishes, including:

Easy Broiled Salmon
Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken
Garlic Rosemary Whole 30 Meatballs

They also go great with pasta or grains of your choice like quinoa! You can even serve this cabbage steak recipe on its own as it is quite hearty.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven for about 5 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Freeze: This cabbage steak recipe can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. You can add any leftovers to casseroles and soups. You can make delicious cabbage soup with that.

Vegan Cabbage Steaks with Tahini Sauce

For a vegan option, consider Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Tahini Sauce. This involves rubbing garlic on both sides of the cabbage steaks, brushing with olive oil, and roasting. A sauce made from tahini, mustard, lime juice, coconut milk, and olive oil is then drizzled over the roasted cabbage. Serve sprinkled with some diced hot chili peppers and sesame seeds. Vegan Cabbage Steaks with Tahini Sauce are going to be your new favorite side dish. A new sophisticated way to serve cabbage.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Is Cabbage OK on Keto?

Cabbage on Keto is an awesome choice for Keto or any other diet. It’s full of fiber, extremely low carb and makes the most delicious Keto side dishes! Besides all that, it’s also a nutrient dense veggie. It’s rich in vitamin B6 and folate but is also loaded with vitamin C.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #cabbage #steaks #recipe