Grilled Cabbage: Delicious Recipes and Grilling Guide
Grilled cabbage is a surprisingly delicious and versatile dish. It’s a simple way to add a healthy and flavorful side dish to your barbecue or weeknight dinner. Grilling cabbage brings out its natural sweetness and creates a slightly charred, smoky flavor that is simply irresistible. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about grilling cabbage, from selecting the best head to preparing it with various seasonings and sauces. We’ll also share some delicious recipes to get you started.
Why Grill Cabbage?
Before we dive into the recipes and techniques, let’s explore why grilling cabbage is such a great idea:
* **Flavor Enhancement:** Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in cabbage, resulting in a sweeter, more complex flavor than boiling or steaming.
* **Texture:** The edges of the cabbage become slightly crispy and charred, providing a delightful contrast to the tender interior.
* **Ease of Preparation:** Cabbage is a low-maintenance vegetable that requires minimal prep time. It’s quick to grill and doesn’t need constant attention.
* **Nutritional Value:** Cabbage is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Grilling preserves these nutrients while adding a smoky flavor.
* **Versatility:** Grilled cabbage pairs well with a variety of meats, poultry, and seafood. It can also be a delicious vegetarian or vegan main course.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage is an affordable vegetable, making grilled cabbage a cost-effective way to add vegetables to your meals.
Choosing the Right Cabbage
The success of your grilled cabbage starts with selecting a good head. Here’s what to look for:
* **Firmness:** Choose a cabbage head that feels firm and heavy for its size. Avoid heads that are soft or have loose leaves.
* **Color:** The color of the cabbage should be vibrant and even. Green cabbage should be bright green, while red cabbage should be a deep reddish-purple.
* **Leaves:** The leaves should be tightly packed and free from blemishes, bruises, or yellowing.
* **Size:** Select a cabbage head that is appropriate for your needs. A smaller head will cook faster and is ideal for a smaller group.
Types of Cabbage for Grilling
* **Green Cabbage:** This is the most common type of cabbage and is a great all-purpose choice for grilling. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
* **Red Cabbage:** Red cabbage has a slightly more peppery flavor than green cabbage. It also adds a beautiful color to your grilled dishes.
* **Savoy Cabbage:** Savoy cabbage has crinkled leaves and a milder flavor than green or red cabbage. It’s a good choice for those who prefer a more delicate taste.
* **Napa Cabbage:** Napa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s often used in salads and stir-fries, but it can also be grilled.
Preparing Cabbage for Grilling
Before you fire up the grill, you’ll need to prepare the cabbage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Wash the Cabbage:** Rinse the cabbage under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
2. **Remove Outer Leaves:** Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves. These leaves may be tough and won’t grill well.
3. **Cut the Cabbage:** There are several ways to cut cabbage for grilling:
* **Wedges:** Cut the cabbage through the core into wedges, keeping the core intact to hold the leaves together. This method is ideal for grilling larger portions.
* **Steaks:** Cut the cabbage into thick slices, about 1-inch thick. This method is similar to wedges but provides a flatter surface for grilling.
* **Halves or Quarters:** Cut the cabbage in half or into quarters. This method is good for smaller cabbages or when you want to grill larger portions.
* **Shredded:** Shred the cabbage using a knife, mandoline, or food processor. Shredded cabbage can be grilled in a grill basket or on a sheet of foil.
4. **Prepare Seasoning:** In a small bowl, combine your desired seasonings. Some popular options include:
* Olive oil or melted butter
* Salt and pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Paprika
* Italian seasoning
* Chili powder
* Lemon juice or vinegar
5. **Season the Cabbage:** Brush or drizzle the cabbage with olive oil or melted butter. Then, sprinkle generously with your chosen seasoning blend. Make sure to season both sides of the cabbage.
Grilling Cabbage: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that your cabbage is prepared, it’s time to fire up the grill! Here’s how to grill cabbage to perfection:
1. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F). You can use either a gas grill or a charcoal grill.
2. **Clean the Grill Grates:** Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
3. **Place Cabbage on the Grill:** Place the cabbage wedges, steaks, halves, or shredded cabbage (in a grill basket or on foil) on the preheated grill.
4. **Grill the Cabbage:**
* **Wedges, Steaks, Halves, or Quarters:** Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly charred. Turn the cabbage carefully using tongs or a spatula.
* **Shredded Cabbage:** Grill for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly charred.
5. **Check for Doneness:** The cabbage is done when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork. The edges should be slightly charred.
6. **Remove from Grill:** Carefully remove the cabbage from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter.
7. **Serve:** Serve the grilled cabbage immediately. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course.
Tips for Grilling Cabbage
Here are some tips to help you grill cabbage like a pro:
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Grill the cabbage in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the grill and prevent the cabbage from cooking evenly.
* **Use a Grill Basket for Shredded Cabbage:** Shredded cabbage can easily fall through the grill grates. Use a grill basket or a sheet of foil to prevent this.
* **Adjust Grilling Time Based on Thickness:** Thicker wedges or steaks of cabbage will require a longer grilling time than thinner slices.
* **Monitor the Heat:** Keep an eye on the heat of the grill and adjust it as needed to prevent the cabbage from burning.
* **Baste with Sauce:** For extra flavor, baste the cabbage with your favorite sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a simple vinaigrette are all good options.
* **Add a Smoky Flavor:** If you’re using a gas grill, you can add a smoky flavor by placing wood chips in a smoker box or wrapping them in foil and poking holes in the foil.
* **Let it Rest:** After grilling, let the cabbage rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Grilled Cabbage Recipes
Here are some delicious grilled cabbage recipes to get you started:
1. Basic Grilled Cabbage Wedges
This is a simple and classic way to enjoy grilled cabbage. It’s perfect as a side dish for any grilled meat.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 head of green cabbage
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the cabbage: Wash the cabbage, remove any damaged outer leaves, and cut it into wedges through the core.
2. Season the cabbage: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the cabbage wedges with the mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
3. Grill the cabbage: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the cabbage wedges on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred. Turn the cabbage carefully using tongs.
4. Serve: Remove the cabbage from the grill and serve immediately.
2. Grilled Red Cabbage with Balsamic Glaze
This recipe adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to grilled red cabbage. The balsamic glaze complements the slightly peppery flavor of the red cabbage perfectly.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 head of red cabbage
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the cabbage: Wash the cabbage, remove any damaged outer leaves, and cut it into wedges through the core.
2. Season the cabbage: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush the cabbage wedges with the mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
3. Grill the cabbage: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the cabbage wedges on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred. Turn the cabbage carefully using tongs.
4. Add balsamic glaze: During the last minute of grilling, brush the cabbage wedges with balsamic glaze.
5. Serve: Remove the cabbage from the grill and serve immediately.
3. Grilled Cabbage with Lemon-Herb Dressing
This recipe adds a bright and refreshing flavor to grilled cabbage. The lemon-herb dressing is light and zesty, making it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 head of green cabbage
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the cabbage: Wash the cabbage, remove any damaged outer leaves, and cut it into wedges through the core.
2. Season the cabbage: In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush the cabbage wedges with the mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
3. Grill the cabbage: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the cabbage wedges on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred. Turn the cabbage carefully using tongs.
4. Prepare the Lemon-Herb Dressing: While the cabbage is grilling, whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
5. Serve: Remove the cabbage from the grill, place on a serving platter, and drizzle with the lemon-herb dressing. Serve immediately.
4. Grilled Cabbage with Bacon and Brown Sugar
This recipe is a sweet and savory delight. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor, while the brown sugar caramelizes on the grill, creating a delicious crust.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 head of green cabbage
* 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the cabbage: Wash the cabbage, remove any damaged outer leaves, and cut it into wedges through the core.
2. Season the cabbage: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Brush the cabbage wedges with the mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
3. Grill the cabbage: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the cabbage wedges on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred. Turn the cabbage carefully using tongs.
4. Add bacon: During the last minute of grilling, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cabbage wedges.
5. Serve: Remove the cabbage from the grill and serve immediately.
5. Grilled Cabbage Steaks with Spicy Peanut Sauce
This recipe elevates grilled cabbage with a flavorful and spicy peanut sauce. It’s a great vegetarian or vegan main course.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 head of green cabbage
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:**
* 1/4 cup peanut butter
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
* 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons water (or more, to thin)
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the cabbage: Wash the cabbage, remove any damaged outer leaves, and cut it into 1-inch thick steaks.
2. Season the cabbage: Brush the cabbage steaks with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the cabbage: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the cabbage steaks on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred. Turn the cabbage carefully using tongs.
4. Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce: While the cabbage is grilling, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Add more water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Serve: Remove the cabbage from the grill, place on a serving platter, and drizzle with the spicy peanut sauce. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Cabbage
Grilled cabbage is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
* **Side Dish:** Serve grilled cabbage as a side dish with grilled meats, poultry, or seafood.
* **Main Course:** Grilled cabbage can be a delicious vegetarian or vegan main course. Pair it with a flavorful sauce or dressing.
* **Tacos or Wraps:** Shred grilled cabbage and use it as a filling for tacos or wraps.
* **Salads:** Add grilled cabbage to salads for a smoky and flavorful twist.
* **Bowls:** Create a healthy and satisfying bowl by combining grilled cabbage with grains, proteins, and other vegetables.
Storing Grilled Cabbage
If you have leftover grilled cabbage, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or pan-fry until heated through.
Conclusion
Grilled cabbage is a simple, healthy, and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a little preparation and a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. So fire up the grill and give these recipes a try! You’ll be surprised at how delicious grilled cabbage can be.