Grilled Cabbage Wedges: A Smoky & Delicious Summer Side Dish
Grilled cabbage wedges are a simple yet surprisingly delicious side dish that elevates humble cabbage to a new level of flavor. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the edges, imparting a smoky sweetness that complements the cabbage’s natural earthy notes. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with various seasonings and toppings to suit your taste. It’s also a quick and easy way to add a healthy and flavorful vegetable to your grilling repertoire. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create perfectly grilled cabbage wedges every time.
Why Grill Cabbage?
You might be wondering why you should even bother grilling cabbage. Here are a few compelling reasons:
* **Enhanced Flavor:** Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage and adds a smoky char that’s simply irresistible.
* **Simple and Quick:** Unlike roasting, grilling cabbage is a fast process, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** Cabbage acts as a blank canvas, allowing you to experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and toppings.
* **Healthy:** Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Grilling it preserves these nutrients while minimizing the need for added fats.
* **Affordable:** Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable, making it a budget-friendly option for grilling season.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 medium head of green cabbage:** Choose a firm head of cabbage with tightly packed leaves. Red cabbage can also be used, but it will have a slightly different flavor and texture.
* **2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or other cooking oil):** Olive oil helps to prevent the cabbage from sticking to the grill and adds flavor.
* **Salt and freshly ground black pepper:** Essential for seasoning. Don’t be shy with the salt, as cabbage can handle it well.
* **Optional seasonings:** Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano), lemon pepper, or your favorite spice blend.
* **Optional toppings:** Balsamic glaze, grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), toasted nuts, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Grill:** Gas grill, charcoal grill, or even an indoor grill pan will work. Ensure the grill is clean and properly preheated.
* **Knife:** A large, sharp knife for cutting the cabbage into wedges.
* **Cutting board:** For safely prepping the cabbage.
* **Mixing bowl (optional):** For tossing the cabbage wedges with oil and seasonings.
* **Tongs:** For flipping the cabbage wedges on the grill.
* **Basting brush (optional):** For applying oil or sauce during grilling.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to grilling perfect cabbage wedges:
**1. Prepare the Cabbage:**
* **Remove outer leaves:** Discard any wilted or damaged outer leaves from the cabbage.
* **Cut into wedges:** Place the cabbage on a cutting board with the stem facing down. Using a large, sharp knife, carefully cut the cabbage in half through the stem. Then, cut each half into wedges. Aim for wedges that are about 1-1.5 inches thick at the core. The number of wedges you get will depend on the size of the cabbage, but typically you’ll get 6-8 wedges.
* **Leave the core intact:** It’s crucial to leave a portion of the core attached to each wedge. This will help hold the leaves together during grilling and prevent them from falling apart.
**2. Season the Cabbage:**
* **Oil the wedges:** In a mixing bowl (optional, you can also do this directly on a baking sheet), toss the cabbage wedges with olive oil. Make sure each wedge is evenly coated with oil. This will help the cabbage caramelize and prevent it from sticking to the grill.
* **Season with salt and pepper:** Generously season the oiled cabbage wedges with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be afraid to use a good amount of salt, as cabbage can handle it well. Add any other optional seasonings you like, such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, or herbs. Toss to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
**3. Prepare the Grill:**
* **Preheat the grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed.
* **Clean the grates:** Use a grill brush to clean the grill grates thoroughly. This will help prevent the cabbage from sticking.
* **Oil the grates (optional):** Lightly oil the grill grates with a high-heat cooking oil (such as canola or vegetable oil) using a paper towel or a grill brush. This will further help to prevent sticking.
**4. Grill the Cabbage:**
* **Place wedges on the grill:** Carefully place the cabbage wedges directly on the preheated grill grates. Arrange them so they are not overcrowded, leaving some space between each wedge. This will allow for better caramelization.
* **Grill for 5-7 minutes per side:** Grill the cabbage wedges for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are tender-crisp and have developed nice grill marks. Use tongs to carefully flip the wedges. Be careful not to tear the leaves. The exact grilling time will depend on the thickness of the wedges and the heat of your grill. You want the cabbage to be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
* **Adjust heat as needed:** If the cabbage is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly or move the wedges to a cooler part of the grill.
* **Baste with sauce (optional):** During the last few minutes of grilling, you can baste the cabbage wedges with your favorite sauce, such as barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
**5. Check for Doneness:**
* **Fork tenderness:** The cabbage wedges are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and have a slight give to them. They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
* **Grill marks:** Look for nice grill marks on both sides of the cabbage wedges. These marks indicate that the cabbage has been properly caramelized and has developed a good flavor.
**6. Serve and Enjoy:**
* **Remove from grill:** Once the cabbage wedges are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the grill using tongs and transfer them to a serving platter.
* **Add toppings (optional):** Top the grilled cabbage wedges with your favorite toppings, such as balsamic glaze, grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs, toasted nuts, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
* **Serve immediately:** Serve the grilled cabbage wedges immediately while they are still warm and flavorful. They make a great side dish for grilled meats, poultry, or fish.
## Tips for Grilling Perfect Cabbage Wedges
* **Don’t overcrowd the grill:** Overcrowding the grill will lower the temperature and prevent the cabbage from caramelizing properly. Grill the wedges in batches if necessary.
* **Use medium-high heat:** Grilling at medium-high heat will allow the cabbage to cook quickly and develop nice grill marks without burning.
* **Don’t overcook the cabbage:** Overcooked cabbage will become mushy and lose its flavor. Aim for tender-crisp texture.
* **Experiment with seasonings:** Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that pairs well with a variety of seasonings. Try different combinations to find your favorite.
* **Use a grill basket (optional):** If you are concerned about the cabbage wedges falling apart, you can use a grill basket. This will keep the wedges together and make them easier to flip.
* **Marinate the cabbage (optional):** For even more flavor, you can marinate the cabbage wedges for 30 minutes before grilling. Use a marinade of your choice, such as a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
* **Add a touch of sweetness:** A drizzle of maple syrup or honey during the last few minutes of grilling can enhance the cabbage’s natural sweetness.
* **Get creative with toppings:** The toppings are where you can really personalize your grilled cabbage wedges. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites.
## Variations and Flavor Combinations
Here are some ideas to get you started:
* **Mediterranean:** Olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
* **Asian:** Sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.
* **Mexican:** Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
* **Italian:** Olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, Parmesan cheese, and balsamic glaze.
* **Spicy:** Hot sauce, chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and a cooling yogurt sauce.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Brown sugar, bacon, apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of pecans.
## Serving Suggestions
Grilled cabbage wedges are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Grilled meats:** Serve with grilled steak, chicken, pork chops, or sausages.
* **Grilled fish:** Pair with grilled salmon, tuna, or swordfish.
* **Vegetarian mains:** Serve alongside vegetarian burgers, veggie skewers, or tofu steaks.
* **As part of a salad:** Chop the grilled cabbage into smaller pieces and add it to a salad for a smoky and flavorful twist.
* **In tacos or wraps:** Use the grilled cabbage as a filling for tacos or wraps.
* **As a topping for pizzas or flatbreads:** Add grilled cabbage to pizzas or flatbreads for a unique flavor and texture.
## Make-Ahead Tips
* **Prepare the cabbage:** You can cut the cabbage into wedges and season them up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the sauce:** If you’re using a sauce, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover grilled cabbage wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the cabbage wedges in the oven, microwave, or on the grill. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat on the grill, grill for a few minutes per side, or until heated through.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, without toppings)
* Calories: 80-120
* Fat: 6-10g
* Saturated Fat: 1g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 150-300mg (depending on seasoning)
* Carbohydrates: 5-8g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 2-3g
* Protein: 1-2g
## Conclusion
Grilled cabbage wedges are a surprisingly delicious and versatile side dish that’s perfect for grilling season. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a healthy and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. So, fire up your grill and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.