Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Miso Ginger Scallion Butter

Perhaps it’s taking things a bit far to call this cabbage sexy. But I can say it’s a whole lot sexier than the cabbage that came from the kitchens of my Irish ancestors, who did little more than cook it in big pots of boiling water. With St. Patty’s Day approaching, I figured I’d take the opportunity to share a different approach to a vegetable that has sustained generations on the Emerald Isle. These Roasted Cabbage Wedges are hardly traditional, but are so delicious, I imagine my Irish forebears would approve.

How to Make Roasted Cabbage Wedges

First up is to start with a very hot oven. While it’s pre-heating, cut your cabbage into eight wedges, leaving the core intact so the pieces hold together. From there, lightly coat the cabbage with olive oil and season with salt. Roast the cabbage until the thickest part of the leaves are tender and the wedges are nicely caramelized. I developed the recipe using conventional green cabbage, but the method would also work with Savoy, red, or Napa cabbage. You may need to adjust the cooking time if you use a different variety.

Miso, Ginger, Scallion Butter

Roasting is one of the best techniques I know for cooking cabbage. That said, the real magic in this recipe is the Miso, Ginger, Scallion Butter. It also happens to be easy to pull together. You start by sautéing thinly sliced scallions in olive oil. Then, whisk in fresh ginger, miso paste, rice vinegar, a smidge of sugar, and a tablespoon of butter. I recommend white or mellow miso, which gives the sauce a kick of salty, umami flavor without being overpowering. You thin the mix with enough water so that it can be easily drizzled over the cooked cabbage. To finish, scatter roughly chopped roasted pistachios over the top.

Cabbage Nutrition

Not only are these Roasted Cabbage Wedges immensely tasty, they pack a wallop of good nutrition as well. Cabbage falls into the category of cruciferous vegetables, which means a powerhouse of phytochemicals (plant compounds linked with a decreased risk for cancer). Cabbage is also low in calories, high in fiber and vitamin C, and a source of numerous other vitamins and minerals.

How to Serve Roasted Cabbage Wedges

I think this dish makes a perfect side to roast chicken, skillet pork chops, and of course, old-school corned beef. That said, I’ve enjoyed it for lunch with crusty bread and as part of a vegetarian dinner with a salad and bowl of cooked lentils. It’s tasty any which way you want to serve it…I dare say, even a little bit sexy.

For more recipes with cabbage, check out:

Sausage, Cabbage, and Apple Skillet Supper

Colorful Cabbage Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Crunchy Asian-Style Slaw with Chicken or Tofu Skewers

Everyday Mexican-Style Slaw

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls on Simply Recipes

Chinese Chicken Salad by Weelicious

5 from 2 votes

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Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Miso Ginger Scallion Butter

Cut cabbage into sturdy wedges and roast until just tender and slightly caramelized. While the cabbage cooks, whisk together the miso butter sauce to drizzle over the finished cabbage. It's delicious!

Course Vegetable Side

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Author Katie Morford

Ingredients

• 1 medium head green cabbage
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/2 heaping teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 scallions, white and light green parts thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon white or mellow miso paste
• 3 tablespoons pistachios or walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Cut the cabbage in half through the core. Cut each half into 4 wedges that are about 1 to 1 1/2-inches each. It's ok to leave some core to hold the wedges together, but if there is an excess, just trim it away. Lay the wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the cabbage and use your hands to rub it over the surface. Sprinkle the salt over the top.

3. Roast until the cabbage is just tender with edges that are browned and a little crispy, 20-25 minutes.

4. While the cabbage roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the scallions and sauté until a little tender, 2 minutes. Add the butter, ginger, brown sugar, vinegar, and water and whisk until the butter melts. Remove from heat, add the miso, and whisk just until creamy. 

5. When the cabbage is done, drizzle the warm miso butter over the cabbage. Scatter the nuts over the top. Serve immediately.