Move Over, Chicken—This Cabbage Steak Marsala Is Downright Delicious

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This easy vegetarian cabbage steak recipe features thick slices of cabbage roasted and smothered in a classic Marsala mushroom sauce. If you have leftover cabbage, roast it separately or store it and save it for another use. The best substitute for Marsala is Madeira, another kind of fortified wine with a similar flavor profile. If you’re looking for a nonalcoholic substitute, balsamic vinegar can stand in for the Marsala wine.

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4
the ingredients to make the Cabbage Steak Marsala

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Ingredients

  • 1 small head green cabbage (2 lbs.)

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided

  • 1 (8-ounce) package sliced cremini mushrooms

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

  • 1/2 cup Marsala

  • 1 cup lower-sodium vegetable broth

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Trim stem end of cabbage; set on stem and cut downward to make 4 (3/4-inch-thick) slices (reserve any remaining cabbage for another use). Brush the slices with 2 tablespoons oil; arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon thyme and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

    a photo of the cabbage being coated with oil and seasonings

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

  2. Roast the cabbage, rotating the pan front to back halfway through, until browned and tender, 35 to 40 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook, undisturbed, until browned, about 2 minutes. Stir and continue to cook, stirring often, until mostly tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in shallot, garlic and the remaining 1 teaspoon thyme and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until the shallot is translucent, about 1 minute.

    a photo of the cooked mushrooms

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

  4. Add Marsala; cook, scraping the pan bottom to loosen browned bits, for 1 minute.

  5. Whisk broth and cornstarch together until combined. Add to the pan; cook, stirring, until thickened and slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in butter, 1 piece at a time, until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.

  6. Sprinkle the cabbage steaks with salt. Spoon mushroom sauce over the steaks and sprinkle with parsley.

    a recipe photo of the Cabbage Steak Marsala

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is cabbage healthy?

    Cabbage is a gut-healthy cruciferous vegetable. It’s been associated with a stronger immune system, fighting cancer, reduced inflammation and healthier cholesterol levels. Cabbage provides a wealth of nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants and vitamins C and K.

  • Are mushrooms good for you?

    While they don’t exactly fit the “eat the rainbow” theme, mushrooms shouldn’t be overlooked since they have exceptional nutritional qualities and health benefits. They provide antioxidants, fiber and plant protein, as well as B vitamins and potassium. Depending on what light was used to grow them, they may also deliver a nice dose of vitamin D.

  • What can I do with leftover cabbage?

    There is so much you can do with cabbage, but to use it quickly, we suggest shredding it so it’s ready for sandwiches or tacos. Shredded cabbage is also perfect in stir-fries, soups, salads, noodles and skillet dishes. With a good recipe, it’s easy to whip up a batch of cabbage slaw or colcannon. Cabbage leaves can be stuffed with your favorite fillings, and if you’re watching your carbs, the whole leaves make an excellent substitute for sandwich bread or a taco shell.

  • What is Marsala?

    It’s a wine from and named after a village on the west coast of Sicily that’s been fortified with brandy or neutral grape spirit. If it’s being sold as a cooking wine, you’ll see the words fino, fine or superior on the bottle label, and it’s all that and more for cooking but not for drinking. Marsala comes dry or sweet. Dry Marsala is typically used for meats like beef, turkey and veal, or even mushrooms. It provides a nutty flavor and caramelization. Sweet Marsala is often used to add sugary sweetness to pork, chicken and desserts. If you don’t feel like buying two bottles of Marsala, the dry version is versatile enough for all recipes—even desserts.


    If you are curious about drinking Marsala wine, some make excellent aperitifs, appetizers or dessert wines. Suggested pairings include asparagus, Brussels sprouts and chocolate. A good wine store can direct you to a decent bottle.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

EatingWell.com, April 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

307 Calories
19g Fat
25g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 steak & about 1/3 cup sauce
Calories 307
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 5g 10%
Total Fat 19g 25%
Saturated Fat 7g 34%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Vitamin A 183µg
Vitamin C 87mg 96%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 15%
Folate 119µg
Vitamin K 205µg
Sodium 221mg 10%
Calcium 128mg 10%
Iron 2mg 13%
Magnesium 42mg 10%
Potassium 755mg 16%
Zinc 1mg 11%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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