Grilled Cabbage with Cilantro-Lime Butter

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Servings:

6

Nutrition Profile:

Sesame-Free Nut-Free Soy-Free Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Cabbage gets a smoky makeover in this Grilled Cabbage recipe. The brassica’s natural nutty sweetness pairs so well with the smoky, slightly crisp, caramelized char on the edges, while the inner leaves become tender-crisp to create an amazing textural contrast. We love how the simple compound butter finishes this dish off with an herby brightness and just the right amount of heat from the crushed red pepper. Cabbage is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which means your immune system will get a boost from this tasty side dish. Keep reading to learn a few tips to ensure cooking success.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

Choosing the right cabbage is key so it won’t fall through the grill grates. Pick one that is dense and heavy for its size with compact leaves. If it’s extra-large, you can cut it into more wedges, but don’t cut them too thin or they’ll fall apart.
While grilling, drizzling the cabbage with water helps cook the interior by steaming it.
Be super-gentle when flipping the cabbage so that it doesn’t fall apart. We recommend using tongs or a large, sturdy fish spatula.
Make the compound butter ahead to save time—it should also improve the flavor. The cilantro may oxidize and turn slightly brown, but it will still taste good. When ready to use the butter, let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the cabbage.

Nutrition Notes

Cabbage is a super-versatile cruciferous vegetable, loaded with fiber, antioxidants and vitamins C and K. Altogether, the nutrients in cabbage help fight cancer, reduce inflammation, reduce cholesterol and support a healthy gut and immune system.
Butter gets a boost by being infused with antioxidant-packed herbs and spices. From the cilantro and ginger to the garlic and crushed red pepper, these plant-based wonders can help reduce inflammation and chronic disease.

Ingredients

1 medium head green cabbage (2½-3 pounds)
2 tablespoons canola oil, plus more for grill
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
2 tablespoons water
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
1 medium clove garlic, grated
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

Preheat a gas grill to medium-high (400°F to 450°F) on 1 side; keep the other side unlit. Remove any damaged outer leaves from cabbage. Keeping core intact, cut the cabbage into 6 wedges. Brush the wedges with oil; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place cut-sides down on oiled grates over the lit side of the grill. Cover and grill, turning once, until both cut sides are well charred, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Flip onto rounded side; grill, covered and undisturbed, until well charred, about 3 minutes. Transfer to the unlit side; drizzle the wedges with 2 tablespoons water. Increase the heat to very high (500°F to 550°F); cover and grill until tender-crisp, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover tightly with foil; let rest for 5 minutes.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Meanwhile, stir butter, cilantro, ginger, lime zest, garlic, crushed red pepper and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt together in a small bowl. Transfer the cabbage to a platter; spread with the butter mixture.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Alternative Method

Preheat oven to 400°F. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush cabbage with oil and sprinkle with salt as directed. Place the cabbage wedges, cut-sides down, on the oiled grill pan. Grill, uncovered, until both cut sides are well charred, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Flip onto rounded side; grill, undisturbed and uncovered, until well charred, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with 2 tablespoons water and cover with foil. Bake until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Top with the butter mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which varieties of cabbage are best grilled?

This recipe calls for green cabbage, but red cabbage and napa will also work.
Can I grill cabbage on a charcoal grill?

Absolutely. Set up your grill so one side has charcoal and the other does not. That way, if the cabbage is cooking too fast, you can quickly transfer it to a cooler area.
How do I store leftover grilled cabbage?

You have two options for storing the grilled cabbage: in the fridge or in the freezer. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days, but it might lose some crispness as time passes. Alternatively, you can freeze the cabbage for up to three months. When you decide to thaw it, the taste will remain good, but the texture may be slightly compromised unless you crisp it up in a broiler or oven.
Are there other uses for the flavored butter?

Absolutely. We recommend preparing a large batch of the compound butter and freezing it so you always have it on hand to enhance the flavors of chicken, steak, fish and bread.
Can I swap out the compound butter for a sauce?

Yes, you can. Grilled cabbage pairs well with a variety of sauces, such as creamy herb dressings, soy and miso.

EatingWell.com, July 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

159	Calories
16g	Fat
4g	Carbs
1g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 cabbage wedge
Calories 159
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 4g	1%
Dietary Fiber 2g	6%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 1g	2%
Total Fat 16g	21%
Saturated Fat 8g	38%
Cholesterol 31mg	10%
Vitamin A 104Âµg
Vitamin C 23mg	25%
Vitamin D 0Âµg
Vitamin E 1mg	8%
Folate 26Âµg
Vitamin K 51Âµg
Sodium 277mg	12%
Calcium 29mg	2%
Iron 0mg	2%
Magnesium 8mg	2%
Potassium 113mg	2%
Zinc 0mg	1%
Vitamin B12 0Âµg
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.

Additional reporting by

Carrie Myers, M.S.