Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam

I’ll never forget the first time I tried Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something cozy and comforting, but also a little bit different. When my friend Samantha suggested we try this recipe, I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical. Cabbage? Bacon jam? It sounded…well, a little unusual. But boy, was I in for a delightful surprise.

As soon as the Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam hit the table, the aroma had my mouth watering. The smoky, caramelized edges of the cabbage steaks were a perfect contrast to the sweet and tangy bacon jam. And that first bite? Absolute perfection. The flavors just danced on my tongue, and I knew I had found a new go-to recipe.

Why This Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam

What makes this Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam recipe so special? It’s all in the technique. By searing the cabbage steaks over high heat, you create a delightful charred exterior that adds incredible depth of flavor. And the homemade bacon jam? It’s the perfect accompaniment, with its sweet, salty, and smoky notes.

But the real secret is in how the flavors of the cabbage and bacon jam complement each other. The slight bitterness of the charred cabbage is balanced by the richness of the bacon jam, creating a truly harmonious dish. It’s a flavor combination that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

1 medium head green cabbage, sliced into 1-inch thick steaks
This sturdy, versatile vegetable is the star of the show. When charred, the cabbage develops a delightful caramelized exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
The bacon is the foundation for the flavorful jam. By dicing it and cooking it down, you’ll create a sticky, concentrated bacon flavor that pairs perfectly with the cabbage.

1/2 cup brown sugar
The brown sugar is what gives the bacon jam its signature sweetness, balancing out the savory bacon.

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
The apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish, keeping it from being overly heavy.

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess and helps to emulsify the bacon jam, creating a smooth, cohesive texture.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Smoked paprika lends a hint of smoky depth to the bacon jam, complementing the charred flavor of the cabbage.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
A dash of garlic powder enhances the overall savory profile of the dish, tying the flavors together.

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For a touch of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bacon jam. This adds a delightful kick to balance the sweetness.

Salt and pepper to taste
A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is all you need to bring out the natural flavors of the cabbage and bacon jam.

Step-by-Step Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam Instructions

Preparing Your Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam

Prep time for this Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam recipe is just 15 minutes, and the cook time is 25 minutes, for a total time of 40 minutes. To get started, you’ll need a large skillet or cast-iron pan, a sharp knife, and a few basic kitchen tools.

1- Start by slicing the green cabbage into 1-inch thick steaks. Be gentle and try to keep the steaks intact as much as possible.

2- In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat until it’s crispy and the fat has rendered. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the bacon fat behind.

3- Working in batches if needed, add the cabbage steaks to the hot bacon fat and sear them for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely charred and caramelized.

4- While the cabbage steaks are searing, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.

5- Once the cabbage steaks are charred, transfer them to a plate and add the bacon jam mixture to the hot pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.

6- Gently return the charred cabbage steaks to the pan, nestling them in the bacon jam. Serve hot, with the extra bacon jam spooned over the top.

Pro Tips for Success

1. For the best char on the cabbage steaks, make sure your pan is ripping hot before adding the cabbage. This will help create that delicious, caramelized crust.
2. Don’t be afraid to let the cabbage steaks cook undisturbed for a few minutes. Resisting the urge to move them will allow the char to develop.
3. If your bacon jam is looking a bit too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water or broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to thicken up.
4. Feel free to experiment with different types of mustard in the bacon jam. Spicy brown or whole-grain mustard would also work beautifully.

Serving and Storing Your Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam

Perfect Pairings for Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam

This Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam recipe serves 4 people, making it a great main dish or a delightful side. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside some roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. The smoky, savory flavors of the dish also pair wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine or a hearty, hoppy craft beer.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftover Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the steaks and bacon jam in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

This recipe also lends itself well to meal prepping. You can prepare the bacon jam in advance and store it separately from the charred cabbage steaks. When ready to serve, just sear the cabbage and warm up the bacon jam. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner option.

For longer-term storage, the bacon jam can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam

Creative Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam Variations

There are so many ways to put a unique spin on this Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam recipe. Try substituting different types of cabbage, such as red or Savoy, for a pop of color or a slightly different texture.

You can also experiment with the bacon jam itself. Swap out the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a more sophisticated flavor profile. Or add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the jam for an even richer sweetness.

And for a seasonal twist, try roasting the cabbage steaks with a medley of fall vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash.

Making Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam Diet-Friendly

Looking to make this Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam recipe a little more diet-friendly? No problem! For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free Dijon mustard. To make it vegan, swap out the bacon for a plant-based alternative, like smoked tempeh or mushrooms. And for a low-carb take, you can use a calorie-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit in place of the brown sugar.

No matter how you decide to adapt this recipe, the key is to maintain the perfect balance of flavors between the charred cabbage and the bacon jam. With a little creativity, you can make this dish work for any dietary preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of cabbage besides green cabbage?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, or even napa cabbage for this recipe. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the density of the cabbage.

Q: How do I know when the cabbage steaks are properly charred?
A: You’ll know the cabbage steaks are ready when they develop a deep, caramelized brown crust on the exterior, and a tender, juicy interior. The total cooking time for the cabbage steaks should be around 25 minutes.

Q: Can I make the bacon jam in advance?
A: Yes, the bacon jam can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the jam and spoon it over the charred cabbage steaks.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam recipe yields 4 servings, making it a great main dish or a hearty side for a family meal.

Q: What if my bacon jam is too thick or too thin?
A: If your bacon jam is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, simply let it simmer for a bit longer to allow the liquid to evaporate and the jam to thicken up.

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Conclusion

Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam is a truly unique and flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. The combination of the smoky, caramelized cabbage and the sweet, tangy bacon jam is simply irresistible.

What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your pan, and get ready to experience the magic of this delightful vegetarian delight. I promise, it won’t disappoint. And don’t forget to let me know how you and your family enjoy it – I’d love to hear your thoughts!