Growing up, I can still vividly remember the aroma of charred cabbage and sizzling bacon wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen. It was one of those comforting scents that would instantly transport me back to her cozy home, where she’d be standing over the stove, expertly tending to her signature Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam. This dish was a family staple, and to this day, it remains one of my all-time favorite meals.
What made my grandma’s Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam so special was the way she cooked the cabbage – searing it to perfection, creating a delicious char on the outside while keeping the interior tender and flavorful. And the bacon jam? Well, that was the real showstopper. She’d spend hours slowly caramelizing the onions and bacon, infusing the mixture with just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess to complement the robust cabbage.
Whenever she’d serve up a plate of those Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam, it was like a little piece of heaven on earth. The contrasting textures and flavors would dance on my tongue, leaving me completely satisfied and craving more. I’d savor every bite, savoring the way the char melded with the savory bacon jam and the tender cabbage. It was a dish that truly embodied the essence of comfort food.
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 sets this Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam recipe apart is the unique cooking technique that ensures the cabbage steaks come out with a beautiful char on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The secret lies in the careful timing and temperature control, as well as the use of a cast-iron skillet to get that perfect sear. And the bacon jam? Well, that’s a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it – a sweet and savory condiment that elevates the entire dish to new heights.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cabbage: Choose a fresh, dense head of cabbage for best results.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon for maximum flavor.
- Onions: Yellow or white onions work great in the bacon jam.
- Balsamic vinegar: This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the bacon jam.
- Brown sugar: A touch of brown sugar balances the acidity in the bacon jam.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper season the cabbage steaks.
Step-by-Step Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam Instructions
Preparing Your Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam
This Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam recipe is a bit more involved than your typical weeknight meal, but the end result is so worth it. You’ll need about an hour and a half to prepare the entire dish, with the majority of that time spent on the delicious bacon jam. Be sure to have a sturdy cast-iron skillet on hand, as well as a sharp knife for slicing the cabbage.
1- Start by preparing the bacon jam. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
2- Add the diced onions to the bacon fat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re caramelized and golden brown.
3- Stir in the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam has thickened.
4- While the bacon jam is simmering, prepare the cabbage steaks. Cut the cabbage into 1-inch thick slices, then season both sides generously with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5- Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Working in batches if necessary, sear the cabbage steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they have a nice char on the outside.
6- Serve the charred cabbage steaks warm, topped with a generous spoonful of the homemade bacon jam. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Be patient when making the bacon jam – the low and slow cooking is key to developing the rich, caramelized flavors.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the cabbage steaks, or they won’t get that perfect char.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the cabbage steaks are cooked through but still tender.
- Adjust the seasoning on the cabbage steaks to your personal taste preferences.
Serving and Storing Your Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam
Perfect Pairings for Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam
These Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam make for a truly satisfying and impressive main dish. They pair beautifully with roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or even a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that delicious bacon jam. For a beverage, a crisp white wine or a rich, full-bodied red would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The bacon jam can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The charred cabbage steaks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can sear them a day in advance and reheat them in the oven or a skillet before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam
Creative Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam Variations
For a seasonal twist, try roasting the cabbage steaks with a mix of root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or carrots. You could also experiment with different flavor profiles in the bacon jam, such as adding a hint of spice with cayenne pepper or swapping the balsamic vinegar for a fruit-based vinegar.
Making Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam Diet-Friendly
To make this dish more diet-friendly, you can opt for turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative in the bacon jam. For a low-carb version, serve the charred cabbage steaks with a side salad or roasted vegetables instead of potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
A: Yes, you can use regular bacon, but the thick-cut variety will give you a more robust and flavorful bacon jam.
Q: How do I know when the cabbage steaks are done?
A: The cabbage steaks are done when they have a nice char on the outside and are tender when pierced with a fork, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Q: Can I make the bacon jam in advance?
A: Absolutely! The bacon jam can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.
Q: Can I substitute other vegetables for the cabbage?
A: While cabbage is the star of this dish, you could experiment with other firm vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Q: What if my cabbage steaks don’t char as much as I’d like?
A: Make sure your cast-iron skillet is ripping hot before adding the cabbage steaks. If they still don’t char enough, try broiling them for a minute or two at the end to get that perfect caramelization.
Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender, charred cabbage steaks are topped with a savory, sweet bacon jam in this easy-to-make, flavor-packed dish. The combination of the caramelized cabbage and the rich, glossy bacon jam creates an unbeatable taste sensation.
Ingredients
– 1 head green cabbage, cut into 1-inch thick steaks
– 8 oz bacon, diced
– 1 shallot, minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – Place the cabbage steaks on the prepared baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. – Roast the cabbage for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until charred and tender.
4. – In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
5. – Add the shallot and garlic to the bacon fat and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
6. – Stir in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
7. – Return the cooked bacon to the pan and stir to combine.
8. – To serve, top the charred cabbage steaks with the bacon jam.
Notes
The bacon jam can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before serving. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based bacon.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Charred Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Jam is a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its unique cooking technique, robust flavors, and comforting charm, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to experience a taste of my grandma’s kitchen magic. I can’t wait to hear what you think!