Cabbage Steak | Avatar: The Last Airbender Inspired Recipes
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NOT MY CABBAGES!!
What’s Up, Hungry People!
Today I have a dish that I believe would make the Cabbage Merchant from Avatar: The Last Airbender jump with joy. This recipe pays homage to his undying love for cabbages, keeping their integrity intact in a unique and delicious way.
Although the Cabbage Merchant eventually traded his cart for Cabbage Corp, I like to imagine that his love for cabbages remains as strong as ever, just like in his early days on the show.
In my culinary daydreams, I envision the Cabbage Merchant reconciling with Team Avatar after they successfully establish Republic City. As a gesture of gratitude for their role in freeing the Earth Kingdom from the clutches of the Fire Nation, I can picture him preparing these delightful cabbage steaks for Aang, Zuko, Katara, Sokka, and Toph.
After all, it was Avatar Aang himself who played a pivotal part in the Cabbage Merchant’s success story.
The Cabbage Merchant was a man of simplicity, likely favoring uncomplicated seasonings for his food. That’s why this cabbage “steak” focuses on showcasing the freshness and crispiness of the cabbage, with just a touch of paprika, salt, and pepper. To enhance the flavors and make it less “cabbagey,” heap spoonfuls of minced garlic across the top.
Here’s What You Need
- Cabbage: The star of the dish, providing a crisp and flavorful base for the cabbage steaks.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a bold and aromatic flavor to the cabbage steaks.
- Ghee or Butter: Melts and brushes onto the cabbage steaks for richness and flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and a vibrant color to the cabbage steaks.
- Minced Ginger: Infuses a warm and slightly spicy note into the dish.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Spritzed on top of the cabbage steaks for a tangy and acidic touch.
- Brown Sugar: Offers a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors of the dish.
Let’s Get Started
To get started, create a flat edge on the cabbage, which will make slicing it into steaks much easier. Since I used a relatively small cabbage, I ended up with around four one-inch thick cuts.
Next, arrange the cabbage steaks in a greased pan and brush them with butter or ghee.
Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and paprika, and generously spread minced garlic on top of each steak.
Pop the pan into a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the steaks, spread more garlic on top, and return them to the oven for an additional 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the garlic is cooked and the edges of the cabbage turn crispy, creating a delightful texture.
Once your cabbage steaks are out of the oven, give them a light spritz of balsamic vinegar. This little trick helps keep those pesky flying lemurs away, ensuring you can enjoy your meal in peace.
Now, it’s time to serve these cabbage steaks with the highest honor, just like you would to the Earth King or even Bosco, the lovable bear, or King Bumi, if you’re in the mood for some eccentric dinner guests.
In a twist of fate, this might be the one moment when the Cabbage Merchant himself shouts with delight: “YES! MY CABBAGES!” You can enjoy cabbage steak as a side dish alongside an assortment of other culinary delights. For my meal, I paired it with some rooster-pig and scallops, as well as fresh corn on the cob, because, hey, it’s summer!
Helpful Tips to Making Homemade Cabbage Steaks
- Choosing the Right Cabbage: Opt for a medium-sized cabbage with firm, tightly packed leaves for the best results.
- Creating a Stable Base: Cutting a 1/2-inch edge off the cabbage helps it stay stable while slicing and cooking.
- Even Slicing: Try to slice the cabbage into 1-inch-thick parts to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Greasing the Pan: Grease the glass pan to prevent the cabbage steaks from sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Seasoning in Layers: Layer the seasonings in two parts, ensuring that each cabbage steak is evenly seasoned.
- Garlic on Top: Spreading minced garlic on top of each cabbage steak enhances its flavor profile.
- Flipping the Steaks: Flip the cabbage steaks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Monitoring the Texture: Keep an eye on the cabbage steaks to achieve the desired level of crispiness. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
- Adding a Tangy Twist: Spritzing the finished steaks with balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and refreshing element.
- Customizing Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or add a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, I invite you to explore more recipes inspired by the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Warm up with a spicy tentacle soup straight from the Southern Water Tribe or savor the taste of sweet, sweet honor with the Fire Nation Turkey-Duck recipe.
And for a touch of nostalgia, bring back the Air Nation with some simple fruit pies.
In conclusion, Hungry People, let’s celebrate the joy of cooking and pay tribute to the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender with these mouthwatering cabbage steaks!
Just like the legendary Cabbage Merchant, we embrace the humble cabbage and transform it into a masterpiece of flavors. As you savor each crispy bite, imagine yourself in the bustling streets of Republic City, sharing a meal with Aang, Zuko, Katara, Sokka, and Toph.
Let the spirit of Avatar guide you in your culinary adventures, and may your taste buds dance with delight, shouting, “MY CABBAGES!”
Cabbage Steak | Avatar: The Last Airbender Inspired Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium cabbage
- 8 tablespoons garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons ghee or butter melted
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon ginger minced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut a 1/2-inch edge off the side of the cabbage to keep it stable while cutting. Slice it into 1-inch-thick parts.
- Arrange the cabbage slices in a greased glass pan.
- Brush half of the melted ghee onto the tops of each cabbage slice.
- Sprinkle half of the salt, pepper, minced ginger, and paprika over the cabbage slices.
- Spread the minced garlic across the tops of each cabbage slice and brush with the remaining melted ghee.
- Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, flip each cabbage steak and season the tops with the remaining paprika, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
- Brush the tops with ghee again and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the sides of the cabbage slices turn brown and crispy.
- Serve to the Gaang and enjoy!
