Grilled cabbage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering a standout side dish, but this Grilled Cabbage Wedge with Thai-Inspired Mustard Sauce is here to change that. It combines the smoky, charred goodness of a grilled cabbage wedge with a bold and tangy mustard sauce infused with Thai flavors, creating a dish that’s both surprisingly vibrant and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re searching for a unique vegetarian recipe or an Asian-inspired side dish, this recipe hits all the right notes.
The Secret to Perfect Grilled Cabbage
The secret to perfectly grilled cabbage starts with keeping the core intact. When cutting your cabbage into wedges, leaving the core ensures that the leaves stay together during the grilling process. This simple trick makes grilling cabbage easy and creates a visually appealing presentation, perfect for either a dinner party or casual gathering.
Using avocado oil to coat the cabbage is another essential step. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for grilling, ensuring that the cabbage gets beautifully charred without burning. The result is a smoky, slightly crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy layers within—creating a perfect canvas for the flavorful sauce.
The Star of the Show: Thai-Inspired Mustard Sauce
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the Thai-inspired mustard sauce. Made with Dijon mustard, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of chili paste, this sauce brings together the tanginess of mustard and the umami-rich flavors of Thai cuisine. Fish sauce adds an extra layer of umami depth, while honey balances the bold flavors with a touch of sweetness.
The sauce is lightened with just enough water for a drizzleable consistency, making it the perfect accompaniment to the smoky cabbage. This combination of flavors creates a creative twist on traditional Thai dishes, making it an ideal recipe for those looking to explore healthy Asian-inspired recipes without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Pantry Spotlight: The Fish Sauce That Changes Everything
If you think all fish sauces taste the same, think again. A high-quality fish sauce can completely transform a dish, adding savory depth and that unmistakable umami punch. For this Thai-inspired mustard sauce, look for one that’s barrel-aged or made with only anchovies and salt for the purest flavor. Just a few dashes4 balance the heat, acidity, and sweetness beautifully, elevating everything from this cabbage wedge to your go-to marinades and noodle dishes.
Versatility That Impresses
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It works beautifully as a vegetarian side dish, paired with grilled tofu or served alongside other vegetables. For meat lovers, it’s a perfect match for grilled chicken, shrimp, or pork, creating a harmonious blend of smoky and tangy flavors.
The toasted almond slices and fresh cilantro or parsley garnish add texture and a fresh, herbaceous note to every bite, elevating the dish from simple to sophisticated. This final touch creates a multi-dimensional eating experience that will surprise and delight even those who claim not to like cabbage.
Health-Conscious Without Sacrifice
For those focused on healthy eating, this dish checks all the boxes. The use of avocado oil not only ensures great grilling results but also adds heart-healthy fats. The cabbage itself retains more nutrients through grilling than boiling, and the mustard sauce is naturally gluten-free.
The recipe can easily be made vegan by skipping the fish sauce and using maple syrup instead of honey, making it adaptable for various dietary needs without compromising on flavor—proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring.
From Backyard to Dinner Party
Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or want to add a unique twist to your dinner table, this grilled cabbage wedge recipe is an excellent choice. Its bold flavors and simplicity make it accessible for home cooks of all levels, while its beautiful presentation ensures it will impress your guests.
The dish can be partially prepared ahead of time—make the sauce up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then simply grill the cabbage just before serving. This makes it perfect for entertaining, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Add this dish to your repertoire and experience the delicious fusion of Thai-inspired flavors with a healthy grilled vegetable. It’s a versatile, creative option that proves cabbage can be much more than a basic side. With this recipe, you’ll have a new go-to dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen and a requested favorite among friends and family.
Grilled Cabbage Wedge with Thai-Inspired Mustard Sauce
This Grilled Cabbage Wedge with Thai-Inspired Mustard Sauce combines smoky, charred cabbage with a bold, tangy sauce infused with Southeast Asian flavors. Topped with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro, it’s a perfect balance of crunch, heat, and zest.
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesKeeps the screen of your device on while you cook
Ingredients
- For the Cabbage
1 head of cabbage
2 tablespoons avocado oil
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
- For the Thai-Inspired Mustard Sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon musatrd
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspooon chili paste
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
as necessary, water
- For Garnish
fresh cilantro
toasted almond slices
Directions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
Remove any wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into 4 wedges, keeping the core intact. Brush each wedge generously with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. - Grill the Cabbage:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the cabbage wedges cut side down on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or the edges are charred and the cabbage is slightly softened but still crisp. Remove from the grill and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, chili paste, honey, sesame oil, fish sauce (if using), and chili paste. If necessary, thin the sauce with water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and drizzleable. Add water teaspoon by teaspoon, as necessary, to make the consistency of the sauce drizzle-able. - Assemble and Serve:
Place a grilled cabbage wedge on a plate. Drizzle generously with the Thai-inspired mustard sauce. Sprinkle toasted almonds and fresh cilantro. Serve warm as a side dish or as part of a light meal.
Notes
- Keep the core intact: When cutting the cabbage into wedges, leave the core attached to ensure the wedges hold together during grilling.
- Use avocado oil: Its high smoke point makes it ideal for grilling, ensuring the cabbage gets perfectly charred without burning.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @hecooksco on Instagram
Like this recipe?
Follow @hecooksco on Pinterest
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Soy-Lime Grilled Hanger Steak and Peppers
Elevate your Grilled Cabbage Wedge with Thai-Inspired Mustard Sauce by pairing it with Soy-Lime Grilled Hanger Steak and Peppers. The cabbage’s deep char and zesty sauce perfectly complement the steak’s bold umami flavors, creating a balanced plate that combines smoky depth, tangy heat, and fresh greens. Together, these dishes create a memorable meal that hits all the right notes.
