Get delicious and crispy cauliflower steaks in less than an hour!
When having vegan friends over for dinner, you may be left scratching your head wondering what to make. Tofu, delicious as it can be, may not be the most creative option, and a vegetable may not have that ‘wow’ factor you’re looking for. In the last few years, vegetable steaks—with everything from celeriac to pumpkin—have been quite the hit, but my favorite by far is the cauliflower steak.
I am obsessed with this recipe because it is RIDICULOUSLY easy. It only requires a handful of ingredients, and you’re using just one pan. This cruciferous veggie is quite mild, making it the perfect canvas for your favorite flavors. Here, it’s lightly seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander, but the possibilities for this recipe are endless! You can experiment with spicy seasonings like kashmiri chili powder or piri piri powder. This cauliflower steak will be an impressive main attraction at your dinner table, but you can also serve it as a delicious side. Who said steak is just for meat lovers?
Are Cauliflower Steaks Healthy?
You bet! Cauliflower is a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it’s a low-carb veggie that satisfies without weighing you down. Olive oil spray keeps things light while still giving the steaks that golden, roasted goodness, and the spices bring flavor without piling on unnecessary calories.
Want to take it up a notch? Try sprinkling nutritional yeast on the steaks for a cheesy twist, or serving them over a bed of greens for extra vitamins. Watching your sodium intake? Dial back the salt a smidgen, and you’ll still have a dish that’s bursting with flavor thanks to all the other seasonings.
Cauliflower: The Unsung Hero of Vegan Food!
Cauliflower truly is one of the best vegetables to regularly incorporate into a vegan diet. Not only is it highly nutritious, but it’s also incredibly versatile!
Did you know this veggie has been cultivated for over two thousand years? Its roots trace back to the Mediterranean, where it’s been a staple in Middle Eastern and European cuisines. Modern cooks have taken this humble vegetable to new heights, transforming it into a wide array of dishes like creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, low-carb rice, crispy pizza crusts, and hearty steaks. It’s also a star ingredient in vegan buffalo wings, velvety vegan “cheese” sauces, and even roasted whole as an impressive main course.
How to make ahead and store
Place your leftover cauliflower steaks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
As mentioned, these cauliflower steaks can be a simple side dish or a showstopping main course. Having a summer barbecue? I love to make these steaks on the grill and top them with Chimichurri Sauce. They also go great in place of fries alongside a Black Bean Burger, or, if you’re not vegan, these mouthwatering Cajun Burgers With Sweet Potato Buns.
If you want these cauliflower steaks as your main, I love them with Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Potatoes (minus the bacon to make it vegan). Other greens that go great with cauliflower steaks include this Blanched Asparagus With A Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette and some Sautéed Kale.
Ingredients
- 2 medium heads of cauliflower
- Olive oil spray preferably extra-virgin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Prepare a large, rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and give it a light coating of olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Clean the cauliflower heads under running water. Carefully remove the outer leaves and trim the stem end. You need to ensure the core remains intact to hold the steaks together. Cut the cauliflower into 3/4-inch-thick steaks. You can expect to get about 3 good steaks from each head (you can roast the smaller pieces alongside the steaks).
- Place the cauliflower steaks and any florets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Mist the tops with olive oil spray, and evenly distribute half of the combined seasonings over them.
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After this initial cooking time, carefully flip the steaks and florets. Give them another spray of olive oil and finish with the rest of the seasonings.
- Continue to roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until they start caramelizing and are tender enough to be pierced with a fork.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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