Cauliflower Steak | The Best Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

This cauliflower steak is oven-roasted, perfectly seasoned, and drizzled with a flavorful cilantro sauce. It is effortless to make and only takes 5 minutes to prepare. The rest is just letting the cauliflower roast to a crisped masterpiece.

THE BEST CAULIFLOWER STEAK

Cauliflower steak, also known as vegan steak, has become my favorite healthy meal. 

And roasted cauliflower steaks are easily one of the tastiest vegan cauliflower recipes you can make. 

But this isn't your average cauliflower steak recipe. This recipe elevates its flavor to a whole new level.

See, cauliflower naturally has a mild and neutral flavor profile, and it takes on the taste of the seasonings you put on it. So, the seasonings are incredibly important when you're making cauliflower steak.

And the seasonings we'll be using create such a bold, rich taste to the cauliflower that you'll have a hard time believing you're eating a vegetable. 

On top of that, this recipe includes a cilantro sauce that is just the cherry on top.

And speaking of cherries, this recipe includes cherry tomatoes that get roasted with the cauliflower as an added bonus. 

So, if you have been looking for new vegan lunch ideas - or dinner ideas - this cauliflower steak recipe fits the script.

Having said that, it can make an amazing vegan side dish too.

Plus, you can have this recipe done in under 30 minutes! 

INGREDIENTS FOR CAULIFLOWER STEAKS

One of the best parts about this recipe is that the only ingredients you need are cauliflower and a couple of seasonings you probably have in your pantry already. 

And the sauce requires just a few simple ingredients too - if you opt to make it. 

Anyway, here is what you'll need to make these roasted cauliflower steaks:

• 2 large head cauliflower
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional) 

And for the sauce:

• ½ cup fresh parsley leaves
• ½ cup cilantro leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon each- salt + pepper 
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2-3 tbsp water (if the mixture is too thick)

Some pretty basic stuff, right?!

That said, if you do not like one of the seasonings, feel free to leave it out or substitute it with a seasoning of your preference. 

The Main Ingredient: CAULIFLOWER

Ok, now let's talk about the main ingredient we're using to make these plant-based "steaks" - the cauliflower.

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is very nutrient-dense, which means it has a high content of vitamins and minerals. 

It is also low in calories and high in fiber, making this a great recipe for anyone following a low carb, keto diet. 

Plus, cauliflower contains a high amount of antioxidants, so you can eat practically all the cauliflower you want, and it will just keep benefiting your body. 

And there are so many different ways to utilize cauliflower - it's one of the most versatile vegetables out there. For instance, this creamy cauliflower soup is another one of my favorite recipes using cauliflower as the main ingredient.

If you want to make the cauliflower soup vegan, you can substitute the heavy cream with either coconut cream or mix five tablespoons of soy milk and olive oil, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. 

HOW TO CUT CAULIFLOWER STEAKS 

Cauliflower steaks have their name because they are thick slices of cauliflower that can be cut into and eaten like a steak.

Having a large piece of cauliflower makes it more like a main course, and something about cutting into it and dipping it in the sauce is so satisfying. 

 To make the steak-like slices of cauliflower, you'll want to make sure you prepare it the correct way, so here are a few tips on how to cut it. 

First, you are going to cut off the outer green leaves. A large chef knife will work best to do this. 

Then trim off the bottom of the cauliflower stem but make sure that you keep the core intact. 

Next, cut right through the middle of the cauliflower head. Doing this will make sure that the florets stay together. 

If your cauliflower is big enough, cut those two pieces lengthwise in half. 

You will want to cut thick slices, about ¾ to 1 inch thick, to ensure the cauliflower stays intact while roasting. 

Only cut the cauliflower again if it is enough to have the stem on each piece.

Depending on how large the head of cauliflower is, it will yield between two to four steaks. 

When you cut the cauliflower, some florets will fall off in the process. You can either save these florets to use another time or prepare them along with your steaks and roast them on the baking sheet.

HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER STEAK

Ok, now that we know how to turn our cauliflower into steaks, we're ready to make the recipe. 

As I mentioned earlier, it will only take about 5 minutes to prepare the cauliflower, and then it has to bake for 20-25 minutes, during which you can make the cilantro sauce.

So get all your ingredients together, clear some counter space, and let's make this healthy and delicious meal! 

STEP 1: PREPARING AND BAKING THE CAULIFLOWER

First, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

In a small bowl, mix your seasonings- the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, and sea salt. 

Slice your cauliflowers into ¾ to 1-inch thick steaks. 

Place your cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Rub each one with olive oil, and evenly coat each steak with the seasonings. 

If you are using the cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on any leftover seasonings, then place them around the cauliflower on the baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, carefully flipping at the halfway point. 

When the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on each side, you can take them out of the oven. 

STEP 2: MAKING THE SAUCE

While the cauliflower is roasting, you can make the cilantro sauce. 

Measure out all of your ingredients for the sauce-except the water-and put them in either a food processor or blender. 

Blend on high until the ingredients are well combined.

If the mixture is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and blend to thin it out. 

Pour the sauce into a small bowl to serve. 

STEP 3: PUTTING THE DISH TOGETHER

After the cauliflower is golden brown and crisped to perfection, take them out of the oven and put them on a plate. 

Drizzle with the cilantro sauce, saving the rest for dipping, and garnish with the roasted cherry tomatoes. 

Bon appétit! 

STORING YOUR CAULIFLOWER STEAKS

Now, this recipe will make 4 to 8 "steaks" depending on the size of your cauliflowers. 

A great part about cauliflower is that it lasts 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator before being cooked. 

So you can pick up cauliflower whenever you are at the grocery store and then make this recipe on the spot at any time during the week. 

After you make the cauliflower, you can enjoy it for the days to come if you have leftovers. 

Your roasted cauliflower steaks will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 

Now, to reheat your cauliflower, I suggest putting it back in the oven so it maintains its crispiness.

Heat it in the oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (204°C) until it reaches your desired temperature. 

If you want to reheat it faster, you can put it in the microwave until warm, but it will change the texture. 

You can also freeze your cauliflower steaks if you want them to last longer and have a deliciously healthy meal always ready to go. 

To do this, wait until your cauliflower has thoroughly cooled, then put it in a freezer-safe bag where it will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Before reheating, let the cauliflower thaw in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours. Then bake again at 400°F (204°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed. 

Oh, and the cilantro sauce will last in the refrigerator for up a week; just make sure to keep it in a tightly sealed glass jar or airtight container. 

Try dipping these low carb french fries in the sauce for a healthy fast-food fry experience.

WRAPPING IT ALL UP

This cauliflower steak recipe makes it effortless to get more servings of vegetables into your day.  

It is a delicious way to jazz up cauliflower for a healthy lunch, dinner, or side dish. 

Whether you follow a vegan or keto diet or just want to enjoy a tasty cauliflower recipe, this will check off every box. 

I hope you enjoy this satisfying way to eat cauliflower and make sure to share it with someone who needs a healthy recipe to add to their repertoire.

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