Easy Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
Cauliflower steaks are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a hearty, yet healthy alternative to traditional steaks. They’re bursting with flavor, easy to make, and versatile enough to fit into a variety of meal plans, from vegan to gluten-free. You’ll love how they transform a humble vegetable into a show-stopping main dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
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You can trust this recipe because it comes from years of culinary exploration and a passion for creating wholesome, flavorful vegetarian dishes.
I’ve dedicated over four decades to mastering the art of vegetarian cooking, ensuring that each recipe is not just nutritious but also packed with taste to satisfy all palates.
My approach is all about making delicious, accessible meals that bring joy to the table, no matter your dietary preferences.
Why You Will Love Making Cauliflower Steaks
Who doesn’t love a dish that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat? Making these cauliflower steaks is an experience you’ll love for its simplicity and the delicious outcome. Here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, these steaks are perfect for a hassle-free meal.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Cauliflower is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and is a great low-calorie option.
- They Go With Anything: These steaks are amazing on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces and sides.
- Perfect for Any Diet: Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just trying to eat more veggies, these steaks tick all the boxes.
- Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.
- Leftovers are Fantastic: Enjoy them the next day in salads, sandwiches, or as a quick snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Cauliflower Steaks with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Ready to make these scrumptious cauliflower steaks? Here’s a simple guide to get you started.
Prepping the Oven
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 355°F (180°C). This ensures your cauliflower steaks cook evenly. Use baking paper to line your baking sheet. It’s a lifesaver for easy cleanup!
Mixing Your Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend will give your steaks a delightful flavor kick.
Cutting and Seasoning the Cauliflower
Remove any cauliflower leaves and cut the cauliflower into 1-inch thick slices. Make sure you don’t remove the stem, and be gentle to keep the slices intact.
Next, place the cauliflower slices on the prepared tray. Brush them generously with your honey-lemon mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is seasoned.
Bake!
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden-brown finish that’s irresistibly tempting.
Garnish & Serve
Once done, sprinkle crushed pistachios, pomegranate arils, and fresh parsley over the steaks. This not only adds flavor but also makes your dish a feast for the eyes.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are some expert tips to elevate your cauliflower steaks to the next level.
- Look for Freshness: Opt for cauliflower heads that are tight, firm, and white without any brown spots. Freshness is key to a great taste and texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with the seasonings and spices. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat or a sprinkle of cumin for a warm, earthy note.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your cauliflower steaks some space on the baking tray. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which might affect the texture.
- Thickness: Cutting your steaks about 1 inch thick ensures they cook evenly and retain a nice, tender bite.
- Add Color and Crunch: The pistachios and pomegranate not only add a burst of color but also a delightful crunch and freshness. Feel free to substitute with other nuts or fruits as per your taste.
- Can I make cauliflower steaks on the grill? Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that’s fantastic. Just be sure to oil the grates and the steaks well to prevent sticking.
- Are cauliflower steaks keto-friendly? Yes, they are! Cauliflower is low in carbs, making it a great option for a keto diet. Just be mindful of the additional ingredients used.
- What if my cauliflower steaks fall apart while slicing? It happens! Use the smaller florets in stir-fries or as a roasted side dish. They’ll be just as tasty.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the steaks and the seasoning ahead of time, but it’s best to roast them just before serving to maintain the best texture.
How to Store Leftover Cauliflower Steaks
Got some leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your cauliflower steaks tasting great for later.
- Cool & Airtight: Let the steaks cool down to room temperature before storing them and then store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from absorbing any odors from your fridge.
- Refrigerate: Pop them into the refrigerator as soon as they’re cool. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven or on a skillet to retain their texture. Microwaving might make them a bit too soft.
What to Serve with Cauliflower Steaks
Pairing sides with your cauliflower steaks can turn a simple dish into a feast. Here are some ideas to complete your meal.
Complement with Grains
A side of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa can balance the flavors. These grains are a blank canvas, soaking up the juices and seasonings of the steaks.
Our Cilantro-Lime Rice recipe goes perfectly with cauliflower steaks, and for something a little more fancy, try our Saffron Risotto!
Add a Protein
For a protein boost, consider adding a side of beans or lentils. They’re hearty, nutritious, and go well with the cauliflower’s texture. Some of our favorite bean recipes include Chipotle Black Beans, Smoky BBQ Beans, and Homemade Refried Beans.
Fresh Salads
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing touch. It’s a simple, healthy addition that complements the rich flavors of the cauliflower.
Our favorite salads (for a quick, easy side) are Caprese Salad, Waldorf Salad, and for something a little more hearty, our 7 Layer Salad is delicious!
Dips and Sauces
Serve your cauliflower steaks with a dollop of garlic dip or tzatziki. These creamy dips can add an extra layer of flavor and richness.
More Delicious Cauliflower Recipes To Try
- Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Aloo Gobi Recipe
- Classic Cauliflower Cheese
Easy Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper
- 1 cauliflower
- ¼ cup pistachios crushed
- ½ pomegranate arils
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°F/180ºC and line a tray with baking paper.
- Mix the olive oil, honey, lemon, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 lemon, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper
- Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch steaks and arrange them in the baking paper. Brush the cauliflower with the honey and lemon mixture and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.1 cauliflower
- Serve with pistachios, pomegranate and fresh parsley.¼ cup pistachios, ½ pomegranate arils, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Notes
- Look for Freshness: Opt for cauliflower heads that are tight, firm, and white without any brown spots. Freshness is key to a great taste and texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with the seasonings. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat or a sprinkle of cumin for a warm, earthy note.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your cauliflower steaks some space on the baking tray. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which might affect the texture.
- Can I make cauliflower steaks on the grill? Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that’s fantastic. Just be sure to oil the grates and the steaks well to prevent sticking.
- Are cauliflower steaks keto-friendly? Yes, they are! Cauliflower is low in carbs, making it a great option for a keto diet. Just be mindful of the additional ingredients used.
- What if my cauliflower steaks fall apart while slicing? It happens! Use the smaller pieces in stir-fries or as a roasted side dish. They’ll be just as tasty.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the steaks and the seasoning ahead of time, but it’s best to roast them just before serving to maintain the best texture.
How to Store Leftover Cauliflower Steaks
- Cool & Airtight: Let the steaks cool down to room temperature before storing them and then store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from absorbing any odors from your fridge.
- Refrigerate: Pop them into the refrigerator as soon as they’re cool. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven or on a skillet to retain their texture. Microwaving might make them a bit too soft.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
