Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Easy Cauliflower Steaks with healthy Green Goddess Dressing are a real crowd-pleaser! This dish looks and tastes amazing. It's easy to make, budget-friendly, and kid-approved!

this RECIPE

Make these roasted cauliflower steaks for a 'meaty' plant-based main dish or side. The optional Healthy Green Goddess Dressing adds protein, heart-healthy fats, and a ton of nutrients from the fresh herbs. Try this combo for your next weeknight dinner, or even a fancy dinner party! It's so versatile and a great way to use up cilantro and parsley about to go bad.

This dish was inspired by my gluten-free vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower on this site and pairs well with this Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Tofu.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🌶️ Substitutions
  • 📖 How to Make Easy Cauliflower Steaks
  • 💡 Expert Tips
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Two ingredients (plus optional spices) are all you need to make vegan roasted cauliflower steaks. The additional ingredients for the Healthy Green Goddess Dressing recipe are linked here should you choose to make it.

Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (2)
  • Cauliflower is a rockstar vegetable. It's high in phytonutrients, especially sulfur-containing glucosinates. Glucosinates regulate inflammation, plus they have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, they are what give cauliflower their unique smell! Plus, cauliflower is high in water and fiber, keeping you hydrated and regular (in bowel movement). Water and fiber also make us feel full quickly, which is why this meal is so satisfying.
  • Paprika, coriander, garlic powder, and onion powder add a ton of flavor to the roasted cauliflower steaks.
  • A drizzle of olive oil gets them crispy in the oven or air fryer.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🌶️ Substitutions

  • Spices - use seasonings you have on hand to change things up (chipotle powder, curry powder, garam masala, onion powder, cayenne pepper, za'atar seasoning)
  • Olive oil - avocado oil or any vegetable oil will work
  • Healthy Green Goddess Dressing - Make my tahini Green Goddess Dressing while the steaks are roasting. It's a delicious combination.

See my Veggie Bowls recipes page for more easy roasted sheet pan dinner ideas.

📖 How to Make Easy Cauliflower Steaks

Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (3)

Step 1. Wash the cauliflower. Remove the leaves and trim the stem, leaving the cauliflower intact. Place it stem-side-down on a kitchen towel to hold it in place if it feels unstable.

Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (4)

Step 2. Slice through the middle of the head. Cut ¾-inch steaks through one-half of the head. Repeat for the other side. This makes 3 to 4 steaks for each medium-large cauliflower. (See video)

Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (5)

Step 3. Arrange the steaks on one or two large nonstick baking sheets in a single layer. Combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, coriander, and onion powder in a small bowl. Brush the tops with olive oil and rub them with one-half of the seasoning.

Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (6)

Step 4. Bake the steaks for 15 minutes. Remove them from the oven, carefully turn them, and brush the other sides with more oil. Rub with the remaining seasoning. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until browned and fork tender.

💡 Expert Tips

  • Cutting cauliflower steaks: If the trimmed cauliflower is unstable, place it on a folded kitchen towel for cutting to hold it still. (See video)
  • For crispy steaks: Cut the cauliflower equally into ¾-inch-thick steaks. Spread them onto a large parchment-lined or nonstick baking sheet in a single layer so they roast evenly and do not steam. Coat lightly in oil.
  • Air fry: To air fry the cauliflower steaks, preheat the air fryer to 375ºF. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Roast or air fry the florets alongside the steaks, or freeze them to make cauliflower smoothies!
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftover Cauliflower Steaks in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

How do you cut cauliflower steaks so they don't fall apart?

Wash the cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves. Trim the stem, leaving the cauliflower intact. Place the cauliflower stem-side-down on a folded dish towel if it feels unstable.
Slice through the middle of the head. Cut ¾-inch steaks through one-half of the head. Repeat for the other side. Do this for both sides, making a total of 6 to 8 steaks. (See video)

Why does my roasted cauliflower get mushy?

Roasted cauliflower can become soggyif the baking sheet is overcrowded, so make sure to leave room between the steaks and florets. Using too much oil is another common culprit. Ensure that the steaks and florets have enough oil to caramelize but not too much to become soggy. A light coating is perfect.

Why is my roasted cauliflower tough?

Make sure to roast the cauliflower steaks in the oven long enough for them to become fork-tender. Remove the florets earlier once they are cooked.

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👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Share your Easy Roasted Cauliflower Steaks creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.

I would love it if you would ⭐️rate this recipeand leave acomment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (11)

Cauliflower Steaks

Nisha Melvani

Easy Cauliflower Steaks with healthy Green Goddess Dressing are a real crowd-pleaser! It looks and tastes amazing. Easy to make and budget-friendly. Gluten-free.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 6 people

Calories 104 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-large cauliflower heads
  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Healthy Green Goddess Dressing (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425ºF.

  • Cut cauliflower steaks: Wash the cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves. Trim the stem, leaving the cauliflower intact. Place the cauliflower stem-side-down on a dish towel if it feels unstable.

    Slice through the middle of the head. Cut ¾-inch steaks through one half of the head. Repeat for the other side. Do this for both sides, making a total of 6 to 8 steaks. (See video)

  • Season: Arrange the steaks on one or two large nonstick baking sheets in a single layer. Place the florets around them. Combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, coriander, and onion powder in a small bowl. Brush the tops with olive oil and rub them with one-half of the seasoning.

  • Bake the steaks for 15 minutes. Remove them from the oven, carefully turn, and brush the other sides with more oil. Rub with the remaining seasoning. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until browned and fork tender.

  • Make the dressing: Meanwhile, blend the dressing ingredients, if making.

  • For serving: Drizzle with Healthy Green Goddess Dressing or serve as is.

Notes

  • Cutting cauliflower steaks: If the trimmed cauliflower is unstable, place it on a folded kitchen towel for cutting to hold it still. (See video.)
  • For crispy steaks: Cut the cauliflower equally into ¾-inch-thick steaks. Spread them onto a large parchment-lined or nonstick baking sheet in a single layer so they roast evenly and do not steam. Coat lightly in oil.
  • Air fry: To air fry the cauliflower steaks, preheat the air fryer to 375ºF. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Continue cooking until browned and fork tender.
  • Roast or air fry the florets alongside the steaks, or freeze them to make cauliflower smoothies!
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftover Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Steaks in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 850mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Vegan Side Dish Recipes

  • Best-Tasting Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
  • Chickpea Mash
  • Quinoa Rice Recipe
  • Healthy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Amina Sirry

    Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (16)
    Super easy and quick. Presents really well as a vegan option at dinner. Lovely & filling!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani

      Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (17)
      So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

      Reply

Easy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What pairs well with cauliflower steaks? ›

Cauliflower Steak Serving Suggestions

Wheat berries, farro, quinoa, or couscous would all work well here. A few roasted chickpeas would be a nice garnish too!

Why is my cauliflower not cooking? ›

Cauliflower has a very high water content, so it won't get crispy if you bake the florets crowded together. "Be sure to give each floret a bit of room so that the they have space for airflow. I'd also recommend baking them on a silicone baking mat," says Blay.

Which way do you cut cauliflower to make cauliflower steaks? ›

Slice straight down the middle from top to bottom like you're cutting into a loaf of bread. Holding the round part of one half of the cauliflower head, slice a 1-inch thick slice from the cut end. Try to keep the steak from falling over too hard onto the cutting board to keep the florets intact.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

What protein pairs well with cauliflower? ›

Ground beef and cauliflower combine to create a hearty weeknight casserole that both kids and adults will love. Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream. Carolyn Casner is a longtime recipe tester and contributor for EatingWell.

Why is it called cauliflower steak? ›

They're called cauliflower steaks because the shape and general appearance are rather, well, steak-like. The name is also an indicator of which cooking methods to try—any way you might cook a steak can be used for cauliflower steaks, too. You see, cauliflower is a pretty hearty vegetable.

Why do you put lemon juice in cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower contains some phytonutrients, these nutrients may react with iron cookware and gives the cauliflower a brownish color. To prevent this add some lemon juice to the cauliflower or to the water in which it is blanched.

What does baking soda do to cauliflower? ›

Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent, and it can be used to brighten up your veggies too. Sprinkle a little in the water before boiling to prevent cauliflower from yellowing and make corn look more vibrant.

Why does cooked cauliflower hurt my stomach? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which can quickly lead to digestive upset, especially when consumed raw. Symptoms can include bloating, gas and cramping.

Why does my cauliflower taste weird? ›

It can also taste bitter from a lack of moisture, uneven watering, waiting too long to harvest, or overcooking.

Why did my cauliflower turn green when I cooked it? ›

If cooked too much the cauliflower will lose its purple color and turn green ‐ which isn't bad but it will cease to look nice. Cauliflower should be dense and heavy with a satiny stem. The leaves surrounding the florets should be fresh and green.

Why is my cauliflower separating? ›

Once the "curds" begin to separate, the head is over mature. I'm fairly certain that although you think the weather has been mild, your cauliflower was ready to bolt - triggered either by the longer days of early summer or the heat. You may find that fall grown plants outperform spring plants in your location.

What is the best way to cut cauliflower? ›

Cut the whole head into quarters first, and then angle the knife to cut out the cores. Note that the cauliflower cores and leaves are perfectly edible; the cauliflower cores are much like broccoli cores. If you want, peel them and slice them for snacks, or chop them and cook them the way you would the florets.

What causes cauliflower heads to separate? ›

Loose heads or buttoning (very small head or several small heads) Buttoning cauliflower can be caused by young plants being exposed to several days of freezing temperatures. It can also be caused by a lack of water or nitrogen, or waiting too long to harvest.

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