Description
Cauliflower Steaks are a hearty, flavorful vegetarian main or side dish featuring thick slices of cauliflower seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices, then roasted until tender with beautifully caramelized edges. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant holiday meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting and caramelizing the cauliflower steaks.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower, keeping the core intact to help the steaks hold together during cooking.
- Slice the Steaks: Cut the cauliflower into ¾-inch thick slices to create the ‘steaks’. Set aside any loose florets for another recipe.
- Season the Steaks: Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak with olive oil. Then, evenly sprinkle minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- Arrange and Roast: Place the seasoned cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, then roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Roasting: Carefully flip the steaks to roast the other side. Continue roasting for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and edges are golden brown.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the steaks to add a savory, cheesy topping that melts beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the cauliflower steaks with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- Handle the cauliflower steaks gently to prevent them from breaking apart during slicing and flipping.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
- Pair the roasted cauliflower steaks with chimichurri, tahini sauce, or garlic yogurt for extra flavor and moisture.
- Store any leftover cauliflower steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
