Roasted Cauliflower Steak Recipe

Master how to make the best homemade roasted cauliflower steaks with this easy baking recipe. Learn the perfect technique for cutting and caramelizing thick vegetable slices to achieve restaurant-quality results. Simple ingredients transform humble cauliflower into a show-stopping main dish with incredible depth of flavor.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Serves:

2 steaks (2 servings)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large cauliflower head (about 1 kg)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ teaspoon dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon wedges, for serving</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 220 calories

🥑 Fat: 18 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 2.5 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 12 g

🍭 Sugar: 4 g

🍗 Protein: 5 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg

🧂 Sodium: 380 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp chef's knife</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Proper preheating is crucial for achieving that beautiful caramelization on your cauliflower steaks.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Prepare your cauliflower by removing the outer leaves and trimming the stem, keeping the core intact as it holds the steaks together. Place the cauliflower on its base and, using a sharp chef's knife, cut straight through the center from top to bottom to create two halves.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>From each half, cut a 2-3cm thick slice from the center to create your cauliflower steaks (you should get at least 2 good steaks from one large cauliflower). Save any florets that fall off for another use – they're perfect for roasting alongside your steaks!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, dried thyme, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. This aromatic oil mixture will infuse your cauliflower with deep flavor as it roasts.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Place the cauliflower steaks on your prepared baking sheet and brush both sides generously with the spiced oil mixture. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the cauliflower – those spaces will capture pockets of flavor!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then carefully flip the steaks using a large spatula (they'll be delicate). Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes until the edges are deeply caramelized and the stems are tender when pierced with a knife. The caramelization process is what transforms the cauliflower, releasing its natural sugars and creating complex flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>While the cauliflower roasts, toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly! The toasting process awakens the natural oils in the nuts, enhancing their flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Once the cauliflower steaks are done, transfer them carefully to serving plates. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice – the acidity balances the richness of the roasted cauliflower and brightens all the flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and the toasted pine nuts. The herbs add freshness while the nuts provide a wonderful textural contrast to the tender cauliflower. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for additional brightness.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Roasted Cauliflower Steak Recipe?

This recipe features a whole cauliflower head, olive oil, garlic, and warm spices including smoked paprika, cumin, dried thyme, and optional cayenne. It's finished with fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, and bright lemon juice for a flavourful plant-based dish.

How to cook Roasted Cauliflower Steak Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Roasted Cauliflower Steak Recipe by slicing a cauliflower head into thick steaks, coating them with a spiced olive oil mixture, and roasting at 200°C for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway. The key to success is achieving those deeply caramelised edges while maintaining a tender interior, then finishing with fresh lemon juice, herbs and toasted pine nuts.

How do you cut cauliflower into perfect steaks without them falling apart?

Keep the core intact as it holds everything together. Place cauliflower base-down and cut straight through the centre with a sharp chef's knife. Then cut 2-3cm thick slices from the middle of each half where the stem runs through. Work slowly and confidently for clean cuts.

What's the secret to achieving perfectly caramelised edges on vegetable steaks?

The secret lies in proper preheating (200°C), using enough oil to coat all surfaces, allowing adequate space between steaks, and resisting the urge to flip too early. The natural sugars in vegetables need time to react with the heat to create that gorgeous golden-brown caramelisation.

Can cauliflower steaks be prepared in advance for a dinner party?

You can prepare the cauliflower steaks and spice mixture up to a day ahead, but for best results, roast them just before serving. If necessary, you can roast them earlier and reheat at 180°C for 5-7 minutes, though they're most impressive when freshly caramelised.

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