Sizzling Cauliflower Steak Recipe

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If you’ve never made a Cauliflower Steak before, you’re in for a real treat. This amazing side dish is flavorful and so easy to make, you’ll wonder where it has been your whole life. Give it a shot, I know you’ll love it.

This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo and Vegetarian 

Table of Contents

6 Reasons to love this Cauliflower Steak recipe

Thinking if you should make these delicious cauliflower steaks or not? You'll be convinced in a second because this recipe is:

  1. Low Carb, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Paleo, Dairy-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian.
  2. Easily adaptable to all taste preferences.
  3. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
  4. Leftovers are delicious the next day.
  5. Effortless cooking with oven-roasting.
  6. A delightful crunch with Parmesan cheese!

Is this Cauliflower Steak recipe low carb?

Yes, this recipe is low-carb. Each cauliflower steak has 3g and 5g of net carbs per serving (depending on the size of the cauliflower head and thickness of the cauliflower steak). As a side dish, this is perfect for the low-carb or keto lifestyle.

Ingredients List

To make homemade Cauliflower Steaks, you will need the following simple ingredients:

PLEASE NOTE: The recipe card for Cauliflower Steak is located at the bottom of this post. The following is just a list of ingredients. 

Ingredient Substitutes:

  • Olive oil: Use avocado or MCT oil  if you don't have olive oil.
  • Garlic powder: 1 fresh finely minced garlic clove works fine if garlic powder is not available.
  • Smoked paprika: No smoked paprika in the pantry? Use regular paprika.
  • Cayenne powder: If you don't have Cayenne powder, use ground chipotle or piment d'espilette.

Cooking Tools

To make this easy cauliflower steak dinner recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  1. Baking sheet
  2. Parchment paper
  3. Small bowl
  4. Microplane
  5. Silicone pastry brush

How to make Cauliflower Steak

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get your baking sheet ready with parchment paper. Take a large head of cauliflower and slice it into ½-inch thick steaks, aiming for about 3-4 good slices. Lay on the parchment paper and add any remaining florets to the pan.

In a small bowl, mix olive oil with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Generously brush this mixture onto one side of the cauliflower steaks and then sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the top for that final touch of flavor.

Roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning the pan once halfway through to ensure even cooking and a golden crispness. The goal is to achieve a tender inside with a slightly crispy, cheesy outside.

If you have any questions or your own tasty suggestions, feel free to post them in the comments below!

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Mix the spices in a bowl with the olive oil.

Step 2: Lay the cauliflower planks and onions on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

Step 3: Coat the cauliflower steaks and onions with the spice mixture.

Step 4: Add some rosemary or other herbs if using.

Step 5: Rotate the baking sheet at 10 minutes in the oven.

Step 6: When the cauliflower is golden and bubbling, it is ready to serve.

My Pro Tip:

People often complain that their steaks don't have that crisp texture. The tip is to not overcrowd the steaks on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than roast, affecting their texture. Following this tip will always result in perfectly baked cauliflower steaks!

Time Saving Tips:

  1. Prep in Advance: Cut your cauliflower into steaks earlier in the day. They can just sit on the tray until ready to cook.
  2. Mix Spices Ahead: Combine your spice mix and keep it in an airtight container; it’s perfect for quick seasoning not just for cauliflower but other dishes too.
  3. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only helps with cleanup but also prevents sticking without the need for extra oiling.
  4. Grate Parmesan in Bulk: Grate a larger quantity of Parmesan cheese and store it in the fridge; it's a time-saver for this and other recipes.

Storage and Reheating

Storing your leftover cauliflower steaks correctly is important. Whether you're saving leftovers or prepping ahead, proper storage, reheating, and freezing techniques can make or break a meal.

Storage Tips

  • Cool Completely: Allow Cauliflower Steaks to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation that can make them soggy.
  • Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep the cauliflower fresh in the refrigerator.
  • Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Reheating Tips

  • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the steaks on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
  • Skillet Method: For a crispier edge, reheat Cauliflower Steaks in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
  • Microwave: This is not recommended as the cauliflower steaks will become mushy and heat unevenly.

Freezing Tips

  • Not Recommended: While you can freeze cooked Cauliflower Steaks, it's not recommended as it may alter their texture and taste upon reheating, making them softer than desired. If you do choose to freeze, wrap them individually and use within one month for best results.

What to serve with Cauliflower Steaks?

  1. BBQ Lamb Chops:Savor the smoky richness of BBQ lamb chops, where each bite is a symphony of flavors, perfect alongside our Cauliflower Steak.
  2. Lamb Loin Chops: Marinated and seared to perfection, these lamb chops offer a tender, juicy accompaniment that complements the cauliflower's crispness.
  3. Perfect Porterhouse Steak:For a perfect steak dinner experience, pair this Porterhouse steak with crispy cauliflower and see the flavor explosion!
  4. Steak Florentine:If you need some Italian flavor, combine this recipe with my baked cauliflower and see the magic!

Final Thoughts on Cauliflower Steak

Whether served alongside BBQ Lamb Chops or your favorite cut of beef, these Cauliflower Steaks promise to be a delicious addition to any meal.

This recipe provides such a nice spin on how to prepare cauliflower. Not only that, but it is simple to create right in your own kitchen. Now that’s what I call a win-win recipe! Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram.

If you loved this recipe, you will be a fan of my other side dish recipes with cauliflower:

  • Loaded Cauliflower Bake:Dive into the comforting embrace of the Loaded Cauliflower Bake, where every forkful is a blend of creamy and savory flavors, making it an ideal side dish to any meal.
  • Paleo Cauliflower Purée:Paleo Cauliflower Purée is smooth, creamy, and utterly indulgent, serving as the perfect base for a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to elegant entrées.
  • Roasted Cauliflower:Experience the simple pleasure of Roasted Cauliflower, where the natural sweetness of the vegetable shines through in each golden, caramelized bite.
  • Spicy Roasted Cauliflower:Spicy Roasted Cauliflower adds a kick to your meal, with just the right amount of heat to awaken your palate and add excitement to your dining experience.

FAQs

To cut cauliflower steaks, remove the leaves and trim the stem slightly while keeping the core intact. Use a sharp knife to slice the cauliflower head through the center into ½-inch thick steaks. Cutting through the core helps retain the shape and texture.

The term "cauliflower steak" comes from the method of slicing and cooking cauliflower in thick slabs or "steaks" that resemble a traditional steak in appearance. This method highlights cauliflower as the main dish, offering a plant-based alternative that's substantial and satisfying, much like a meat-based steak.

Cauliflower steaks are typically cooked for about 20-25 minutes at 400°F in the oven. The pan should be rotated halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting. The goal is to achieve a tender texture with golden, crispy edges, indicating the steaks are perfectly cooked and ready to serve.

Sizzling Cauliflower Steaks

Transform an ordinary cauliflower into a taste sensation with this Cauliflower Steak recipe. It's unlike anything you've made before and is impossibly delicious.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cauliflower planks, cauliflower steak, cauliflower steak recipe, cauliflower steaks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5 Servings
Calories: 135kcal
Author: Scott Groth

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower sliced into planks
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 1 red onion optional, sliced into wedges
  • 1 stalk fresh rosemary stem removed

Instructions

  • Prep your oven and cauliflower. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil a baking sheet. Remove the leaves and trim the stem from the cauliflower, slicing it into ½-inch steaks.
  • Mix the spices. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the cauliflower steaks (along with red onion and rosemary if using) on the prepared baking sheet, brush with the spice mixture, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through, until tender and golden.
  • Serve the cauliflower steaks hot with a few of the roasted onions.

Notes

For suggestions and tips on how to make this recipe absolutely amazing in your own kitchen, see the recipe post above!
Have questions or suggestions? Leave a comment- thanks!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Sizzling Cauliflower Steaks
Amount Per Serving (1 steak)
Calories 135 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 3mg1%
Sodium 233mg10%
Potassium 400mg11%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 237IU5%
Vitamin C 57mg69%
Calcium 92mg9%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”

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Scott Groth image for I'd Rather Be A Chef

I'm Scott, just a regular guy who has experienced amazing benefits from embracing a low carb (occasionally keto) lifestyle. Join me as I share low carb recipes that are family friendly, delicious and fun to eat.

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