Cauliflower Steak
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My cauliflower steaks are thick, crispy, tender, and dressed with luscious, smoky butter. Enjoy them as a main course or a veggie-packed side dish. Oven, air fryer, and grill cooking options.
My roasted cauliflower steaks are my favorite way to transform cauliflower from a simple vegetable into a mouthwatering dinnertime star for my family. Like cabbage steaks, don’t look at them as competition for your classic steaks, though (I beg you). Instead, treat these as an elegant vegetable side dish or a meat-free dinner that cooks up in under 30 minutes.
The key is roasting them at a high temperature, which creates crispy, caramelized edges while keeping the center perfectly tender. I sometimes drizzle them with garlic yogurt sauce, but honestly, they’re delicious as is. I usually roast them in the oven, but I’ve also tested them on the grill and in the air fryer, so you have options.
Table of Contents
Arman’s tips before starting
- Keep the core intact. This is the most important tip. Only trim away the outer leaves and the very bottom of the stem. The core acts like glue and keeps the steaks from falling apart. If you’re a visual learner, watch the recipe video to see exactly how I cut mine.
- Choose a large cauliflower with tightly packed florets. Through testing, I found larger cauliflower heads much easier to slice into sturdy steaks. Avoid any brown spots, soft patches, or loose florets.
- Don’t worry if some florets break off. This happens every single time, even when you cut the cauliflower perfectly. I usually roast the loose florets alongside the steaks because I hate waste!
- Give the steaks plenty of space. Arrange them in a single layer with room between each piece. Crowding the pan traps steam and prevents the edges from becoming golden and caramelized.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“O!M!G! This recipe is off the charts d’lish! I’ve never made Cauli Steaks, so this was my first time. I cooked it on the grill today. Because I can’t eat butter 😭 ATM, I used olive oil and made a wet rub using all the same portions. What a delightful flavor explosion. I definitely recommend!” – Allison
Ingredients needed
- Cauliflower. Use a large head of cauliflower and slice it into 1-inch steaks. Use white cauliflower or get creative with purple or orange cauliflower instead.
- Butter. Because I’m already adding salt, I like to stick to unsalted butter, but if yours is already salted, just omit the salt or add it once cooked (to taste).
- Kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. To round out the flavors in the melted butter.
How to make cauliflower steaks
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Slice the cauliflower into 1-inch thick “steaks.” Use the knife to slice the stalks in a crisscross pattern.
Step 2- Brush with butter. Lay the cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush both sides with the seasoned butter mixture.
Step 3- Assemble. Place the seasoned cauliflower on a lined baking sheet.
Step 4- Roast the steaks in the oven until they’re tender and golden brown around the edges.
Alternative cooking methods
Grill method: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned cauliflower and grill for 15 minutes, flipping every 3-4 minutes. Remove once charred and fork-tender.
Air fryer method: Lay one or two steaks in the air fryer basket and cook at 375ºF for 15 minutes or until they’re tender and lightly browned, flipping halfway through.
Storage instructions
To store: Transfer the leftover cauliflower steaks to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat: Reheat the steaks in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and lightly crisp around the edges again. I avoid the microwave, as it tends to soften the caramelized exterior. That said, I often eat leftovers cold- they’re surprisingly good straight from the fridge.
What to serve with these
One of the things I love about cauliflower steak is how versatile they are. Depending on how you serve them, they can be either a simple side dish or the centerpiece of a meat-free meal.
- Finish with a garnish: Like crushed nuts, fresh parsley or basil, crispy roasted chickpeas, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, or crumbled feta.
- Pair them with a protein: I often serve them alongside Greek chicken, New York strip steak, steak salad, or any simple protein.
- Build a grain bowl: Top the steaks on a bed of cooked white or brown rice, couscous, farro, or wild rice.
- Add a sauce: Drizzle hot honey, gremolata, or romesco for an even bigger burst of flavor.
Cauliflower Steak Recipe (Oven, Grill, or Air Fryer)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220C/450F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Starting from the top, slice the cauliflower into 1- 1 1/2-inch thick slices. Form a criss-cross shape through each 'steak'.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the cauliflower steaks on the lined tray and brush both sides of each piece with the melted butter mixture.
- Bake the cauliflower steaks for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published June 2023
Video? No working link :=((
Hi Peter- thanks for letting me know. I’ll do some troubleshooting to see why it’s not working!
Sugar free and healthy
Thanks Gill! Yes, such an easy dish and so delicious. Great for keeping up with nutrition.
I have always loved cauliflower but never ventured further than boiled them. Now this cauliflower steak has Incredible flavour and perfect texture!!!!!
Will be making different flavour versions many time to come👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Aw, I love to hear that Manon- I’m so glad you enjoyed these and found a new way to make it. Please let me know if you’d like any other recommendations- I LOVE cauliflower, haha! 🙂
O!M!G! This recipe is off the charts d’lish! Ive never made Cauli Steaks before so this was my first time. I cooked it on the grill today. Because I can’t eat butter 😭 ATM, I used olive oil and made a wet rub using all the same portions. What a delightful flavor explosion. I definitely recommend!
Excellent
Thank you!
I made this last night and we enjoyed it more than we probably should! I will be making this regularly. It’s nice to find a new way to cook an old stand-by veggie. This checks all the boxes!
Yes absolutely- it is so versatile and makes a fab side dish. Thanks for the feedback, Molly!
Haven’t tried this yet, but it’s going to be on the table tonight.
Please let me know how you go!!
Yesterday made this dish for my vegeatian friend and he was
So satisfied. Such amazing taste.
Love to hear that, Mario!
I did this recipe first time. And it was amazing. Until now I would only cook caulflower. This is game changer.
Made these tonight. Sooooo goood!
I love to hear that, Romaine- I’m so glad you enjoyed them 🙂
I’m making these tonight!
On photo it looks so tasty. Will definitely give it a shot.
I’m making these tonight and I want to know if you recommend turning the steaks half way through the cook time?
Hi Ben- there’s no need to do that and I find it works just as well without doing it. Feel free to if you like!
Thanks so much for the recipe.i shall try them
If butter it’s not a vegan, olive oil will be good