This grilled cauliflower steak recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to meat that is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Not only are they easy to make, but they're also packed with flavor and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side.

Closeup of cauliflower steaks topped with balsamic vinegar and herbs

Why You'll Love Cauliflower This Way

Fast. A quick main course or side dish that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Easy. Slice it up, season it, toss it on the grill, and cook. That's it!
Low Carb. Only net carbs per serving.
Vegetarian. A great meat-free meal solution.
Gluten-free. A delicious addition to your next meal that is dietary inclusive.

Grilled cauliflower steaks are a tasty and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of grilling know-how, you can whip up this delicious vegetarian dish in no time.

What Does Cauliflower Steak Taste Like?

Cauliflower steaks have a mild, nutty flavor with a slightly sweet undertone. When grilled, they develop a delicious smoky flavor and a nice charred crust, adding depth and complexity to their taste.

The texture of cauliflower steaks is also unique - tender on the inside with a slight crunch on the outside.

How Do You Cut Cauliflower Steaks So They Don't Fall Apart?

Cutting cauliflower steaks can be a bit tricky, as cauliflower can easily fall apart during the process. Here are some tips to help you cut cauliflower steaks that hold their shape:

Choose a large head of cauliflower. A larger cauliflower head will provide more surface area for you to cut your steaks. This will make it easier to cut uniform steaks that hold their shape.
Trim the stem. Cut off the leaves and trim the stem at the bottom of the cauliflower head so that it sits flat on the cutting board.
Cut the cauliflower into thick slices. Using a sharp knife, slice the cauliflower head into 1-inch thick slices. Start at the center of the head and cut towards the outer edges, keeping the stem intact to hold the slices together.
Use the center slices. The center slices of the cauliflower head are the densest and will hold their shape better than the outer slices. Save the outer slices for other recipes that call for smaller cauliflower pieces.
Brush the steaks with oil. Brush each cauliflower steak with olive oil or another type of cooking oil. This will help the steaks hold together during cooking.
Cook the steaks gently. Cauliflower steaks are delicate, so it's important to handle them gently. Use a spatula to flip them on the grill or in the pan, being careful not to break them apart.

Ingredients You'll Need

Cauliflower
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Smoked paprika
Pomegranate Arils
Salt and pepper

How To Make Cauliflower Steak

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, wash the cauliflower and trim off any green leaves.
Cut the cauliflower head in half, then slice each half into 1-inch thick steaks. You should be able to get around 2-3 steaks per half, depending on the size of your cauliflower.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture generously over each cauliflower steak, making sure to cover both sides.
Place the cauliflower steaks on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they're nicely charred and tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy if left on the grill for too long.
Once the cauliflower steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and serve immediately. You can garnish them with fresh herbs and pomegranate arils, or drizzle them with a little more balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Variations To This Cauliflower Steak Recipe

Cauliflower steaks are a versatile dish that can be flavored in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences. Here are some flavor variations for cauliflower steaks to try:

Indian Spiced Cauliflower Steaks- Mix together a blend of Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, and rub it onto the cauliflower steaks before roasting. Serve with a dollop of yogurt sauce and chopped fresh cilantro.
Lemon Garlic Cauliflower Steaks- Whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and brush it onto the cauliflower steaks before roasting. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Smoky BBQ Cauliflower Steak Recipe- Brush the cauliflower steaks with a mixture of BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and a touch of honey before roasting. Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
Sesame Soy Cauliflower Steak Recipe- Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger, and brush it onto the cauliflower steaks before roasting. Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving.

Why Is My Roasted Cauliflower Mushy?

Roasting cauliflower can be tricky, as it's easy to overcook it and end up with a mushy texture.

Cauliflower has high water content, and when it's cooked for too long, it can become mushy. To avoid this, make sure to check the cauliflower frequently as it roasts and remove it from the grill when it's just tender.

Tips And Tricks

Make sure to cut the cauliflower into even steaks to ensure they cook evenly.
If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the cauliflower steaks in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combination.

What To Serve With This Cauliflower Steak Recipe

Cauliflower steaks are a delicious and satisfying vegetarian main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cauliflower steaks:

Grilled vegetables. Roasted or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms make a great side dish for cauliflower steaks.
Salad. A fresh salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette is a light and refreshing complement to cauliflower steaks.
Grains. Serve cauliflower steaks with a side of cooked grains such as quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a hearty and filling meal.
Potatoes. Roasted or mashed potatoes make a classic and comforting side dish that pairs well with the smoky flavor of cauliflower steaks.
Sauces. Add extra flavor to cauliflower steaks with a drizzle of your favorite sauce, such as chimichurri, tahini, or romesco sauce.

How Long Do They Last?

Cauliflower steaks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days if stored properly. To maximize their freshness and shelf life, follow these tips:

Store in an airtight container. Transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
Keep them dry. If the cauliflower steaks are still wet or have excess moisture, pat them dry with a paper towel before storing them. Moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly.
Store in the fridge. Place the container of cauliflower in the refrigerator and keep them towards the back of the fridge where the temperature is most consistent.
Reheat properly. To reheat them, gently warm them in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them as this can cause them to become mushy.

Can You Freeze It?

While it's possible to freeze cauliflower, freezing cauliflower steaks is not recommended. This is because the freezing and thawing process can cause the cauliflower steaks to become very mushy and lose their texture.

If you want to freeze cauliflower, it's best to do so in florets rather than steaks.

More Cauliflower Recipes

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