Cauliflower Steak with Millet, Creamy Tahini Sauce & Fresh Cabbage Salad

Experience a satisfying plant-based meal with juicy roasted cauliflower “steaks” paired with fluffy millet, silky tahini, and crisp cabbage salad. This dish showcases bright Mediterranean flavors in each bite, making it ideal for weeknights and gatherings alike. Cauliflower steak has become a beloved dish for both vegetarians and omnivores alike—and for good reason! This recipe transforms a humble head of cauliflower into a show-stopping main course, with its hearty texture, savory spices, and golden roasted edges. But it doesn’t stop there. Paired with protein-rich millet and a creamy, tangy tahini sauce, this dish offers a well-rounded and deeply satisfying plant-based meal. A fresh crunchy salad of cabbage, carrots, and cucumber adds brightness, texture, and balance, making it an excellent meal for lunch or dinner.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 large cauliflower

  • 30 ml olive oil (2 tbsp)

  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

  • 1 cup (180 g) millet

  • 4 cups (960 ml) water

  • Salt, as needed

  • 30 ml olive oil (2 tbsp) for sauce

  • 100 g tahini (≈⅓ cup)

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • ¼ head cabbage, shredded

  • 1 carrot, grated

  • 1 cucumber, sliced or grated

  • A handful of parsley, chopped

  • Olive oil for dressing

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Slice cauliflower into thick “steaks.”

  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, red pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush cauliflower steaks thoroughly.

  3. Roast cauliflower on parchment-lined tray for 25 minutes.

  4. Cook millet: rinse millet, bring water and salt to boil, add millet, simmer covered for 20 minutes until fluffy.

  5. After initial roast, sprinkle cauliflower with Parmesan and roast for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts.

  6. Make tahini sauce: blend tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.

  7. Prepare salad: toss cabbage, carrot, cucumber, parsley with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

  8. Plate: spoon millet, top with cauliflower steak, drizzle tahini, add salad, and garnish as desired.

Preparation Time

  • Prep: 20 minutes

  • Cook: 30 minutes

  • Total: 50 minutes

  • Serves: 4

Nutrients (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal

  • Protein: 10 g

  • Carbohydrates: 40 g

  • Fat: 18 g

  • Fiber: 8 g

  • Calcium: 120 mg

  • Iron: 3.2 mg

About This Recipe

This recipe highlights cauliflower’s versatility by roasting it into substantial “steaks” that hold sauce well. Combined with protein-packed millet and creamy tahini, this complete meal offers texture and flavor in every bite. The crisp cabbage salad balances the richness, creating a vibrant and wholesome dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With bold roasted flavors, creamy tahini, and fresh salad, this recipe is both nourishing and indulgent. It’s simple enough for busy evenings yet impressive enough for guests. Its plant-based nature makes it suitable for vegetarians, vegans (omit Parmesan), and gluten-free diets. You’ll appreciate the hugs of comfort food without heaviness.

Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The cauliflower steak—popularized in vegan cuisine—mimics meat dishes in texture and presentation. Millet adds ancient grain appeal, while tahini and cabbage salad nod to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. This dish unites three culinary heritages into one balanced plate that feels globally inspired.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store components separately in airtight containers. Cauliflower and millet keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days; sauce lasts up to a week. For best texture, reheat cauliflower in a hot oven or skillet to maintain crisp edges, while millet heats quickly in a microwave.

Common Variations to Try

  • Grains: Use quinoa, couscous, or rice instead of millet.

  • Sauce: Swap tahini for garlic yogurt sauce or herb vinaigrette.

  • Veg additions: Add roasted chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for more substance.

  • Seasoning: Toss cauliflower with curry, chili, or harissa spices for a spicy kick.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with crisp white wines (Sauvignon Blanc), sparkling mineral water, or mint tea. Serve alongside pita, flatbread, or tortilla to enjoy with sauce. A bowl of lentil soup or yogurt dip also complements the meal beautifully.

Health Benefits

  • Cauliflower & cabbage are rich in fiber and antioxidants.

  • Millet is gluten-free and contains essential minerals like magnesium.

  • Tahini delivers healthy fats, calcium, and iron.

  • Cabbage salad supplies vitamins A, K, and C.
    Together, this meal promotes gut health, immunity, and sustained energy.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but steaming versions won’t hold shape as well as fresh steaks.
2. How do I get millet fluffy?
Rinse well and let cook covered off heat for 5 minutes after boiling.
3. Can I make tahini sauce ahead?
Yes—store in fridge for up to one week; stir before using.
4. How to cut cauliflower steaks evenly?
Slice through the core, keeping steaks at least ¾-inch thick.
5. Can I grill cauliflower steaks instead of roasting?
Absolutely—grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side.
6. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if millet and all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
7. Can I substitute millet with quinoa?
Yes, especially for complete plant protein.
8. How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat cauliflower in oven at 180 °C or skillet; microwave millet.
9. Can kids eat this?
Yes, its mild flavors are kid-friendly—serve with extra cheese.
10. How to freeze leftovers?
Freeze millet and cauliflower separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Cauliflower Steak Supper is an inspired blend of roasted vegetables, grain, sauce, and salad—a balanced and flavorful plant-based meal that’s nourishing, adaptable, and memorable. With its global flavors and bold presentation, it brings beauty and health to your table. Whether for a quiet evening or festive gathering, this dish delivers satisfaction without compromise.


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This recipe is a wonderful celebration of whole foods—simple ingredients that come together to create rich, vibrant flavors. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor or comfort. It’s also naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based alternative.

Whether you’re serving it for a family meal, a weeknight dinner, or as part of a weekend gathering, this cauliflower steak with millet and tahini sauce is sure to impress. Easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and delightfully delicious—this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Let’s get cooking!