These savory garlic and paprika cauliflower steaks make for a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional meat steaks. Roasted or grilled to crispy perfection, these cauliflower steaks are seasoned with garlic, red pepper flakes, and paprika for an irresistible flavor. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main course, this recipe offers a flavorful, low-carb option that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (roasted) / 10-12 minutes (grilled)
Total Time: 40 minutes (roasted) / 25 minutes (grilled)
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
For the Cauliflower Steaks:
- 1.6 lb cauliflower (2 small heads)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (0.3 oz), minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 lemon (for serving)
Directions:
- Clean the Cauliflower:
- Remove any outer leaves from the cauliflower heads.
- Soak the whole heads in a bowl of salt water or vinegar water for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
- Cut Cauliflower Steaks:
- Chop away the thick protruding stem to create a flat base for the cauliflower to sit level on your cutting board.
- Slice the cauliflower into ¾-inch to 1 ½-inch thick slices.
- Reserve any leftover cauliflower for another use.
- Season the Cauliflower:
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
- Use a pastry or silicone brush to generously brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the seasoning mixture.
Cooking Methods:
- Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steaks:
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Place the seasoned cauliflower steaks on the tray and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- The steaks are ready when they’re tender in the middle and golden-brown with a crispy exterior.
- Grilled Cauliflower Steaks:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-375ºF/176-190ºC) or use a charcoal BBQ.
- Brush the grates with oil.
- Place the cauliflower steaks with the seasoned side down and cook for 4-5 minutes (5-6 minutes for thicker slices) until browned and crispy.
- Brush the top with the remaining seasoning, flip, and cook until golden-brown and tender.
- Serve:
- Remove the cauliflower steaks from the oven or grill and serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish with quinoa or couscous.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Top with a drizzle of tahini sauce or vegan yogurt for added flavor.
- Serve with grilled vegetables and rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a roasted chicken breast or grilled fish for added protein.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the cauliflower steaks are cut evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Use a pastry brush to apply the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides for maximum flavor.
- You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the cauliflower steaks before baking for a cheesy twist.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cauliflower: Rich in vitamins C, K, and B6, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Olive Oil: Provides heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic: Contains compounds that help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Lemon: High in vitamin C, supports immune health and promotes skin health.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Vegan
- Low-carb
- Keto-friendly
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Sodium: 300mg
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Cauliflower steaks can be frozen before cooking for up to 3 months. Simply brush them with seasoning, freeze on a tray, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Reheating: Reheat roasted or grilled cauliflower steaks in the oven or on the grill to maintain their crispy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and quick to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- The cauliflower steaks are incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide range of sides.
- A healthier, plant-based alternative to traditional meat steaks.
- The garlic and paprika seasoning creates a deliciously smoky and savory flavor that everyone will love.
Conclusion:
Garlic and paprika cauliflower steaks are an easy, flavorful way to enjoy cauliflower. Whether you roast them in the oven or grill them, they come out perfectly tender and crispy every time. These cauliflower steaks make for a great side dish or can even stand alone as a main course. A healthy, low-carb option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
- It’s best to use fresh cauliflower for this recipe as frozen cauliflower may not hold up well when sliced into steaks.
- Can I make these cauliflower steaks ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prep the cauliflower steaks and season them in advance. Store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Can I cook cauliflower steaks on the stovetop?
- While you can sauté them, it’s best to roast or grill them for optimal texture and flavor.
- How thick should the cauliflower steaks be?
- Aim for ¾-inch to 1 ½-inch thick slices. Thicker slices may require slightly longer cooking time.
- Can I add other spices to the seasoning mix?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Cumin, turmeric, or even smoked paprika can be great additions.
- Can I make this recipe without red pepper flakes?
- Yes, you can skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil?
- Yes, coconut oil can be used for a slightly different flavor, though it will change the overall taste.
- Can I use a grill pan if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
- Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works great for making cauliflower steaks.
- Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
- Yes, cauliflower is naturally low in carbs, making this recipe perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.
- Can I serve these cauliflower steaks with a sauce?
- Yes! Tahini sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy tomato salsa would pair wonderfully with these steaks.