Roasted Cauliflower Steaks offer a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional meat dishes, perfect for both vegetarians and anyone looking for a nutritious yet hearty meal. These “steaks” are full of smoky, savory flavors from a flavorful marinade and a crunchy breading, making them an irresistible main course or side dish. Plus, they are versatile and can be customized with your favorite seasonings and dips!
Ingredients:
For Cauliflower Steaks:
- 2 medium-large heads of cauliflower
Marinade:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tbsp maple syrup
- ¾ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Breading:
- ½ cup (60 g) chickpea flour or oat flour
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Trim the stem and remove the leaves from the cauliflower heads, but keep enough of the stem to hold the “steaks” together.
- Using a large knife, slice the cauliflower lengthwise into 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) thick “steaks.” You may get 2-3 steaks per cauliflower head, depending on its size. Reserve any leftover smaller pieces to make cauliflower “wings.”
- Blanch the Cauliflower:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the cauliflower steaks and cook for 4-5 minutes to soften slightly.
- Alternatively, you can steam the cauliflower steaks. Once cooked, set them aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper (and cayenne if using).
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Breading:
- In another bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate and Bread the Cauliflower:
- Place the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each steak generously with the marinade on all sides.
- Dip the steaks into the breading mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated. Spray with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Roast the Cauliflower:
- Bake the cauliflower steaks for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through (at around 15-20 minutes) to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy.
- The steaks should be fork-tender when done.
- Serve:
- Once roasted, transfer the cauliflower steaks to a platter. Serve with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, and your favorite dip, such as cashew tahini dip or any other dressing you prefer. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- Blanching Tip: Slightly pre-cooking the cauliflower by blanching helps to soften the texture and allows for a faster, more even roast in the oven.
- Crispiness: Spraying the cauliflower steaks with cooking spray before baking ensures a crispy exterior.
- Flavor Boost: For added flavor, you can experiment with different spices or add grated cheese during the last few minutes of baking for extra richness.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cauliflower: A great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, cauliflower supports digestion and boosts your immune system.
- Chickpea Flour: High in protein and fiber, chickpea flour provides added nutritional value while being gluten-free.
- Nutritional Yeast: A vegan-friendly source of B-vitamins, particularly B12, and adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Hearty: This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a healthy yet satisfying plant-based dish.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The marinade gives a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor, while the breading adds a delightful crunch.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can prepare these steaks in advance and simply reheat them, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
Dietary Information:
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- Vegan: This recipe is entirely plant-based.
- Gluten-Free: By using gluten-free soy sauce and either chickpea or oat flour, this dish is suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Nut-Free: The recipe doesn’t contain any nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
Why This Recipe Works: The balance of flavors in the marinade combined with the crunchy breading creates a satisfying texture that makes these cauliflower steaks feel substantial and comforting. The cauliflower retains its tenderness, while the breading gives it a crispy outer layer. The variety of spices adds depth without overpowering the natural flavors of the cauliflower.
Conclusion: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious and impressive plant-based dish that can serve as the main course or a hearty side. The marinade provides a burst of flavor, and the breading gives it a satisfying crunch, making this dish a hit for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve with a tangy dip or alongside your favorite sides, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of this nutritious recipe!