Looking for a healthy, satisfying, and flavorful dish? This cauliflower steak recipe is one of my favorites, not just as a side dish, but sometimes even as an entrée because it’s just that good. Whether you’re focusing on a plant-based diet, cutting carbs, or simply exploring new recipes, this dish offers a delicious solution. Cooked in either the air fryer or oven, these cauliflower steaks are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a fantastic option for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: This recipe can be served as a side dish or a main course, and it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Healthy: Low in carbs and packed with nutrients, this dish fits well into various diets, including keto and vegetarian.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and cheeses creates a rich, satisfying flavor that even non-vegetarians will love.
- Simple: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish with minimal effort.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Cut Cauliflower Steaks
- How to Make Cauliflower Steaks
- Health Benefits of Cauliflower
- Cheese Variations
- Why Cauliflower Steaks?
- Cooking Techniques
- Expert Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Variations
- Substitutions
- Storage and Leftovers
- Reheating Cauliflower Steaks
- FAQ
- Nutritional Information
- Equipment Used
- Easy Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
How to Cut Cauliflower Steaks
To get perfectly shaped cauliflower steaks, follow these simple steps:
- 1. Remove the outer leaves: Start by trimming away the leaves and cutting off the stem at the base, but leave enough of the core intact to hold the steaks together.
- 2. Slice through the core: Slice the cauliflower in half through the center of the core. Then, slice each half into 1 to 1 1/2-inch thick steaks. Depending on the size of your cauliflower, you can get two or three steaks from each half.
- 3. Handle with care: To prevent the steaks from falling apart, handle them gently, especially when flipping them during cooking.
How to Make Cauliflower Steaks
Making cauliflower steaks is easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can turn a head of cauliflower into a delicious, low-carb dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main course. Below are the step-by-step instructions for both the oven and air fryer methods.
Cut the Cauliflower into steaks by first, removing the stem from the bottom of the cauliflower. Place cauliflower on cutting board, stem side down, and cut in half through the core. Then cut each half into two pieces to make the steaks. I like the steaks about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.
Make the Spice Rub by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, and thyme in olive oil. Add 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan and mix well.
Brush Cauliflower Steaks with spice mixture on both sides and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
Top with Mozzarella cheese and return to oven or air fryer and cook until cheese has melted and gotten some color. About 5 minutes.
Roast in Oven or Air Fryer. Preheat the oven. Place in oven and cook at 400°F for 20 minutes. If using an air fryer place in air fryer basket at 400° for 15 minutes.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the cauliflower in half through the core, then slice each half into two or three slices, depending on the size of the cauliflower. Aim for 1 to 1 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Place the cauliflower slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, thyme, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Brush both sides of the cauliflower slices with the spice mixture.
- Roast the cauliflower in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top each slice with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
- Top each cauliflower slice with chopped parsley or cilantro and enjoy.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into steaks.
- Coat each steak with the spice mixture.
- Place the cauliflower steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
Health Benefits of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and K, and high in fiber. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for low-carb and keto diets. Including cauliflower in your diet supports digestive health and helps with weight management.
Cheese Variations
Cheese plays a crucial role in this cauliflower steak recipe, with Parmesan providing a sharp, nutty taste and mozzarella offering a creamier texture. You can also experiment with Gouda or Pepper Jack for added flavor. For a vegan option, try dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
Mixing different cheeses allows you to customize the flavor to your liking, making this dish versatile and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Why Cauliflower Steaks?
Cauliflower steaks are a hearty, plant-based meal that offers a satisfying alternative to meat. Honestly, this recipe is so good that I sometimes eat it as an entrée, even though I’m not low-carb or vegetarian. It’s that versatile! Whether you’re looking for a filling side dish or a meat-free main course, these steaks have you covered. The rise in plant-based eating has made cauliflower a popular choice, and this recipe highlights its ability to replace traditional meat dishes while being absolutely delicious.
Cooking Techniques
Air frying is ideal for a quick, crispy result, while oven roasting allows for more gradual cooking, resulting in deeper flavors. Both methods yield delicious results, and experimenting with cooking times and temperatures can help you achieve your desired texture.
Expert Tips
- Uniform Slices: Slice the cauliflower evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give the steaks space to cook evenly and crisp up.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinate the cauliflower in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for added depth.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier finish, broil the cauliflower steaks for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cauliflower steaks with a fresh salad, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. They also make a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish. The versatility of this dish means it can complement almost any meal.
Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Herbed: Use fresh rosemary or thyme for added aroma.
- Vegan: Substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast.
Substitutions
- Cheese: Substitute Parmesan and mozzarella with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to make the dish dairy-free.
- Herbs: If you don’t have thyme, use oregano or basil for a different flavor.
- Cauliflower: Try using other sturdy vegetables like thick slices of zucchini or eggplant if you’re out of cauliflower.
- Oils: Olive oil can be swapped for avocado oil, coconut oil, or even grapeseed oil, depending on your preference. These oils each offer different health benefits and slightly alter the flavor profile, making it easy to customize the dish to your liking.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover cauliflower steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness. Proper storage ensures the dish retains its flavor and texture.
Reheating Cauliflower Steaks
To reheat your cauliflower steaks and maintain their crispiness and flavor, follow these methods:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the cauliflower steaks in the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave the steaks on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes. Note that this method might not maintain the crispiness as well as the oven or air fryer.
FAQ
Absolutely! Replace the cheese with a vegan alternative or use nutritional yeast to keep the recipe dairy-free.
You can experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or even curry powder for a unique flavor twist.
Make sure to slice through the core of the cauliflower to help the steaks hold together during cooking. Also, handle the steaks carefully when flipping them.
Yes, you can freeze cooked cauliflower steaks. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Cauliflower steaks pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a grain salad, or even mashed potatoes. They also make a great accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure to use gluten-free cheese if needed.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 Cauliflower Steak
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 7g
This cauliflower steak recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Try it out in your air fryer or oven, and explore the variations to suit your taste!
Equipment Used
I always list the equipment I use to make a recipe along with the ingredients, and also like to list kitchen tools that I find really useful. I do receive a commission on the sale of these products at absolutely no cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Nordic Ware 3 Piece Baker’s Delight Set
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 6-Quart Large Air Fryer Oven
Misen Santoku Knife – 7.5 Inch Japanese Style Kitchen Knife
Unpretentious Smoked Paprika
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Ground Turmeric
McCormick Garlic Powder
Whole Thyme Leaves
Organic Valley Organic Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
AmazonFresh Mediterranean Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Easy Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Ingredients
- 1 Head of cauliflower cut into steaks
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
- 1/2 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish.
Instructions
Oven Roasted Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Slice cauliflower in half through core. Then slice each half into two slices or three depending on the size of your cauliflower. I like to make slices about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.
- place cauliflower slices on parchment lined baking sheet.
- Mix together, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme and turmeric in a bowl and add Parmesan cheese and mix until combined.
- Brush both sides of cauliflower slices with spice mixture.
- Place cauliflower slices in oven and roast for 20 minutes.
- remove from oven and top each cauliflower slice with some mozzarella cheese. Return to oven and bake until cheese is melted. About five minutes.
- Top each cauliflower slice with chopped parsley, or cilantro and enjoy.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F
- Cut Cauliflower into steaks
- Coat with spice mixture
- Place in air fryer basket and air fry 15 minutes
