Craving a hearty, plant-based meal that’s easy to make? These smoky, spiced cauliflower steaks are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold flavor.
It’s my take on a classic steak, but with a plant-based twist—yummy cauliflower steaks that are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
If you love my popular cabbage steak, you’ll enjoy this tasty alternative!
Whether roasted in the oven or grilled to perfection, they’re a delicious main course or side dish ready in no time.
Cauliflower Steak
I’m here to show you how simple it is to make healthy, flavorful meals from scratch with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
With easy steps and customizable seasonings, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy vegetarian dish without the fuss!
If you’re new here, check out more about The Yummy Bowl to learn how I as a food professional, can help you feel confident in the kitchen and create homemade meals your family will love.
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Ingredients
- Cauliflower - Use a large head of cauliflower for thick, hearty steaks. Choose one with tight, white florets and minimal brown spots.
- Olive oil - Helps the spices stick and creates crispy, caramelized edges.
- Sea salt & black pepper - Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavor. I love using seasoned salts to give even more flavor to healthy vegetables.
- Paprika or smoked paprika - Adds depth, color, and a smoky undertone.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) - A pinch for a touch of heat.
- Garlic powder - Adds a savory, robust flavor.
- Fresh parsley - A bright, fresh garnish for extra color and taste.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Cauliflower Steak
Prep the Cauliflower:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove any green leaves and trim the cauliflower stem slightly, keeping the core intact.
- Slice the cauliflower into ¾-inch thick steaks. You’ll get 2-3 full slices per head, with extra florets from the edges. Roast those alongside the steaks or save for another recipe.
Season the Steaks:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, sea salt, cayenne, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, and onion + garlic powder.
- Brush the mixture generously on both sides of the cauliflower steaks.
Choose Your Cooking Method:
Oven Method:
- Arrange the steaks on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until tender and golden brown.
Grill Method:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Place the cauliflower steaks on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Flip, cover, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until tender and lightly charred.
Tips for Success
- Dry thoroughly. I like to pat cauliflower dry after washing to ensure the edges are nice and crispy.
- Consistent slices. Try to cut steaks evenly to help them cook at the same rate.
- Caramelization matters. Cook until deeply golden for the best flavor. Some parts on the edges may be more charred than others, which is fine, just cut them off when serving.
- Use extra florets. Roast leftover florets alongside the steaks or save for another recipe like cauliflower rice or add it to frittata.
My Favorite Way To Serve These Steaks
- I love simple dishes and these steak are always a hit with with grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous. I love to drizzle some Green Goddess dip or tzatziki on top. SO good and perfect for a date night!
- Top with roasted air fryer chickpeas or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
- Pair with a vibrant sauce like chimichurri, buffalo sauce, balsamic glaze, marinaraor a creamy pesto.
- Check out my collection of side dish ideas for the perfect pairings with cabbage steaks.
Other Ways I Love To Season Cauliflower Steaks
- Buffalo: Brush with buffalo sauce for spicy cauliflower steaks.
- Taco Seasoning: Use 2-3 teaspoons for the steaks.
- BBQ: Brush with BBQ sauce halfway through cooking for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Montreal Steak: Use 2-3 teaspoon of Montreal steak seasoning for a smoky, savory twist.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze. Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months with parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
- To Reheat. Warm in a skillet over medium heat (1-2 minutes per side), in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1 minute.
More Healthy Cauliflower Recipes
- Cauliflower Salmon Casserole
- Cauliflower Rice
- Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
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Recipe Card
Cauliflower Steaks
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 large head of cauliflower, or 2 smaller
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika , or smoked paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne spice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- fresh parsley, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat & prep: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice cauliflower: Cut cauliflower heads into ¾-inch-thick slices. You’ll get 2-3 full slices from each head, with extra florets from the ends. Use the florets for another recipe or roast them alongside the steaks.1 large head of cauliflower
- Season: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, and onion + garlic powder. Brush the mixture on both sides of the cauliflower steaks.3 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 pinch cayenne spice
- 2 methods:
- Oven: Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake another 10-15 minutes until tender and golden brown.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the steaks on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip, cover, and cook 4-5 more minutes until tender and charred. Garnish with parsley and serve!fresh parsley
NOTES
- To Store. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze. Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months with parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
- To Reheat. Warm in a skillet over medium heat (1-2 minutes per side), in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1 minute.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Steph
I just made them and they are phenomenal! I even put a pinch of oregano. Delish!
Julia
Oh delicious, I love herbs with these steaks! Glad you liked it Steph!
Mark
this is real life?
Julia
it is
Julia
Which method you love the most?