Grilled cauliflower steaks are thick slices of cauliflower, often cut from the center of the head, that are seasoned, grilled, and served as a main course or a hearty side dish. The result is a tender, smoky, and slightly charred cauliflower steak with a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with various spices, marinades, and toppings.
This simple yet elegant dish offers a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional meat-based grilling.
Join us as we dive into the world of grilled cauliflower steaks, exploring their preparation, flavor profiles, and the many reasons why this dish has become a staple for both vegans and meat lovers alike!
If you follow Weight Watchers, this recipe costs 2 points per serving!
Why You Should Try This Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
- Health benefits. Cauliflower is a highly nutritious vegetable packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It’s low in calories and high in antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain or improve their overall well-being.
- Unique flavor. Grilling cauliflower steaks brings out a unique flavor profile that is different from traditional cooking methods. The heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the cauliflower, imparting a slightly sweet and smoky taste that is incredibly delicious. When cauliflower is sliced into thick steaks and grilled, it develops a satisfying texture. The outside becomes slightly crispy, while the inside remains tender, creating a delightful contrast. Additionally, the attractive presentation of cauliflower steaks adds visual appeal to any dish.
- Dietary preferences. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are an excellent option for those following specific dietary preferences or restrictions. They are naturally gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and can be easily adapted to fit a variety of eating styles, including vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and keto.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Recipe Overview
Prep time: 10 min
Cooking time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Serves: 2
Ingredients in Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into two steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp hot paprika
- 1 tsp tzatziki spice mix (or garlic powder with dried dill)
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, optional
How to Make Grilled Cauliflower Steaks (step by step)
- Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower head. Cut off the bottom stem.
- Use a sharp knife to trim away the sides, then cut the remaining head into 2 very thick “steaks.” Reserve the sides for another use.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, paprika, spice mix, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Brush the cauliflower steaks with the olive oil mixture. Use your hands or a brush to spread the oil evenly.
- Heat a grill to medium or approximately 400 degrees F.
- Place the cauliflower steaks on the hot grill and let them cook for approximately 5 minutes, until the bottom is beginning to char.
- Flip the cauliflower and cook for a further 5 minutes, until it is tender.
- Sprinkle with nutritional yeast, garnish with fresh parsley, if using, and serve hot. Bon appétit!
Nutrition facts:
Serving: 247g | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.9g | Protein: 6.9g | Fat: 7.7g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 925mg | Fiber: 5.6g | Sugar: 5.3g | Vitamin A: 832IU | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1.8mg
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Variations/Substitutions
- Spices and seasonings. Instead of the classic combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, experiment with different spice blends such as Cajun seasoning, curry powder, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Marinades and sauces. Brush the cauliflower steaks with your favorite barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or hot sauce before grilling. Prepare a chimichurri sauce or pesto to serve as a vibrant and flavorful topping. Create a creamy sauce using tahini, yogurt, or coconut milk mixed with herbs and spices.
- Toppings and accompaniments. Serve Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with a side of roasted garlic aioli, tzatziki, or hummus for dipping. Add some crunch by garnishing with toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, pine nuts, or sesame seeds. Pair the cauliflower steaks with refreshing salsa, such as mango salsa, tomato-cucumber salsa, or avocado salsa.
- Additional ingredients. Enhance the flavors by adding thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the grill alongside the cauliflower steaks. Introduce a touch of sweetness by grilling pineapple slices or peach halves and serving them alongside the cauliflower. Include other grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms for a medley of flavors and textures.
- Grilling and roasting. When it comes to grilling, there are several techniques you can employ. One option is to sear the steaks on a grill pan or cast-iron skillet for a similar effect if a grill is not available. Also, roasting cauliflower steaks is a delicious way to prepare this versatile vegetable. Arrange the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as you want them to roast evenly. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of each cauliflower steak, ensuring they are well coated. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cauliflower steaks are golden brown and tender. You can flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Regardless of the technique, it’s important to keep an eye on the cauliflower steaks as they can cook quickly and become overly soft if left unattended.
Tips and Tricks
- Lightly brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with olive oil or another high-heat oil. This helps prevent sticking and aids in achieving a nice char on the grill.
- If you find that cauliflower takes too long to cook on the grill, you can blanch the steaks in boiling water for a couple of minutes before grilling. This will help soften them and reduce grilling time.
- To prevent the cauliflower steaks from falling apart or falling through the grates, you can use a grill basket or create a makeshift “foil packet” by folding aluminum foil around the steaks. This will help keep them intact and make flipping easier.
- After grilling, allow the cauliflower steaks to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the steaks to become more tender.
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Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 145
This simple yet elegant dish offers a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional meat-based grilling.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp hot paprika
- 1 tsp tzatziki spice mix (or garlic powder with dried dill)
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower head. Cut off the bottom stem.
- Use a sharp knife to trim away the sides, then cut the remaining head into 2 very thick “steaks.” Reserve the sides for another use.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, paprika, spice mix, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Brush the cauliflower steaks with the olive oil mixture. Use your hands or a brush to spread the oil evenly.
- Heat a grill to medium or approximately 400 degrees F.
- Place the cauliflower steaks on the hot grill and let them cook for approximately 5 minutes, until the bottom is beginning to char.
- Flip the cauliflower and cook for a further 5 minutes, until it is tender.
- Sprinkle with nutritional yeast, garnish with fresh parsley, if using, and serve hot. Bon appétit!
Calories: 145kcal
Nutrition
Serving: 247g | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.9g | Protein: 6.9g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 925mg | Fiber: 5.6g | Sugar: 5.3g | Vitamin A: 832IU | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1.8mg
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