Cauliflower steaks have revolutionized this humble vegetable, turning a simple side dish into a star main course. With a simple and straightforward recipe, this plant-based centerpiece promises depth of flavor and a hearty, satisfying bite. Serve it with hummus or mashed potatoes and homemade chimichurri on top for a healthy and vibrant meal!
Before getting into the cooking, you’ll need to prepare the cauliflower. Trim the outer leaves and cut the cauliflower head into 1 ½-inch steaks for even cooking and a beautiful presentation. You should get about 2-3 steaks out of a large cauliflower head, but it can vary if it’s smaller or bigger. Remember, the outer pieces can be saved for another recipe, like roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower mash.
Transfer the steaks to a flat working surface (like a baking sheet), then coat them with some olive oil and savory spices. Make sure to save half of the marinade for the other sides of the steaks.
Heat a cast-iron skillet up to medium-high and add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Add one in with the marinade side facing down. If your pan is quite large, you can cook multiple steaks at a time. Cook the steaks on the first side for a few minutes, gently pressing down on the steak as it sears to give it a nice char. Brush the top with more marinade as it cooks, then carefully flip it over and cook it on the other side for another few minutes.
Once the cauliflower steaks are seared, roast them in the oven until the stems are tender when pierced with a fork. The dual technique of searing and roasting is the secret weapon here! Searing gives the steaks a beautiful char, while roasting ensures it's cooked to perfection.
While the cauliflower steaks are roasting, prepare the chimichurri by combining fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, seasonings, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Freshness is key here, so use the best quality ingredients you can find.
Serve your cauliflower steaks immediately while warm on a bed of hummus, mashed potatoes, or mashed sweet potatoes. Add a drizzle of chimichurri on top and chopped nuts or seeds if you’d like. Happy eating!