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Tired of the same old side dishes? Looking for a way to sneak more veggies onto your family’s plates? (Especially when your little ones are convinced “green things” are the enemy!) These Garlic Paprika Roasted Cauliflower Steaks are here to save the day! This recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a satisfying, flavorful meal or side dish that even the pickiest eaters (husbands included!) will enjoy. Get ready for crispy edges, tender centers, and a whole lot of “Mmm, what’s this?” moments.
𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Cost estimate: $5-7
Serves: 4
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Why You’ll Love These Cauliflower Steaks
Okay, let’s be real. “Cauliflower steak” might sound a bit… aspirational. It’s not going to replace a juicy ribeye anytime soon. But what it *will* do is surprise you with its deliciousness and versatility. Think of it as cauliflower’s glow-up! These steaks are:
- Easy to make: Seriously, it’s mostly chopping and roasting. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with flavor: Garlic, paprika, and oregano combine for a savory, smoky taste that complements the cauliflower perfectly.
- Healthy and nutritious: A great way to get your veggie fix without feeling deprived.
- Budget-friendly: Cauliflower is an affordable vegetable, making this a wallet-friendly meal.
- Kid-approved (maybe!): Okay, we can’t guarantee miracles. But the crispy edges and flavorful seasoning might just win them over. Serve with a side of their favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients for Perfect Cauliflower Steaks
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable cauliflower steaks. We’ve broken it down so you know exactly what to grab from the pantry (or add to your grocery list!).
- 1 large head of cauliflower, about 2-3 pounds, leaves removed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Steaks: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for cauliflower steak success! We’ve added tips and tricks along the way to ensure your steaks turn out perfectly every time.
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- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position. A preheated oven is key for even cooking and that coveted caramelization.
- Prepare the cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower head. Place the cauliflower stem-side down on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, carefully cut two 1-inch thick “steaks” from the center of the cauliflower. You’ll likely have smaller florets on either side – don’t toss them! You can roast them alongside the steaks or save them for another recipe (like cauliflower rice!). Pro tip: If your cauliflower is wobbly, cut a thin slice from the bottom to create a stable base.
- Season the cauliflower steaks. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture generously over both sides of the cauliflower steaks, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Cauliflower can be a bit bland on its own, so this is your chance to add flavor.
- Roast the cauliflower steaks. Place the seasoned cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup! Roast for 25-35 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown around the edges. For thicker steaks, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with foil for the first 15 minutes of roasting to help them cook through without burning.
- Check for doneness. To test if the cauliflower steaks are done, pierce the core with a fork. It should slide in easily with minimal resistance. If the center still feels firm, continue roasting for another 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
- Garnish and serve. Once the cauliflower steaks are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately as a main course or side dish.
Tips for the Best Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Want to take your cauliflower steaks to the next level? These tips will help you achieve roasted perfection.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the cauliflower steaks enough space on the baking sheet so they can roast properly. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of caramelize.
- Use a good quality olive oil: The flavor of the olive oil will impact the final taste of the dish.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your liking. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a dash of cumin for a smoky flavor.
- Serve with a sauce: Cauliflower steaks are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a sauce! Try serving them with chimichurri, tahini sauce, or a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Cauliflower Steak Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:
- Spicy Cauliflower Steaks: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.
- Lemon-Herb Cauliflower Steaks: Omit the paprika and oregano. Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley) to the seasoning blend.
- Vegan Cauliflower Steaks: This recipe is already vegan! Just make sure to use a vegan-friendly olive oil.
- Gluten-Free Cauliflower Steaks: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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