Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Tahini Sauce
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Tahini Sauce is a delicious and healthy vegetarian main course. This plant-based recipe combines tender cauliflower steaks roasted in the oven and served with nutty tahini sauce, making it a true culinary treat.
The cauliflower steaks are perfectly charred and seasoned, while the creamy tahini sauce adds a tangy and nutty hint. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe promises to be a delicious addition to your favourite recipes.
This baked cauliflower with tahini sauce is a must-have side dish, similar to Turkish Bulgur Pilav and Baked Aubergine with Yogurt Dressing, Baked Potato Wedges and Chickpea Ratatouille. You will find yourself making it again and again.
To make these delicious cauliflower steaks, a large head of cauliflower is sliced into thick pieces and seasoned with olive oil, paprika, and garlic powder before baking to perfection. The tahini sauce, made with tahini paste, lemon juice, Greek yoghurt, and a touch of maple syrup, adds flavour to the dish.
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When served together, the creamy sauce enhances the natural taste of the cauliflower. Sprinkle with parsley, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra texture and garnish. This vegetarian and gluten-free option is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a versatile and appealing choice for any meal.
Watch Us Make The Recipe
Why this recipe works
This simple cauliflower recipe is nutritious, healthy and gluten-free, perfect as a main for vegetarians and vegans or those looking for meatless meals. If you are wondering how to make cauliflower steaks, then this recipe is for you. It requires minimal preparation and cooking time and it uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens.
Ingredients to make Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Tahini Sauce
- Cauliflower – you need a medium cauliflower head, depending on the number of people you want to feed. Cauliflower will serve as the main ingredient of the dish.
- Olive oil – is used to coat the cauliflower before roasting. It helps to achieve a crispy exterior and adds richness to the dish.
- Paprika – adds a warm and slightly smoky flavour to the cauliflower. It also provides a vibrant colour to the dish.
- Garlic powder – provides a specific flavour to the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper – are basic seasonings that help bring out the natural sweetness of this vegetable.
- Tahini paste – is the base of the tahini sauce.
- Lemon juice – adds freshness to the sauce.
- Greek yoghurt ( replace for a vegan version) – provides a tangy taste to the sauce.
- Maple syrup – is used to balance the flavours of the sauce by adding a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic cloves – add spiciness to the sauce.
- Chilli powder – adds a kick to the dish.
Substitutions
Here are some alternative ingredient options for the Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Tahini Sauce recipe, providing flexibility in case you discover any missing items from your shopping list.
- Head of Cauliflower: You can use other hearty vegetables like broccoli, portobello mushrooms, or thick slices of eggplant.
- Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil, melted coconut oil, or melted butter.
- Paprika: Replace with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Powder: Use minced fresh garlic cloves for a more intense taste.
- Salt and Pepper: These can be substituted with your preferred seasoning blend or herbs like Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence.
- Tahini Paste: Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as alternatives.
- Lemon Juice: You can use lime juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
- Greek Yogurt: Substitute with dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream for a vegan option, or sour cream for a non-vegan option.
- Maple Syrup: Agave nectar, honey, or brown sugar can be used.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder.
- Chilli Powder: Use cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy alternative.
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Variations
- Citrus flavour: Incorporate grated lemon or orange zest into the tahini sauce for a bright, citrusy flavour.
- Crunchy topping: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped almonds, or pine nuts over the roasted cauliflower steaks for a crunchy texture.
- Umami boost: Drizzle a balsamic reduction or soy sauce over the cauliflower steaks before serving to enhance the umami flavour.
- Cheesy finish: Sprinkle, grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese over the roasted cauliflower steaks for a cheesy touch.
- Asian style: Replace the tahini sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sriracha for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Mediterranean taste: Top the roasted cauliflower steaks with chopped Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Tex-Mex twist: Sprinkle cauliflower steaks with taco seasoning before roasting, then serve with a dollop of guacamole or salsa on top.
How to make this recipe
Know from the start that this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and leaving minimal mess in your kitchen. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your lunch or dinner ready in no time.
Begin by removing the green leaves and tough stem from the cauliflower, then thoroughly wash it. Use a chopping board and a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower into steaks. The cauliflower must be fresh. Arrange the steaks on a wide pan lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the spice mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, Greek yoghurt or vegan, olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, chilli powder, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
After cooking the cauliflower steaks, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a bit. Serve the steaks with a spoonful of tahini sauce on top. You can also add chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavour if you like.
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
You can serve these Cauliflower Steaks with Salmon En Papillote for a protein-paired meal.
Leftovers and storage
Roasted cauliflower steaks are best consumed while freshly baked, but if you baked leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just transfer any extra steaks to an airtight container and consume them within 3 days. When reheating the grilled cauliflower, you can use a microwave or heat them on the stove. Ensure they’re heated thoroughly before serving.
The tahini sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
How to cut the cauliflower into steaks
Cutting cauliflower into steaks is simple. Here’s how you can do it:
- Remove Leaves: Start by removing the green leaves at the base of the cauliflower. Trim the stem so that the cauliflower can sit flat on the cutting board.
- Position the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower on a cutting board with the stem side down.
- Slice Steaks: Use a sharp knife to make vertical cuts through the centre of the cauliflower head. Aim for slices that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. It would help if you ended up with cauliflower “steaks” that hold together by the stem.
- Use Leftover Pieces: After slicing the steaks, you’ll have some smaller florets and loose pieces left. Please don’t throw them away! You can save them for other recipes like stir-fries, soups, or salads.
How to Air Fry Cauliflower Steaks
Cooking cauliflower in an air fryer is fast and simple. Just coat the cauliflower steaks with the spice mix on both sides and place them on the tray. Then, air fry them at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until they’re golden and tender.
Recipe FAQs
More Cauliflower Recipes
- Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt and Chimichurri
- Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Tahini Sauce
- Crunchy Cauliflower Bites Bonanza
Looking for more? Check out +61 Best Mains Easy Recipes!
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Baked Cauliflower Steaks with Tahini Sauce
Equipment
- parchment paper
- baking pan
- Brush or basting brush
Ingredients
For the cauliflower steaks:
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tahini sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt ( replace for a vegan version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower head. Place it upright on a cutting board and slice it into 1-inch thick slices to create cauliflower “steaks.” You should be able to get about 2-3 steaks from one large head of cauliflower.1 large head of cauliflower
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the oil mixture, ensuring they are well coated.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper to taste
- Place the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased with oil.
- Bake the cauliflower steaks in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, Greek yogurt or vegan Yogurt, olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, chili powder, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.1/4 cup tahini paste, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt ( replace for a vegan version), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon chili powder, Salt to taste
- Once the cauliflower steaks are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the cauliflower steaks with a drizzle of tahini sauce on top. You can also garnish them with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
