Name: Oven Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons vegan honey; 1 lemon (juiced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; salt and pepper; 1 cauliflower; ¼ cup pistachios (crushed); ½ pomegranate arils; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

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If you’ve never tasted a vegan roasted cauliflower steak before, trust me, you’re in for a real treat! They’ve got a sweet, nutty taste balanced beautifully by the sweet, sharp flavor of the pomegranate seeds. Not only do they make people think, wow! when I serve them, but they are also incredibly easy to make. You’ll want to make them again, and again, and again!

Close-up of roasted cauliflower slices topped with chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and garnished with parsley leaves on a plate. — Photo Credit: Two City Vegans

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Why You Will Love Making Cauliflower Steaks

I love this dish because it’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. It’s simplicle and the delicious – what’s not to love?

Here’s why:

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, these steaks are perfect for a hassle-free meal.
Healthy and Nutritious: Cauliflower is loaded with vitamins and fiber and is a great low-calorie option.
They Go With Anything: These steaks are amazing on their own, but I love how they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces and sides.
Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Leftovers are Fantastic: I love them the next day in salads, sandwiches, or as a quick snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

Ingredients for a recipe laid out on a counter: lemon, cauliflower, vegan honey, pomegranate, pistachios, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and oil. — Photo Credit: Two City Vegans

How to Make Cauliflower Steaks with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Ready to make these scrumptious cauliflower steaks? Here’s a simple guide to get you started.

Prepping the Oven

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 355°F (180°C). This ensures your cauliflower steaks cook evenly. Use baking paper to line your baking sheet. It’s a lifesaver for easy cleanup!

Mixing Your Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend will give your steaks a delightful flavor kick.

A hand holds a honey dipper over a small jar of honey above a bowl of olive oil. Surrounding items include lemon wedges, pomegranate seeds, and a bowl of pistachios on a light countertop. — Add 2 tablespoons of vegan honey to a bowl.

A bowl of oil and spices surrounded by lemon wedges, pistachios, pomegranate halves, and greens on a light-colored surface. — Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

A bowl of reddish-brown sauce with a spoon, surrounded by lemon wedges, pistachios in a wooden bowl, and a halved pomegranate on a light countertop. — Mix them all together.

Cutting and Seasoning the Cauliflower

Remove any cauliflower leaves and cut the cauliflower into 1-inch thick slices. Make sure you don’t remove the stem, and be gentle to keep the slices intact.

Next, place the cauliflower slices on the prepared tray. Brush them generously with your honey-lemon mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is seasoned.

Sliced cauliflower on a wooden cutting board with a knife, surrounded by pistachios and other vegetable scraps. — Cut the cauliflower into an inch thick slices.

A brush spreads seasoning onto a slice of cauliflower placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet. — After placing them on the tray, brush them with your honey-lemon mixture.

Slices of roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet with charred edges. — Bake them for 30 – 35 minutes until they are golden brown.

Bake!

Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden-brown finish that’s irresistibly tempting.

Garnish & Serve

Once done, sprinkle crushed pistachios, pomegranate arils, and fresh parsley over the steaks. This not only adds flavor but also makes your dish a feast for the eyes.

A plate of roasted cauliflower garnished with pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and fresh parsley. — Photo Credit: Two City Vegans

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are my expert tips to lift your cauliflower steaks to the next level.

Look for Freshness: Opt for cauliflower heads that are tight, firm, and white without any brown spots. Freshness is key to a great taste and texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with the seasonings and spices. I like adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat or a sprinkle of cumin for a warm, earthy note.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your cauliflower steaks some space on the baking tray. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which might affect the texture.
Thickness: Cutting your steaks about 1 inch thick ensures they cook evenly and retain a nice, tender bite.
Add Color and Crunch: The pistachios and pomegranate not only add a burst of color but also a wonderful crunch and freshness. Feel free to substitute with other nuts or fruits as per your taste.
Can I make cauliflower steaks on the grill? Absolutely! I love grilling them as it adds a smoky flavor that’s fantastic. Just be sure to oil the grates and the steaks well to prevent sticking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the steaks and the seasoning ahead of time, but I prefer to roast them just before serving to maintain the best texture.

A plate with roasted cauliflower garnished with pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and parsley. A fork and knife are on the plate with a small bowl of sauce and a wooden bowl of pistachios nearby. — Photo Credit: Two City Vegans

How to Store Leftover Cauliflower Steaks

Got some leftovers? No problem! Here’s how I keep my cauliflower steaks tasting great for later.

Cool & Airtight: Let the steaks cool down to room temperature before storing them and then store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from absorbing any smelly odors from your fridge.
Refrigerate: Pop them into the refrigerator as soon as they’re cool. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven or on a skillet to retain their texture. Microwaving might make them a bit too soft.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Steaks

Pairing sides with your cauliflower steaks can turn a simple dish into a feast. Here are some ideas to complete your meal.

Complement with Grains

A side of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa can balance the flavors. These grains are a blank canvas, soaking up the juices and seasonings of the steaks.

Our Cilantro-Lime Rice recipe goes perfectly with cauliflower steaks, and for something a little more fancy, try our Asparagus and White Bean Risotto!

Add a Protein

For a protein boost, consider adding a side of beans or lentils. They’re hearty, nutritious, and go well with the cauliflower’s texture.

A plate of roasted cauliflower steaks topped with pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios, garnished with fresh parsley, on a light-colored plate. — Photo Credit: Two City Vegans

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