Name: Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 medium cauliflower heads; 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided); 1 teaspoon paprika (divided); 1 teaspoon coriander (divided); Olive oil spray

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Meet your new meatless main event: Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak. This vibrant, satisfying recipe turns humble cauliflower into thick, golden slabs that pack smoky flavor, crispy edges, and a tender bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a beautiful plant-based centerpiece or jazz up your weeknight routine, this dish shows just how exciting and hearty vegetables can be.

Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak so irresistible? It all comes down to a handful of simple, fresh ingredients and a few essential spices. These pantry staples not only create big, bold flavor but also contribute a wonderful golden color, aromatic crust, and just the right touch of heat.

Cauliflower Heads: Choose medium, firm heads with tight florets—they slice into the thick “steaks” you’ll love without falling apart.
Olive Oil Spray: This delivers a light, even coating that helps achieve those crispy, caramelized edges and prevents sticking.
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt: Its coarse texture evenly seasons your steaks, enhancing all the natural flavors of the cauliflower.
Black Pepper: A few grinds add subtle heat and earthiness, balancing the other spices perfectly.
Garlic Powder: Gives each bite a warm, savory underpinning without overpowering the cauliflower’s own flavor.
Paprika: Lends a beautiful brick-red hue and a sweet, smoky note that makes every forkful pop.
Coriander: Adds a citrusy, slightly nutty aroma that takes the flavor profile up a notch and keeps things interesting.

How to Make Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil or high-heat parchment paper, then mist it with olive oil spray. This extra step ensures your cauliflower steaks won’t stick and helps them come out with a perfectly crisp exterior.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Wash and dry each cauliflower head thoroughly. Snip off the outer leaves and trim just the very bottom of the core, leaving enough of the stem to hold each steak together. Next, slice the cauliflower into 3/4-inch-thick slabs. Don’t worry if the outside slices crumble—a few florets tossed around the pan roast beautifully alongside your steaks and are just as tasty.

Step 3: Arrange and Season

Place your cauliflower slabs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, letting the loose florets fill in the gaps. Spray the tops with olive oil for that golden finish, then shower on half your salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and coriander. This first layer of seasoning ensures every nook and cranny is well flavored.

Step 4: Bake and Flip

Roast the cauliflower in the hot oven for 15 minutes. The high heat encourages deep caramelization. Remove the tray, flip the steaks gently with two wide spatulas (they’re delicate, so take your time!), spray again with olive oil, and sprinkle with the remaining spices for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Finish Baking

Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the steaks are gorgeously browned with fork-tender centers and irresistibly crispy edges. Serve your Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak immediately for the very best texture.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak

Garnishes

For a pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle your cauliflower steaks with chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives just before serving. A drizzle of lemon juice or a quick zesting over the top also brightens things up and accentuates the spices.

Side Dishes

Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak plays well with a variety of accompaniments. Try pairing it with fluffy quinoa, a warm lentil salad, herbed couscous, or even mashed sweet potatoes. For a finishing touch, a side of dairy-free yogurt or tzatziki can add cool creaminess to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack steaks for a striking presentation and spoon over a vibrant sauce like chimichurri, romesco, or spicy tahini. Scatter roasted chickpeas or toasted seeds on top for extra crunch, or serve smaller slabs as hearty “fries” alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for easy lunches or meal prep later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked cauliflower steaks, but be prepared for a slightly softer texture after reheating. Lay the pieces flat in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. They’ll keep for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring your Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak back to its original glory, reheat on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the edges are crisp again. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but won’t deliver the same golden finish.

FAQs

Can I make Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and season the cauliflower slabs earlier in the day, store them covered in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving for optimum freshness and texture.

What’s the best way to cut cauliflower into steaks?

Begin by removing the leaves and trimming the stem, but keep the core intact. Slice from top to bottom using a large, sharp knife, aiming for 3/4-inch-thick slabs. The center pieces will hold together best, while outer slices might fall into florets.

How do I keep the cauliflower from becoming mushy?

Baking at high temperature helps achieve crispy edges and a tender, not soggy, center. Be sure to pat the steaks dry before roasting and use a preheated oven for best results.

Can I use other seasonings for Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak?

Absolutely! The basic method is versatile. Swap in smoked paprika, curry powder, Italian herbs, or your favorite spice blends to take the flavor in different directions each time.

Is Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak filling enough for a main dish?

With its hearty texture and big, bold flavors, this dish makes a satisfying centerpiece even for meat-lovers. Pair with grains or legumes for a wholesome and complete meal.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried an Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak yet, now’s your moment to discover just how hearty and delicious a vegetable main can be. With its caramelized edges, tender heart, and savory seasoning, this dish is sure to surprise and delight everyone at your table. Give it a whirl—your tastebuds (and your guests) will thank you!

Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Oven-Baked Cauliflower Steak recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish that mimics the experience of eating a hearty steak. With a blend of spices and a perfect oven roast, this cauliflower steak is a delicious and nutritious option for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 medium cauliflower heads

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided)
1 teaspoon paprika (divided)
1 teaspoon coriander (divided)

Additional:

Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil or parchment paper and spray with olive oil.
Prepare the cauliflower: Wash, trim, and slice the cauliflower heads into steaks. Dry them well with paper towels.
Season and bake: Arrange the steaks on the baking sheet, spray with oil, and season with half the spices. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, season with remaining spices, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until tender.
Serve: Once browned and fork-tender, serve the cauliflower steaks immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, you can drizzle with a squeeze of lemon or sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.
Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor profile of your cauliflower steaks.
Make sure to dry the cauliflower well before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Vegetarian