Roasted Cauliflower Steaks (Printer-friendly)

Thick cauliflower slices seasoned and oven-roasted to a golden, tender finish with bold spices.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cauliflower heads

→ Seasonings

02 - 3 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - ½ tsp ground cumin
06 - ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
07 - ¾ tsp kosher salt
08 - ½ tsp black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
10 - Lemon wedges

# How-To Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Remove outer leaves from cauliflower and trim stem, leaving the core intact to hold steaks together.
03 - Place each cauliflower head stem-side down and slice into 1-inch thick steaks using a sharp knife. Expect about 2–3 steaks per head; save any loose florets for roasting alongside.
04 - Arrange cauliflower steaks and any loose florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
06 - Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks and florets generously with the seasoned oil mixture, ensuring even coverage.
07 - Roast for 15 minutes until edges begin to brown.
08 - Flip the steaks carefully with a spatula and roast for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
09 - Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way smoked paprika and cumin transform mild cauliflower into something that feels meaty and substantial
  • How golden roasted edges become irresistibly crispy while the centers stay tender
02 -
  • Some florets will inevitably break loose while slicing, just roast them alongside for extra crispy bits
  • Don't rush the flipping step, letting steaks develop a crust first prevents sticking
03 -
  • Pat cauliflower dry before oiling for better browning
  • Use a pastry brush for even coating instead of drizzling

Return