When it comes to plant based cooking, creativity is key. I always encourage people to try new things to really enjoy all a meat-free lifestyle has to offer.
Case in point, these delicious vegan cauliflower steaks!
One day after perusing what I had in my fridge I decided to attempt steaks using cauliflower. However I wanted to make something really unique in flavor instead of just adding some rosemary and vegan butter like a lot vegan steak recipes I’d seen. I’m sure those are great too but I wanted to treat it more like I would an actual piece of meat to marinate some more flavor into.
I created a slightly sweet and savory marinate for the cauliflower and let them absorb some of the flavor before roasting them. Adding on my Creamy Vegan Cilantro Chutney and baking for a few more minutes created an incredible flavor.
The flavors are not similar to a piece of meat by any means, perhaps closer a piece of white fish…(if we’re comparing to something non-vegan in flavor).
Perhaps that’s why I felt weirdly transported to a tropical island when I ate it, it brought me back to something I had eaten in the Caribbean, and something I wish would be on menus in some of my favorite places.
I hope this meal transports you to wherever your happy place is, proving that plant based is not boring!
Make it a protein rich meal
I love to pair this recipe with my Turmeric Quinoa recipe (click here)! It pairs perfectly with the flavors of the cauliflower steaks and chutney sauce.
My turmeric quinoa is a wonderful side dish for a main as it’s packed with fiber and is a complete protein. Turmeric has wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a great dish to incorporate into your diet.
Looking for more delicious plant based recipes like this?
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The Best Vegan Cauliflower Steak
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower remove the core and cut into 2-3 2 inch wide pieces, plus extra florets and leaves)
Marinade
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2-3 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp flakey salt sub 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
Instructions
- Combine the marinade ingredients into a bowl or medium sized Tupperware.
- Then place your cauliflower "steaks" and any extra cauliflower florets into the Tupperware, spooning on the marinade to coat the cauliflower. Close the lid and shake up the marinade with cauliflower until its well coated.
- Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
- Bake at 400F for 30 mins and then flip for an additional 15-20 mins.
- Top with my "Creamy Cilantro Chutney Sauce" (recipe linked above) and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Top with extra chutney and enjoy!
My mom a non vegan went in for seconds with this one! She said she didn’t miss her steak the moment she tried this. Please Justine keep the recipes coming!
Aw! That really makes me happy to hear!! It’s so funny because this is one of the recipes I first shared with my mom and now she wants this over meat and fish haha, it seems to be a great dish to sub meat etc. Will do!! 🙂
This really is the BEST cauliflower steak I’ve had. Really flavorful and I prefer this to fish now. It’s that good!! Will try making in florets next time!
Thank you! I’ve made it with florets too and its just as delicious 🙂 A good way to make them a little crispier if you want. Enjoy!
This is literally such an amazing recipe! We’ve made it several times already! I have started going plant based from your recipes & love the new Ebook- love how you use real ingredients , thank you SOOO MUCH!
What can be subbed for the coconut aminos? Never used them before. Thanks in advance.
Coconut aminos is a soy free and gluten free alternative to soy sauce. It’s slightly sweeter and less of a salty flavor that adds a great umami aspect. If you are not soy free, I recommend Tamari (which is gluten free soy sauce or soy sauce if you’re not gluten free) but add adjust the salt as these are more sodium rich 🙂