Name: Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference); 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes cauliflower, often overlooked as just a side dish, and elevates it to a show-stopping main course. Roasting the cauliflower creates a caramelized, savory base that pairs beautifully with the fresh, garlicky, and herb-packed chimichurri sauce. The best part? It’s simple, healthy, and incredibly versatile—perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or just want to enjoy more veggies, this recipe will leave you craving more!

Ingredients

For the cauliflower steaks:

1 large head of cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the chimichurri sauce:

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the cauliflower steaks:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower. Stand the cauliflower on its base and carefully slice it into 3/4-inch thick “steaks.” You should get about 2-4 steaks from the head, depending on its size. The remaining florets can be saved for another dish.
Place the cauliflower steaks on the baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Toss them gently to coat evenly.

2. Roast the cauliflower:

Roast the cauliflower steaks in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. The exact time will depend on the size of your cauliflower steaks.

3. Make the chimichurri sauce:

While the cauliflower is roasting, make the chimichurri sauce by combining the chopped parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
Stir in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. The chimichurri should be tangy, vibrant, and slightly spicy.

4. Assemble and serve:

Once the cauliflower steaks are roasted, remove them from the oven and transfer them to serving plates.
Spoon a generous amount of chimichurri sauce over the top of the cauliflower steaks, letting the sauce soak into the crevices.
Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 (or more, depending on how many steaks you get from the cauliflower)
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add Veggies: Roast other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts alongside the cauliflower steaks for a complete meal.
Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a small diced chili to the chimichurri for extra heat.
Vegan Parmesan: Sprinkle vegan parmesan cheese over the cauliflower steaks before roasting for a cheesy twist.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks: If you prefer grilling, brush the cauliflower steaks with olive oil and grill them for about 5-7 minutes per side over medium heat, until charred and tender.
Chimichurri with Olive Tapenade: For a Mediterranean twist, mix in a tablespoon of chopped olives or capers into the chimichurri sauce for extra briny flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cauliflower steaks and chimichurri sauce separately in airtight containers. The cauliflower steaks will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the chimichurri sauce will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Reheat the cauliflower steaks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Fresh chimichurri sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

While fresh cauliflower yields the best results for texture and flavor, you can use frozen cauliflower if needed. However, frozen cauliflower may not hold its shape as well and could become mushy after roasting.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the cauliflower steaks ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven before serving and top with fresh chimichurri sauce.

3. Can I add more flavor to the chimichurri?

Absolutely! You can add a small amount of Dijon mustard, shallots, or even a little honey to the chimichurri sauce for more complexity. Play around with the ingredients to find your preferred flavor balance.

4. What else can I serve with cauliflower steaks?

Cauliflower steaks pair wonderfully with grains like quinoa or couscous, as well as fresh salads, roasted potatoes, or a simple avocado toast. You can also serve them with a side of hummus or tahini sauce for extra richness.

5. Is chimichurri sauce only for cauliflower?

Not at all! Chimichurri is a versatile sauce that goes well with many grilled or roasted vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and even grilled meats. It also makes a great topping for salads and bowls.

6. Can I make the chimichurri sauce in advance?

Yes, chimichurri sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. In fact, letting the sauce sit for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors meld together.

7. Can I use other herbs in the chimichurri sauce?

Yes! While parsley and cilantro are the classic herbs in chimichurri, you can experiment with other herbs like oregano, basil, or mint to create a different flavor profile.

8. Can I use a different oil for the chimichurri sauce?

Yes, you can use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any mild-flavored oil in place of olive oil, but olive oil is the traditional choice for chimichurri sauce due to its rich flavor.

9. How do I make the cauliflower steaks more flavorful?

To add more flavor, you can marinate the cauliflower steaks in olive oil, garlic, and spices for 15-30 minutes before roasting. This will help infuse more flavor into the cauliflower.

10. How do I prevent the cauliflower steaks from falling apart?

Make sure to slice the cauliflower carefully into thick steaks (around 3/4-inch thick). Handle the steaks gently when flipping them to ensure they stay intact during roasting.

Conclusion

Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings out the best in cauliflower. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that’s perfect for both vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy more plant-based dishes. With the bright, zesty chimichurri sauce complementing the savory roasted cauliflower, this dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation! Enjoy it as a main course, side dish, or part of a larger spread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the cauliflower steaks:

2. Roast the cauliflower:

3. Make the chimichurri sauce:

4. Assemble and serve:

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

3. Can I add more flavor to the chimichurri?

4. What else can I serve with cauliflower steaks?

5. Is chimichurri sauce only for cauliflower?

6. Can I make the chimichurri sauce in advance?

7. Can I use other herbs in the chimichurri sauce?

8. Can I use a different oil for the chimichurri sauce?

9. How do I make the cauliflower steaks more flavorful?

10. How do I prevent the cauliflower steaks from falling apart?

Conclusion

Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition