Indulge in the delight of cauliflower steaks: tender, crispy, and bursting with flavor! Discover the art of crafting thick slices from a whole head of cauliflower, lightly pre-cooking them for 5 minutes, generously seasoning with your favorite blend, and finally savoring the perfection as you pan-fry them for a mere 10 minutes! Get ready for a culinary sensation that requires no oven and promises to leave you craving more.
What to expect?

While most cauliflower steak recipes use the same 3-step method of seasoning, searing them in a pan, then roasting them in the oven. We took a different approach, resulting in a shorter cooking time and delicious cauliflower slices. When you try our recipe, you can expect a dish that is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Check the original Cauliflower Steak recipe for the video recipe.
Cauliflower = A Great Meat Alternative
The cauliflower steak is a great plant-based option for those looking for a meatless alternative. It does not mimic the flavor or texture of beef, but the seasoning was specially selected to bring in some meaty flavors. It can be served as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner and pairs well with side dishes such as vegan mashed potatoes and vegan green peppercorn sauce.
Check the original Cauliflower Steak recipe for the video recipe.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: We used approx. 2-pound head that was enough to make 2 large slices 1-1.5-inch thick, as well as 4-6 florets or pieces.
- Spices: onion powder, cumin, smoked sweet paprika powder, mustard powder, black pepper, salt
- Rosemary twigs, garlic cloves, dairy-free butter
Check the original Cauliflower Steak recipe for the video recipe.
How to cut cauliflower steaks
- Peel off the leaves as much as you can.
- Cut off the stem at the bottom with the remaining leaves.
- Place it with the stem below, and cut the head of the cauliflower in half.
- Take a sharp knife and cut a 1-inch slice from both halves.
Check the original Cauliflower Steak recipe for the video recipe.
Pre-cooking
- In a large stockpot, boil water with a pinch of salt on the stovetop.
- Use tongs to a slotted turner to gently place the slices in the hot water.
- Cover it with a lid and cook them for 5 minutes. Use medium heat to keep it simmering.
- When the time is up, place them on a plate to let them cool.
Check the original Cauliflower Steak recipe for the video recipe.
Pan-frying I.
- In a small bowl, mix all spices for the dry rub: onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika powder, black paper, and salt.
- Place the pre-cooked cauliflower steaks on a plate or cutting board.
- Sprinkle the spice mix on both sides. Gently pat it with your fingers to make it stick.
Check the original Cauliflower Steak recipe for the video recipe.
Pan-frying II.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add butter.
- Add cauliflower steaks, garlic cloves, and fresh rosemary twigs when the butter melts.
Check the original Cauliflower Steak recipe for the video recipe.
Pan-frying III.
- Fry them for 5 minutes on each side. The stem part takes the longest to soften. You can test it with the tip of the knife. In the end, the steaks should be crunchy, not too soft, so you can actually bite into them.
Check the original Cauliflower Steak recipe for the video recipe.
Serving ideas
- We love serving vegan cauliflower steaks with vegan mashed potatoes and vegan green peppercorn sauce (pictured). However, there are more delicious side dishes you can select:
Check the original Cauliflower Steak recipe for the video recipe.
More steak recipes to try
If you are looking for more vegan steak recipes, take a look at our Teriyaki oyster mushroom steak, our spicy tofu steak with chimichurri sauce, or our vegan Philly cheesesteak recipes. They are absolutely delicious.
Tofu Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
A perfect tofu steak is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. It is seasoned with a spicy, smoked steak marinade and grilled to perfection, resulting in charcoaled stripes.
Recipe: tofu steak
Vegan Philly Cheesesteak
To make the best vegan Philly cheesesteak you should pan-fry shredded oyster mushrooms (not cut, but torn apart). They will have the perfect beefy texture and taste. Fill your hoagie roll with a generous amount of mushroom cheesesteak and vegan cheese.
Recipe: vegan Philly cheesesteak
19. Oyster Mushroom Steak
This recipe is perfect for those who want a tasty and meatless alternative to steak. With the right marination and cooking technique, pearl oyster mushrooms can be transformed into a crispy and flavorful dish that can satisfy even the most carnivorous appetites.
Recipe: oyster mushroom steak
Squash Steak with Polenta
Indulge in a vegetarian delight with our Butternut Squash Steak served atop a creamy bed of polenta. The tender, caramelized squash perfectly complements the rich and comforting polenta, creating a harmonious combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Recipe: squash steak
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