These Quick And Easy Vegan Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks Will Delight Even Your Most Carnivorous Guest
Who said cauliflower had to be bland and couldn't be delicious?
If you've been looking for an easy cauliflower recipe that will delight anyone - vegan or not, then let me present one of our latest recipes to you - cheesy cauliflower steaks!
Low calories but packed with nutrition, this vegan recipe for cheesy cauliflower steaks by Chloe Wheatland from @chloeevegan uses ingredients that are most likely already in your pantry. This makes it really convenient to prepare on days where you're strapped for time.
Once you've tasted this recipe for creamy and cheesy cauliflower steaks, there's no going back! If you've not been a fan, you will love cauliflower with how this recipe is prepared which features low prep time and cooking time. Even if you don't have an air fryer, don't fret as you will be roasting the cauliflower steaks easily in the oven!
Hold Up! You Said "Cheesy" But There's No Parmesan Cheese In This Recipe?
You read that right, folks! No cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or parmesan cheese is involved in preparing this recipe. But you and your guests' taste buds will still thank you because the cauliflower steaks are cheesy and delicious!
Thanks to the nutritional yeast, vegans can enjoy this cheesy cauliflower steak without needing to compromise on taste or flavour. Even meat lovers would love this cauliflower steak recipe.
But Can I Include Cheese In This Recipe?
Thanks to the versatility of this recipe, you can include shredded cheese if you wish. However, the recipe will not be vegan if you include cheese.
Feel free to get creative with your cheese! It could be a mix of different cheeses - shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese. You might surprise yourself and your taste buds when you create a great combination of cheesy flavours.
Once the cauliflower is done roasting in the oven, take the tray out and sprinkle the cheese on top of the cauliflower steaks. Put the tray back into the oven until the cheese has melted.
What Are Dishes That Would Go Well With Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks?
There are lots of dishes that would go well with this versatile side dish. You can serve it with a main dish such as coconut beef curry or Moroccan chicken baked in red sauce. But if you are looking for vegan options, a vegan mac and cheese do nicely for your dinner.
How Do You Cut Cauliflower Steaks So They Don't Fall Apart?
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After rinsing the cauliflower, pat dry the cauliflower with a kitchen towel.
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Remove any green leaves from the cauliflower
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With a sharp knife, cut the cauliflower's stem off
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Set the cauliflower on the chopping board with the core side down and cut the cauliflower in half
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Slice cauliflower halves into thick slices, about ¾ inch to 1 inch thick
Why Is My Cauliflower Soggy?
Yes, your roasted cauliflower steaks can become soggy! But I'm here to help you by giving you a few pointers so you can prepare a successful roasted cauliflower steak recipe.
One issue that might cause your cauliflower to turn soggy is if you overcrowd the baking sheet. Your cauliflower will not be cooked evenly on an overcrowded sheet pan, resulting in a soggy cauliflower steak. Instead, place cauliflower slices in an even layer on the baking sheet with parchment paper. The cheesy cauliflower steak is ready when it's fork-tender.
It is also possible after you washed the cauliflower, there was still a lot of water left in the florets. To fix this issue, use a kitchen towel to pat dry the cauliflower slices before spreading the marinade mixture.
Why Is Cauliflower Steak Called Steak?
While cauliflower steak isn't actually a real steak, the recipe refers to cauliflower as a steak as it represents the thick cauliflower slices you use to bake and serve as your side dish.
As cauliflower has a mild flavour, you will need the marinade ingredients to brush on the cauliflower slices, which makes a world of difference to the flavour.
By simply combining olive oil, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into an olive oil mixture, use a brush or your hands to do a spice rub on the cauliflower. These ingredients will seep into the cauliflower as it roasts in the preheated oven, giving the steaks more flavour and depth.
Can I Use Other Types Of Oil Instead Of Olive Oil?
Yes, you absolutely can! Cauliflower has a mild flavour, so it's easy to switch olive oil for another type of cooking oil for this simple and delicious recipe to your personal liking.
Not a fan of olive oil? Some of the best oils you could use are avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or hazelnut oil, all of which go deliciously well with this recipe.
I'm Not Too Fond Of Italian Herbs. Can I Switch Out Some Of These Spices?
Trust me, the sky's the limit when it involves the seasonings for your sauce and olive oil mixture.
Sometimes, switching up the ingredients can surprise you. You might even elevate this side dish cuisine by creating your version of marinade and sauce!
If you want some ideas or have run out of certain ingredients, onion powder, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, cumin, marinara sauce, and curry powder are great substitutes. My particular favourites are a combination of curry powder, chilli flakes, and some paprika powder for a nice spicy kick to this cheesy, low carb dish.
