Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (Vegan | Keto | Paleo)

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with homemade seasoning blend and nutritional yeast are a fast, vegan, keto-friendly, gluten-free, paleo, and whole30 dinner recipe.

Close-up of Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Hey Foodies!

Are you ready for one of the most delicious, diet-friendly dinner recipes yet? This vegan baked cauliflower steaks recipe complies with nearly every diet. And the best part is that they don’t lack flavor or satisfaction.

If you’re keto, you can amp up the fat even more in this roasted cauliflower steaks recipe by topping with a knob of butter when they’re hot out of the oven.

Related:

But even if you’re not on a diet, you’ll love how delicious and fast this dinner recipe is. And read on for my tips and tricks to modify this recipe according to your flavor and cooking method preferences.

Below, I’ve included my recommended ingredient substitutions and swaps, favorite dipping sauces, and how to upgrade your cauli steaks with a crispy breadcrumb and parmesan crust.

Hungry already? Before you jump in, read all of my Best Tips & Tricks for this easy vegan Cauliflower Steaks recipe.

Tips & Tricks for this Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe (Vegan | Keto | Paleo | Whole30) - 28

1. Which ingredients can be changed in this baked cauliflower steaks recipe?

This recipe is very easy to customize.

First, experiment with different seasonings. You can use any of your favorites! Some of the best ways to add flavor to this baked cauliflower steaks recipe include:

  • Ground ginger, turmeric, and cumin for an Indian-style dish.
  • Ground ginger, chili, and garlic powder for an Asian approach (also serve with soy sauce if you like).
  • Use za’atar or harissa spice mixture for a Middle Eastern touch.
  • Italian seasoning and chopped capers for a Mediterranean-style roasted cauliflower steak recipe.

Seasoning cauliflower steaks before baking

You can also use cheese instead of nutritional yeast (of course, the recipe won’t be vegan anymore). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan over the steaks after 15 minutes of baking.

Then return the sheet pan to the oven for 5 more minutes. The cheese should be golden, melty, and bubbly on top.

2. How to make roasted cauliflower steaks with breadcrumbs and parmesan crust

Oiling cauliflower slices with a basting brush

If you’re not paleo, vegan, or whole30, you can elevate the roasted cauliflower steaks with a crispy parmesan crust. To do so, you’ll need panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and 1-2 large eggs.

Here’s how to do make parmesan crusted cauliflower steaks:

  1. Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper in one shallow dish.
  2. In a second shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs or a combination of half breadcrumbs, half grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Dip the seasoned cauli steaks into the beaten eggs on both sides, allowing the excess to drip off.
  4. Then dip in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing to coat the steaks evenly on both sides.
  5. Place the coated steaks on the parchment-lined sheet pan and bake according to the recipe instructions.

3. What is the best sauce for vegan cauliflower steak?

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks in a sheet pan

These steaks are great with any of your favorite dipping sauces. I especially love to serve them with mushroom gravy. Another favorite is the chimichurri sauce recipe I used for this salad.

I also love my vegan cauliflower steaks drizzled with smooth tahini sauce. Buffalo sauce or a creamy ranch is great too!

4. Can you pan-fry vegan cauliflower steaks?

Uncooked Cauliflower Steaks on sheet pan

I don’t recommend pan-frying cauliflower steaks, because it’s more time-consuming.

However, if you prefer this method, here’s how to do it. Slice the steaks a little thinner than in my recipe video, so they become tender on the inside without burning on the outside.

To pan-fry, heat the oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat and cook the cauli steaks in batches until nicely golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

5. Can you marinate them to enhance the flavor?

Uncooked Cauli Steaks on sheet pan

Marinating your steaks is a great idea and deepens their flavor! Plus, it’s so much easier than you think.

To make marinated cauliflower steaks, follow the recipe as written. After rubbing the steaks with the seasoning blend, place the steaks in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to overnight. This also makes this recipe a great make-ahead meal.

After marinating, bake the cauliflower as written in the recipe. Be sure to let me know the difference!

Uncooked cauliflower slices in a sheet pan

A word on nutritional yeast

When buying nutritional yeast, which is a vegan pantry staple, consider your source carefully and make sure to choose a gluten-free brand.

Nutritional yeast is high in protein, has all nine essential amino acids, and contains magnesium, copper, manganese, and fibre. Greenfield says it can be included as a part of a keto diet to add flavor, or to replace seasoning or cheese.

If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat. Nutritional yeast is deeply savory with a nutty, cheesy flavor without any dairy.

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with limes in a sheet pan

Related Recipes

That’s all I have for you today, dear Foodies. Enjoy this vegan cauliflower steaks recipe and be sure to let me know what you think!

And if you love this recipe video, follow along on YouTube for more healthy diet-friendly recipes.

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with limes in a sheet pan
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5 from 2 votes

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

Baked Cauliflower Steaks are a healthy, flavorful vegan recipe with cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast and a homemade spice blend.
Course dinner, Main Course, Vegan, Vegetarian
Cuisine American, Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Whole30
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 162kcal
Author Mihaela

Ingredients

Cauliflower Steaks Ingredients:

  • 1 medium or 2 small cauliflower heads
  • 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
  • ¼ cup (20g) nutritional yeast
  • 1 lime - cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Seasoning Blend Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt - or to taste
  • 1/3 tsp ground black pepper - or to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place a chopping board on the baking sheet to reduce the mess when cutting the cauliflower.
    A whole cauliflower on a BlauKe® cutting board
  • Using a sharp chef's knife, carefully slice the head of cauliflower, into 1-inch “steaks”. The ends usually crumble, but don't worry, you can use them too.
    Knife slicing cauliflower
  • Arrange the steaks on the prepared baking sheet.
    Uncooked Cauliflower Steaks on sheet pan
  • Brush both sides with avocado or olive oil.
    Oiling Cauliflower steaks with a basting brush
  • In a small bowl, combine all seasonings.
  • Gently rub each cauliflower steak with seasoning blend.
    Uncooked cauliflower slices in a sheet pan
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until tender and golden.
  • Remove the steaks from the oven and sprinkle with nutritional yeast while hot.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lime wedges.
    Close-up of Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Recipe Notes

Here's a brief summary of the Tips & Tricks above for this Vegan Cauliflower Steaks Recipe:
  1. For my recommended ingredient subs & swaps, see Tip #1. 
  2. If you like a bread and parmesan crust on your baked cauliflower steaks, read Tip #2. 
  3. Tip #3 includes my favorite sauces for serving this dish. 
  4. Pan-frying cauliflower steak instructions are in Tip #4. 
  5. Tip #5 includes how to marinate the cauliflower for more flavor plus a note on nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 627mg | Potassium: 774mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 424IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg
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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)
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