Name: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Arugula Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 large cauliflowers; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper; ¼ cup pine nuts; ¼ cup hazelnuts, chopped; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; ¼ cup golden raisins; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 teaspoons capers; 1 small fresno chili, chopped or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Why Make This Recipe

Roasted cauliflower steaks are a delicious and healthy option for anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal. Cauliflower is packed with nutrients and can be a satisfying main dish when prepared in this way. The combination of roasting and a flavorful pesto topping makes this dish not only tasty but visually appealing as well. It’s perfect for dinner with family, entertaining guests, or even as meal prep for the week ahead.

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Ingredients:

2 large cauliflowers
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Arugula Pesto Topping
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ¼ cup hazelnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons capers
- 1 small fresno chili, chopped or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Remove the coarse outer leaves of each cauliflower, then slice two 1½-inch-thick "steaks" from the center of each cauliflower, keeping the core intact.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush it with oil.
Place one or two cauliflower steaks in the pan and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.
Transfer the steaks to the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
Roast for 22 to 28 minutes, or until the steaks are fork-tender.
For the pesto topping, mix together the pine nuts, hazelnuts, parsley, raisins, lemon zest, capers, chili, and olive oil.
Serve the steaks with the pesto topping on top.

How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

You can serve roasted cauliflower steaks as a main dish or as a side with other meals. They pair well with grains like quinoa or couscous, or you can add a side salad for a complete meal. Drizzle extra pesto on top for added flavor and serve with your favorite beverage.

How to Store Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

If you have leftovers, store the roasted cauliflower steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving again.

Tips to Make Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Choose fresh cauliflowers that are firm and white for the best results.
Make sure to sear the cauliflower steaks well to enhance the flavor and texture.
Feel free to adjust the pesto ingredients based on your preferences—add more herbs or nuts as desired.

Variation

You can experiment with different toppings for your cauliflower steaks. Try adding a tahini sauce, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or using different nuts in the pesto. Adding roasted garlic to the pesto can also give it a delicious twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

While fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before slicing and roasting.

How do I know when the cauliflower steaks are done?

Cauliflower steaks are done when they are fork-tender and have a nice golden color. You can test them with a fork to ensure they are cooked through.

Can I prepare the pesto ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pesto ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using.