Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

If you like grilled flavors and want to eat healthier, swap out the meat steak for a grilled cauliflower steak. This is a recipe that even die-hard meat lovers will crave with the right spices and time on the grill. Each cauliflower steak is only 129 calories. The reason cauliflower works better than any other vegetable to make a steak is because it’s as dense as a steak and doesn’t break apart easily. Only it’s much lower in fat than meat.

Another bonus of using cauliflower is that it’s packed with nutritional qualities. It is high in vitamins C and K and folate, a water-soluble B vitamin that helps with cell growth.

If you have 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes of baking time in the oven, you can easily pull this off on a busy weeknight.

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Ingredients

• Cauliflower: You’ll need a medium-sized head of cauliflower.
• Olive oil: If possible, use extra-virgin olive oil as it’s cold-pressed and unrefined. It’s considered a superior form of olive oil.
• Garlic powder: This is garlic cloves that have been dried and ground into powder.
• Smoked paprika: This is not the same as regular paprika although it’s found near paprika in the spices section at grocery stores.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: These dried and crushed red peppers cause the cauliflower steaks to taste spicy. Use less than the suggested amount if you want to tone it down.
• Parsley: Use fresh parsley and not a dried version. This is a topping added to the grilled cauliflower steaks just before serving.

Directions 

Step 1: Pre-heat the grill and cut the cauliflower

Preheat the grill to 400°F. Cut through the core of the cauliflower into four 1 inch thick steaks. Brush both sides of the cauliflower with oil.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re planning to grill indoors, check out our guide on how to cook with an indoor grill. Not all grilling has to be outdoors—especially during the cooler winter months.

Step 2: Season and grill 

In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper and red pepper flakes; sprinkle over cauliflower. Grill the cauliflower over direct heat for two to three minutes on each side. Move to indirect heat and cover. Cook them until tender and edges are lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Serve the cauliflower steaks.

Sprinkle the cauliflower steaks with parsley and serve.

Grilled Cauliflower Steak Variations

• Top with chutney: If you’re wanting a fruity side, or a sweet note, then a few tablespoons from a store-bought jar of chutney spread on top of each steak will do the trick.
• Brush with a spicy glaze: Harissa (which is a hot chili pepper) is a common ingredient for a glaze or marinade and works really well with grilled cauliflower steaks if you want a spicy accent. Brush the glaze on just before you bake the steaks.

How to Store Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Everybody needs another easy weeknight meal and this one hits the spot. The prep work and baking time isn’t unreasonably long. We also understand if you want to make these ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer, reheating on another day.

Can you freeze Grilled Cauliflower Steaks?

Pop these individually into a resealable freezer bag and they’ll keep for up to three to four months.

How do you reheat Grilled Cauliflower Steaks?

To reheat, drop them onto a baking sheet and cook in the oven at 350° for 15 minutes.

How long do Grilled Cauliflower Steaks last? 

If you keep these in the fridge in a covered airtight container they will be good for three to four days.

Can you make Grilled Cauliflower Steaks ahead of time? 

Absolutely! This is a great example of a dish that you can make the night before or the morning of and then bake in the oven just before you plan to enjoy.

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Tips

What should I serve with grilled cauliflower steaks?

Just as you might with a meat steak, a side of potatoes (mashed, smashed or baked: your choice!) or sautéed mushrooms would be delicious. For our sautéed mushrooms recipe, you only need 15 minutes to make it.

How do I keep these from falling apart?

If you cut the cauliflower thick enough it should not crumble. There’s a reason why this is the vegetable of choice to make a meatless steak: it’s very thick and sturdy!

Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?

Yes and yes! That’s what makes this a win-win recipe: everyone’s dietary needs are met.