Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Tahini Sauce is a delicious and healthy vegetarian main course. This plant-based recipe combines tender cauliflower steaks roasted in the oven and served with nutty tahini sauce, making it a true culinary treat.
The cauliflower steaks are perfectly charred and seasoned, while the creamy tahini sauce adds a tangy and nutty hint. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe promises to be a delicious addition to your favourite recipes.
This baked cauliflower with tahini sauce is a must-have side dish, similar to Turkish Bulgur Pilav and Baked Aubergine with Yogurt Dressing, Baked Potato Wedges and Chickpea Ratatouille. You will find yourself making it again and again.
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💗 Why This Recipe Works
This simple cauliflower recipe is nutritious, healthy and gluten-free, perfect as a main for vegetarians and vegans or those looking for meatless meals. If you are wondering how to make cauliflower steaks, then this recipe is for you. It requires minimal preparation and cooking time, and it uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens.
🥘 Ingredients
- Cauliflower - you need a medium cauliflower head, depending on the number of people you want to feed. Cauliflower will serve as the main ingredient of the dish.
- Olive oil is used to coat the cauliflower before roasting. It helps to achieve a crispy exterior and adds richness to the dish.
- Paprika - adds a warm and slightly smoky flavour to the cauliflower. It also provides a vibrant colour to the dish.
- Garlic powder - provides a specific flavour to the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper are basic seasonings that help bring out the natural sweetness of this vegetable.
- Tahini paste is the base of the tahini sauce.
- Lemon juice - adds freshness to the sauce.
- Greek yoghurt ( replace with a vegan version) - provides a tangy taste to the sauce.
- Maple syrup is used to balance the flavours of the sauce by adding a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic cloves - add spiciness to the sauce.
- Chilli powder - adds a kick to the dish.
♻️ Substitutions
Here are some alternative ingredient options for the Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Tahini Sauce recipe, providing flexibility in case you discover any missing items from your shopping list.
- Head of Cauliflower: You can use other hearty vegetables like broccoli, portobello mushrooms, or thick slices of eggplant.
- Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil, melted coconut oil, or melted butter.
- Paprika: Replace with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Powder: Use minced fresh garlic cloves for a more intense taste.
- Salt and Pepper: These can be substituted with your preferred seasoning blend or herbs like Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence.
- Tahini Paste: Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as alternatives.
- Lemon Juice: You can use lime juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
- Greek Yogurt: Substitute with dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream for a vegan option, or sour cream for a non-vegan option.
- Maple Syrup: Agave nectar, honey, or brown sugar can be used.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder.
- Chilli Powder: Use cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy alternative.
📋 Variations
- Citrus flavour: Incorporate grated lemon or orange zest into the tahini sauce for a bright, citrusy flavour.
- Crunchy topping: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped almonds, or pine nuts over the roasted cauliflower steaks for a crunchy texture.
- Umami boost: Drizzle a balsamic reduction or soy sauce over the cauliflower steaks before serving to enhance the umami flavour.
- Cheesy finish: Sprinkle, grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese over the roasted cauliflower steaks for a cheesy touch.
- Asian style: Replace the tahini sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sriracha for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Mediterranean taste: Top the roasted cauliflower steaks with chopped Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Tex-Mex twist: Sprinkle cauliflower steaks with taco seasoning before roasting, then serve with a dollop of guacamole or salsa on top.
👩🍳 How To Make Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Tahini Sauce
This 5-ingredient roasted cauliflower (plus easy 7-ingredient tahini sauce) bakes on one sheet pan in 30 minutes. For simpler plant-based dinners, try our easy vegan chickpea ratatouille recipe!
Step 1: Trim away the leaves and stems, then rinse the cauliflower well.
Step 2: Slice into 1-inch-thick steaks. Arrange on a parchment-lined pan.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Brush both sides of the steaks with the spice mixture. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
Step 5: Make the tahini sauce by mixing all sauce ingredients in a bowl while the cauliflower roasts.
Step 6: Whisk until smooth, thinning with water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: After cooking the cauliflower steaks, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a bit.
Step 8: Plate the steaks topped with tahini sauce. Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, or lemon juice if desired.
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
You can serve these Cauliflower Steaks with Salmon En Papillote for a protein-paired meal.
Leftovers and storage
Roasted cauliflower steaks are best consumed while freshly baked, but if you have baked leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just transfer any extra steaks to an airtight container and consume them within 3 days. When reheating the grilled cauliflower, you can use a microwave or heat it on the stove. Ensure they're heated thoroughly before serving.
The tahini sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
❓FAQs
All varieties work (white, orange, purple, Romanesco, green), but ensure:
✔️ Firm, spot-free heads
✔️ Uniform florets for even cooking
✔️ Adjust cook time slightly for Romanesco (faster) or frozen (thaw first)
✔️ Purple loses vibrancy when cooked – best raw/lightly steamed
The tahini sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it.
Yes, roasted cauliflower steaks with tahini sauce are vegan-friendly. Just ensure that all ingredients, including the tahini sauce, are vegan-friendly.
Cooking cauliflower in an air fryer is fast and simple. Just coat the cauliflower steaks with the spice mix on both sides and place them on the tray. Then, air fry them at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until they're golden and tender.
Cutting cauliflower into steaks is simple. Here's how you can do it:
Remove Leaves: Start by removing the green leaves at the base of the cauliflower. Trim the stem so that the cauliflower can sit flat on the cutting board.
Position the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower on a cutting board with the stem side down.
Slice Steaks: Use a sharp knife to make vertical cuts through the centre of the cauliflower head. Aim for slices that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. It would help if you ended up with cauliflower "steaks" that hold together by the stem.
Use Leftover Pieces: After slicing the steaks, you'll have some smaller florets and loose pieces left. Please don't throw them away! You can save them for other recipes like stir-fries, soups, or salads.
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Baked Cauliflower Steaks with Tahini Sauce
Equipment
- baking pan
- Brush or basting brush
Ingredients
For the cauliflower steaks:
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tahini sauce:
- ¼ cup tahini paste
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon Greek yoghurt (replace with a vegan version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower head. Place it upright on a cutting board and slice it into 1-inch thick slices to create cauliflower "steaks." You should be able to get about 2-3 steaks from one large head of cauliflower.1 large head of cauliflower
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the oil mixture, ensuring they are well coated.2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper to taste
- Place the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased with oil.
- Bake the cauliflower steaks in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, Greek yogurt or vegan Yogurt, olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, chili powder, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.¼ cup tahini paste, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoon Greek yoghurt (replace with a vegan version), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon chili powder, Salt to taste
- Once the cauliflower steaks are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the cauliflower steaks with a drizzle of tahini sauce on top. You can also garnish them with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
amy liu dong says
I am so glad to know the different ways of cooking my cauliflower. This one is so delicious, and I love it so much!
Leslie says
This is definitely NOT a boring cauliflower recipe...there is SO MUCH FLAVOR! It was delicious!
Sonja says
I made this last week and was genuinely surprised by how satisfying it was. The cauliflower roasted up beautifully—crispy on the edges and tender inside—and that creamy tahini sauce really brought it all together with its nutty, tangy flavor. I served it with a side of bulgur and a simple cucumber salad, and it made for such a nourishing, well-balanced meal. This one’s definitely going into my regular rotation.
Krystle says
These came out SO crunchy and the sauce is just divine!
Nora says
These Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Tahini Sauce are a total flavor bomb! The cauliflower turns beautifully golden and tender in the oven, and that nutty tahini sauce adds the perfect rich, savory finish. A healthy, satisfying vegetarian main that feels just as special as any meat-based dish!
Paula says
The tahini sauce on these cauli steaks was absolutely incredible! So flavorful!
Ieva says
Yum! Had it for dinner with baked ras el hanout chicken. That tahini sauce is amazing! I can see it being used with a lot of other things.
Swathi says
Bake cauliflower steaks is wonderful idea, love the addition of Tahini sauce.
Sonja says
I love sheetpan recipes and this is a great example of it. The cauliflower caramelizes and gets so delious and crispy. Even the veggie sceptics among my friends loved it. The creamy sauce really completes it!
Katie says
These roasted cauliflower stakes are incredible! Super easy to make a so flavorful. It's the perfect way to easily eat more vegetables.
Covita says
Where has this recipe been? I love Cauliflower steaks- but lost my favorite recipe. This isn't exactly the same- like it better! YUM! So great for summer
Kat says
This is a new favorite! SO much flavor!