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Crispy Cauliflower Steaks with Zesty Lemon Herb Chimichurri

crispy cauliflower steaks - featured image

A simple and flavorful recipe featuring crispy pan-fried cauliflower steaks topped with a bright, zesty lemon herb chimichurri sauce. Perfect for a quick, light, and satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower (firm, white head)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup good quality olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Remove the green leaves and trim the stem end of the cauliflower so you have a flat base.
  2. Slice the cauliflower into 3/4-inch (about 2 cm) thick steaks from top to bottom, yielding 2 to 3 steaks with some florets left over.
  3. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Brush or rub this mixture generously on both sides of each cauliflower steak.
  5. Heat a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  6. Place the cauliflower steaks carefully in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until deep golden brown with crispy edges and tender inside. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
  7. While the cauliflower cooks, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, shallot, lemon juice and zest, 1/4 cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Transfer cooked cauliflower steaks to plates and spoon the lemon herb chimichurri generously over the top.
  9. Serve warm.

Notes

Pat cauliflower steaks dry before seasoning to avoid steaming. Use medium-high heat and do not flip too soon to get a crispy crust. Make chimichurri fresh before serving for best flavor. Handle steaks gently to avoid breaking. Optionally, roast cauliflower steaks at 425°F for 25-30 minutes as a less hands-on method.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower steaks, chimichurri, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lemon herb sauce, quick dinner, healthy recipe