Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Tahini

Golden, roasted Roasted Cauliflower Steaks topped with creamy tahini sauce, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Golden, roasted Roasted Cauliflower Steaks topped with creamy tahini sauce, ready to serve and enjoy. | urbanforkbeat.com

This dish features thick cauliflower steaks roasted until tender and golden brown, infused with a blend of spices. A creamy tahini sauce with fresh lemon juice complements the earthy flavors, creating a rich and satisfying plant-based entrée or side. Garnishes like parsley, toasted nuts, and pomegranate seeds add texture and bursts of freshness. Simple to prepare, it's perfect for those seeking gluten-free, vegan inspiration.

Discovering roasted cauliflower steaks with tahini was a game changer for me. I remember the first time I sliced into those golden-thick steaks and was amazed by how something so simple could feel so special and comforting.

One evening, unexpected guests showed up and with a quick roast and sauce drizzle, this recipe saved the day and left everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: I always pick large heads for thick, steak-like slices that hold up well to roasting
  • Olive Oil and Spices: Combining cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder adds a smoky depth that I learned to balance carefully
  • Tahini Sauce: Fresh lemon juice brightens the creamy tahini for a sauce that’s tangy but not overpowering

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the steaks from sticking.
Slicing the Steaks:
Trim the cauliflower, keeping the core intact so your steaks hold together. Cut into 1-inch thick slices to get that perfect roast.
Mixing the Marinade:
Whisk olive oil with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—this blend fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
Coating the Cauliflower:
Brush each steak generously with the marinade on both sides; watch how the oil makes the surface glisten.
Roasting:
Roast for about 25 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway. You'll soon see a golden crust form and smell that irresistible roasted earthiness.
Preparing the Sauce:
While the steaks roast, whisk tahini with garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Gradually stir in water until silky and pourable.
Serving:
Plate the roasted steaks, drizzle them with the tahini sauce, and sprinkle with parsley, toasted nuts, and maybe a few pomegranate seeds for brightness.
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That first time everyone gathered around the table, savoring this dish, it felt less like a meal and more like a celebration of simple flavors and good company.

Keeping It Fresh

Always pick fresh cauliflower with tight florets and no brown spots. Using fresh lemon juice in the sauce is key; it brightens the whole dish and keeps the flavors lively.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

This dish pairs beautifully with warm quinoa or fluffy rice. I often toss a simple salad on the side for a refreshing contrast, especially on warmer days.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, when I was short on time but wanted something impressive, I turned to this recipe. It came together quickly and left guests impressed and satisfied.

  • Remember to save those loose cauliflower florets for soups or roasting later
  • If you want to add a little heat, sprinkle chili flakes on top just before serving
  • Leftovers keep well and taste great cold or lightly reheated
Deliciously tender Roasted Cauliflower Steaks glistening with marinade, pictured before being drizzled with tahini. Save
Deliciously tender Roasted Cauliflower Steaks glistening with marinade, pictured before being drizzled with tahini. | urbanforkbeat.com

Thanks for spending time in the kitchen with me. I hope this recipe brings the same joy and comfort it has to me.

Questions & Answers

Remove leaves and trim the stem, keeping the core intact. Slice the cauliflower into 1-inch-thick slabs carefully to keep them intact for roasting.

A mix of ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper adds warmth and depth to the vegetable when roasted.

Whisk tahini with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and water until smooth and pourable, adjusting water for desired consistency.

Yes, garnishes like chopped parsley, toasted pine nuts or almonds, and pomegranate seeds add crunch and freshness.

Roast cauliflower steaks at 425°F (220°C) for 25–35 minutes, turning halfway to achieve a golden, tender finish.

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Tahini

Golden roasted cauliflower slices paired with a creamy, tangy tahini drizzle for a delicious plant-based meal.

Prep 15m
Cook 35m
Total 50m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Cauliflower

  • 2 large heads cauliflower

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Tahini Sauce

  • ½ cup tahini
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup water, plus more as needed

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • Pomegranate seeds

Instructions

1
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Prepare Cauliflower Steaks: Remove leaves and trim stems from cauliflower heads, keeping cores intact. Slice each head into 1-inch-thick steaks, yielding about 2–3 steaks per head. Reserve loose florets for another use.
3
Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4
Brush Cauliflower with Marinade: Arrange cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush both sides with the marinade.
5
Roast Cauliflower: Roast for 25 to 35 minutes, turning halfway through, until steaks are golden brown and fork-tender.
6
Prepare Tahini Sauce: Whisk tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Gradually whisk in water until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with additional water if necessary.
7
Assemble and Serve: Place roasted cauliflower steaks on a serving platter. Drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with parsley, toasted nuts, and pomegranate seeds. Serve warm.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Chef's knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or fork
  • Pastry brush

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 245
Protein 7g
Carbs 16g
Fat 18g

Allergy Information

  • Contains sesame (tahini). For nut allergies, omit pine nuts or almonds and substitute with seeds.
Tara Nguyen

Sharing easy meals, kitchen wisdom, and wholesome recipes for everyday cooks.