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Thick cross-section cut of Crispy Baked Cauliflower Steak with crispy breaded caramelized edges and a coarse spice blend.

Crispy Baked Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce

These Crispy Baked Cauliflower Steaks feature a tender center, caramelized breaded edges, a coarse smoky spice blend, and a tangy pale yellow creamy garlic sauce drizzle. Perfect for a hearty plant-based dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 steaks
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Crispy Baked Cauliflower Steaks Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Large cauliflower heads Center cuts only (about 900g each)
  • 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil 45ml
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 15g
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs 120g
  • 1/2 cup Grated parmesan cheese 50g
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika 3g
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder 3g
  • 1/2 tsp Cracked black pepper 1.5g
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt 3g
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise 120g
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice 15ml
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric 0.5g
  • 2 tbsp Fresh green parsley 8g, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Red pepper flakes 2g

Equipment

  • 1 Dark metallic baking sheet Essential for deep browning and caramelization.
  • 1 Parchment paper Crinkle before using to aid in crisping.
  • 1 Heavy Chef's Knife Required to slice cleanly through the dense core.

Instructions
 

Prepping & Roasting
  1. Trim the green leaves off the bottom of the cauliflower, keeping the core intact. Cut two thick, 1.5-inch (4cm) cross-section slices from the middle of each head.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt. In a separate wide dish, toss the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
  3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Whisk the olive oil and Dijon mustard together, and brush generously over both sides and edges of the steaks. Press the edges into the panko mixture, then sprinkle the coarse spice blend heavily over the flat tops.
  4. Place crinkled parchment paper onto a dark metallic baking sheet. Arrange the steaks and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through, until the center is tender and the edges are deeply caramelized.
  5. While roasting, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and turmeric until a smooth, pale yellow sauce forms.
  6. Once out of the oven, zigzag a thick drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce over the top of the steaks. Garnish generously with freshly chopped green parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: Never remove the bottom core before slicing; it keeps the florets held together.
Tip 2: Use a wide, thin metal spatula to flip the steaks carefully so the crust remains intact.
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