Description
Crispy parmesan cauliflower steaks elevate humble vegetables with golden, cheesy perfection. Quick Mediterranean-inspired technique delivers restaurant-quality results that impress dinner guests and make weeknight meals special.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cauliflower head
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) olive oil
- 1 avocado, halved
- 2 scallions, roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) parsley
- ½ lime, juiced
- ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) water
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp chili pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Preparation: Calibrate oven rack to center position and ignite to a blazing 450°F (230°C) for optimal roasting conditions.
- Sectioning: Slice cauliflower through its core into substantial centimeter-thick planks, preserving vegetable’s structural elegance.
- Moisture Elimination: Thoroughly desiccate cauliflower steaks using kitchen towels to guarantee superior caramelization and crisp texture.
- Flavor Infusion: Whisk olive oil with Parmesan, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and chili pepper flakes into a harmonious marinade.
- Coating Technique: Lavishly enrobe each cauliflower steak with spice mixture, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution and complete coverage.
- Crust Development: Press one side of steaks into additional grated Parmesan, establishing a golden, crispy exterior.
- Roasting Protocol: Position steaks Parmesan-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet, then roast at 450°F for 10 minutes before reducing to 425°F for an additional 20-25 minutes until edges transform into deep golden perfection.
- Complementary Sauce: Blend avocado, scallions, lime juice, jalapeño, olive oil, Parmesan, parsley, water, salt, and pepper into a luxuriously smooth dip.
- Finishing Touch: Retrieve cauliflower from oven, embellish with freshly chopped chives, and present alongside creamy avocado dip for an immediate serving.
Notes
- Dry Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so use a clean kitchen towel to absorb every droplet from cauliflower steaks before seasoning.
- Strategic Cheese Placement: Press Parmesan on one side of the steak to create a golden, crunchy exterior that locks in incredible flavor.
- Temperature Precision: Start at 450°F to kick-start caramelization, then drop to 425°F to ensure even cooking without burning the delicate cheese crust.
- Steak Cutting Technique: Slice cauliflower through the core to maintain thick, sturdy planks that won’t fall apart during roasting, guaranteeing picture-perfect presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg