How To Slice Cauliflower Steaks For Roasting Dish (2024)

Oven-roasted cauliflower steaks are a great way to transform this unassuming cruciferous vegetable into a flavorful and versatile entree. Cauliflower is filled with nutrients while also being gluten-free and low-carb, making it a great option to please a variety of dietary lifestyles.

The "steaks" are created from thick slices of cauliflower that are covered in olive oil and seasoned, then roasted in the oven until mouthwateringly tender with a golden-brown crust. The result is a delicious, healthy, flavor-packed plant-based dish with simple preparation but an impressive presentation. If you're ready to give these a try, follow these steps to learn the easiest method for cutting cauliflower steaks.

Picking Cauliflower for Steaks

Cauliflower comes in many shapes, colors, and sizes, but they all have the same sweet flavor and health benefits. Most heads of cauliflower you'll find in the supermarkets are white; however, specialty grocers often carry the more vibrant varieties in orange (cheddar), green (broccoflower), or purple. When it comes to choosing a head of cauliflower for steaks, the bigger the size, the easier it will be to cut. Look for large, bright-colored, densely-packed heads without any blemishes or brown spots with stems surrounded by green leaves.

How to Cut Cauliflower Steaks

How To Slice Cauliflower Steaks For Roasting Dish (2)

  1. Rinse the whole head of cauliflower under cold water and pat dry. Remove the outer green leaves from the cauliflower base.
  2. Using a sharp chef knife, cut the stem away from the cauliflower.
  3. Place the cauliflower stem side down on the cutting board and carefully make one cut through the center of the cauliflower to divide it in half.
  4. Cut each half into slices, about 3/4-inch thick.

How to Use Cauliflower Steaks

Cailfower has a neutral flavor that easily takes on the tastes of any seasoning it's paired with. So before roasting your cauliflower steaks, sprinkle each with some of your favorite herbs, like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or turmeric, and top with a heavy drizzle of olive oil which will help them achieve a golden, crispy crust.

To roast, place the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees F for ten minutes or until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown.

After roasting, pair your cauliflower steaks with a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce, savory caramelized onions, or fresh roasted cherry tomatoes.

Storing Leftover Cauliflower Steaks

To keep any leftover cauliflower steaks as fresh and delicious as possible, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.

Related:

For more plant-based inspiration, explore our entire collection of Cauliflower Recipes.

How To Slice Cauliflower Steaks For Roasting Dish (2024)

FAQs

How To Slice Cauliflower Steaks For Roasting Dish? ›

Remove the outer green leaves from the cauliflower base. Using a sharp chef knife, cut the stem away from the cauliflower. Place the cauliflower stem side down on the cutting board and carefully make one cut through the center of the cauliflower to divide it in half. Cut each half into slices, about 3/4-inch thick.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

Why is my roasted cauliflower tough? ›

Have you roasted cauliflower before and it came out tough or mushy? A common problem is either roasting it at too low a temperature or stopping once the cauliflower is tender—both mean that the florets do not caramelize.

What knife is best for cutting cauliflower? ›

so you can chop up this head of cauliflower more easily. You can use your standard chef's knife, a serrated knife, or a fancier vegetable cleaver. if you happen to have one. Any knife will do.

Do you wash cauliflower before cutting? ›

They are all great. Washing: Fresh cauliflower is susceptible to mold growth, so wash cauliflower only right before you use it. Storing: Whole heads of cauliflower should be stored in an open bag in the refrigerator. Store cut cauliflower florets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What is the best way to thinly slice vegetables? ›

Julienne Cut

Julienning is a cutting technique for vegetables that used to create long, thin strips of vegetables. This method is often used for cutting carrots, celery, and other firm vegetables. To julienne vegetables, the cook first cuts them into small pieces, then uses a knife to create long, thin strips.

Why are my cauliflower bites soggy? ›

Soggy cauliflower wings can result from excess batter or overcrowding on the baking sheet. Be sure to shake off excess batter before baking, and give each floret enough space to allow for proper air circulation. Baking on a wire rack can also help prevent sogginess.

How to slice cauliflower for roasting? ›

Remove the outer green leaves from the cauliflower base. Using a sharp chef knife, cut the stem away from the cauliflower. Place the cauliflower stem side down on the cutting board and carefully make one cut through the center of the cauliflower to divide it in half. Cut each half into slices, about 3/4-inch thick.

How do you cut cauliflower steaks without crumbling? ›

To cut cauliflower steaks so they don't fall apart, follow these steps:
  1. Remove any leaves from the cauliflower head and place it on your cutting board, stem-side down.
  2. Pick a side to start on and make a vertical cut on that side. ...
  3. Keep slicing from the flat end towards the other side.
Sep 1, 2021

How do you cut cauliflower step by step? ›

Cut whole cauliflower in half down the middle. Then again to make 4 quarters. Cut the core out on the diagonal. Use your hands to break into florets.

What knife do you use to cut cauliflower? ›

The key to success is using the right size knife. We used the 7-5/8" Petite Chef on a medium-sized head of cauliflower, but you could use the longer 9-1/4" French Chef if the head is larger.

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