Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower (about 2-2.5 lbs)
1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red chili (like serrano or jalapeño), seeded and minced (optional)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves and trim the bottom stem, leaving the core intact. Place the cauliflower stem-side down on a cutting board and carefully slice into 1-inch thick 'steaks' from the center outwards. Any loose florets can also be roasted.
Step 3: Arrange the cauliflower steaks and florets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Roast for 20-25 minutes, then carefully flip the steaks. Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until deeply golden brown, tender, and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the chimichurri. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, and minced red chili (if using).
Step 6: Add the red wine vinegar, the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the herb mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Stir everything together until well combined. Let the chimichurri sit for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 8: Once the cauliflower steaks are roasted, transfer them to serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of fresh chimichurri over each steak and serve immediately.
Notes
For best flavor, make the chimichurri at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully meld. Store any leftover chimichurri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the chimichurri for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cauliflower steak + 1/4 cup chimichurri
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg