Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini Recipe

If you’re craving a show-stopping vegetable dish that’s both striking and deeply satisfying, these Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini will absolutely win your heart. Thick slabs of cauliflower roast to golden, caramelized perfection and are topped lavishly with creamy lemon-tahini sauce, crunchy pine nuts, and loads of fresh herbs—it’s somehow simple, stunning, and wonderfully delicious all at once!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible Texture: Roasting transforms ordinary cauliflower into steaks that are crispy at the edges and tender inside, creating a restaurant-worthy bite every time.
  • Dreamy Tahini Sauce: The luscious, lemony tahini drizzled over top is rich, creamy, and tangy—taking every bite completely over the top.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of pantry staples, this dish delivers layer after layer of flavor, crunch, and color.
  • Perfect for Everyone: It’s vegan, gluten-free, and easy to adapt for a special occasion or weeknight dinner—so everyone at the table can dig in and love every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini are all about a few key ingredients working together to create maximum flavor—a gorgeous veggie main where every component truly matters. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each ingredient shines!

  • 1 large head of cauliflower: Look for a large, firm head with tight florets—this forms the “steaks” and becomes tender-but-crispy when roasted.
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Enhances browning and brings out the cauliflower’s natural sweetness during roasting.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Intensifies all the savory and sweet flavors of the roasted cauliflower and balances the sauce.
  • 1 head of garlic: Roasting mellow the pungency and gives you luscious, sweet cloves to blend into the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons raw pine nuts: Toasted for buttery crunch—they’re absolutely worth including!
  • 1 teaspoon avocado, grapeseed, or olive oil: Just a touch to perfectly toast those pine nuts without burning.
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley: For a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of beautiful green color.
  • For the tahini sauce:
  • ¼ cup tahini: Creamy sesame paste is the base for a silky-smooth sauce.
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds vibrant, bright acidity and balances the richness.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the tahini and making all the flavors pop.
  • 3-4 tablespoons water: Thins the sauce to the perfect drizzle-able consistency (adjust to preference).
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini is how shockingly customizable the base recipe is. Whether you want to brighten it up, experiment with spices, or make it fit your dietary needs, here are some scrumptious tweaks to try!

  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, or chili flakes to the oil before brushing on the steaks for a hint of warm, smoky heat.
  • Go Extra-Green: Top with chopped cilantro, fresh mint, or a sprinkle of za’atar right before serving for an herby twist.
  • Nut-Free: Sub the pine nuts for toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds if you’re avoiding nuts.
  • Creamy Swap: Try a dollop of vegan yogurt mixed with lemon and garlic as an alternative sauce if you’re out of tahini.

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by setting your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep work means virtually no sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on the star attraction—your cauliflower steaks!

Step 2: Slice Your Cauliflower Steaks

Carefully remove the green leaves and trim most of the tough stem from your cauliflower, but keep the head intact. Place it on its side and slice right down the middle, then cut each half into 1-inch thick slabs. Some loose florets may fall off—that’s totally normal! Roast those along with the steaks for bonus crispy bites.

Step 3: Season and Arrange

Brush each cauliflower steak and any loose florets with olive oil, making sure to get into all the textured nooks and crannies. Sprinkle with salt on both sides, arrange on your baking tray, and get ready to roast. These little details are what give those irresistibly caramelized edges!

Step 4: Prepare and Roast the Garlic

Cut just enough off the bottom of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil, then wrap it in foil. Pop it onto the baking sheet right next to your cauliflower and roast together for 40–45 minutes, until the steaks are deeply golden and perfectly tender.

Step 5: Toast the Pine Nuts

While everything’s roasting, heat a small skillet with a teaspoon of oil and add the pine nuts. Sauté over medium-low, tossing constantly, until golden and fragrant—keep a close eye, as they toast up fast!

Step 6: Make the Tahini Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The mixture will thicken—just add water a tablespoon at a time until you have a creamy, pourable sauce. When the garlic is cool enough, squeeze out the roasted cloves and whisk them in for extra flavor and a luscious, dreamy texture. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spoon a generous layer of tahini sauce onto your serving plate, arrange the roasted cauliflower steaks on top, and shower with the toasted pine nuts and parsley. Every bite is rich, vibrant, and mouthwateringly satisfying—these Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini are a feast for the senses!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini

  • Choose the Right Cauliflower: Opt for a large, heavy cauliflower with tight florets—this gives you the most impressive, sturdy steaks.
  • Even Slicing Matters: Use a sharp chef’s knife and aim for uniform 1-inch slices so everything roasts evenly and looks gorgeous on the plate.
  • Watch the Roast: Rotate your tray halfway and keep an eye on the edges—the sweet spot is deep golden, not burnt, for that perfect caramelized flavor.
  • Ultra-Creamy Tahini Sauce: Don’t be afraid to add water to the tahini in small increments and keep whisking—the sauce will go from thick to beautifully pourable in seconds!

How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top your Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini with extra parsley, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or za’atar, and a handful of toasted pine nuts. For even more color and flavor, add fresh pomegranate seeds or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving—it’s the little details that really make this dish sing!

Side Dishes

Pair these hearty cauliflower steaks with fluffy couscous, lemony quinoa, a vibrant tabbouleh salad, or roasted chickpeas. They also shine alongside a platter of warm pita, olives, and quick-pickled veggies for a full-on Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each steak centered on a swoosh of tahini sauce for restaurant flair, or cut the steaks into thick strips and pile them on a platter, buffet-style. For casual parties, tuck slices and sauce into grain bowls or veggie wraps—it’s a fun way to let everyone build their own delicious plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and toppings separate for best texture, and assemble fresh just before eating.

Freezing

While cauliflower steaks can be frozen after roasting, their texture softens after thawing, so it’s best for meal prep or leftovers you don’t mind being slightly less crispy. Freeze individually on a tray, then transfer to a bag, and use within 1–2 months.

Reheating

Reheat cauliflower steaks in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, which will revive some of their lovely crispness—avoid microwaving if you want to keep the edges toasty! Warm the sauce gently or bring it to room temperature before drizzling.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can roast the cauliflower steaks and prepare the tahini sauce up to a day ahead; just keep both chilled and assemble them before serving for the freshest texture and best flavor.

  2. What if I don’t have pine nuts?

    No worries—try using chopped toasted almonds, walnuts, or even pepitas instead. The important thing is adding that irresistible crunch and nutty contrast on top of your cauliflower steaks.

  3. Do I have to use roasted garlic in the tahini sauce?

    Roasted garlic adds a mellow, sweet dimension to the tahini sauce, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it or stir in a small grated raw garlic clove for a punchier flavor (just use sparingly).

  4. Can I cook the cauliflower steaks on the grill instead of in the oven?

    Yes! Just brush the steaks with olive oil, grill over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes per side until tender and charred, and continue with the rest of the recipe as written.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini, I truly hope you dive in and try them for yourself. They’re easy, nourishing, and bursting with color, flavor, and fun—perfect for sharing with those you love. Let this recipe turn even the simplest meal into something extraordinary!

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Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 717 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Roasting
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Tahini are a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that makes a flavorful and satisfying meal. The roasted cauliflower paired with creamy tahini sauce is a winning combination that will impress your taste buds.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cauliflower Steaks:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 head of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons raw pine nuts
  • 1 teaspoon avocado, grapeseed, or olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • For the tahini sauce:
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the cauliflower: Trim the cauliflower leaves and stem, then cut the cauliflower into steaks. Brush with olive oil, season with salt, and place on the baking sheet.
  3. Roast the cauliflower: Cut the garlic head, wrap in foil, and place it on the baking sheet. Roast the cauliflower for 40-45 minutes until tender.
  4. Toast the pine nuts: In a skillet, sauté pine nuts until golden brown. Set aside.
  5. Make the tahini sauce: Whisk tahini, salt, and lemon juice. Add water gradually until desired consistency. Squeeze roasted garlic into the sauce and whisk until creamy.
  6. Serve: Spoon tahini sauce on a plate, place cauliflower steaks on top, and garnish with parsley and toasted pine nuts.

Notes

  • Refrigerate any leftover tahini sauce for future use.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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