Imagine transforming a humble cauliflower into a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish that'll make even meat lovers do a double-take. These Cauliflower Steaks with Harissa Tahini Sauce are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure that proves plant-based cooking can be bold, exciting, and incredibly delicious. With crispy edges, a spicy harissa kick, and a creamy tahini sauce, this recipe will revolutionize the way you think about vegetables forever.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem, keeping the core intact to help the steaks hold together.
- Place the cauliflower stem-side down on a cutting board. Slice the cauliflower vertically into 1-inch thick steaks, starting from the center. You should get 2 main steaks, with some loose florets on the sides.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of harissa paste evenly over the top of each cauliflower steak, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roast the cauliflower steaks in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are crispy and golden brown.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the harissa tahini sauce by whisking together tahini, remaining harissa paste, lemon juice, salt, and a bit of water to reach desired consistency.
- Once cauliflower steaks are done, remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Plate the cauliflower steaks, drizzle generously with harissa tahini sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your vegan cauliflower steaks.
Tips
- Choose a large, firm cauliflower with a sturdy stem to create the best steaks.
- Use a sharp knife and cut carefully to maintain thick, even slices.
- Don't discard the loose florets - they can be roasted alongside the steaks for extra crispy bits.
- Make sure to brush the steaks generously with oil to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
- Watch the oven carefully during roasting to prevent burning, as harissa can caramelize quickly.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the steaks for 15-30 minutes before roasting.
- The tahini sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 289kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
