Remember that time when I accidentally bought, like, five heads of cauliflower? I know, rookie mistake at the farmer's market. I was trying to be all healthy and 'adulting' but then I realized I had a serious cauliflower surplus. That's how this recipe for Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower Steaks was born, out of sheer necessity and a desperate attempt to avoid cauliflower soup for the rest of the week. What to do with all that cauliflower?
This recipe is seriously easy, but don't let that fool you. The za'atar spice blend brings a tangy, herby, and slightly nutty flavor that elevates the humble cauliflower to something truly special. Roasting it brings out the natural sweetness, and those crispy edges? Chef's kiss! I've made this for picky eaters (who swore they hated cauliflower) and watched them devour every last bite. It's that good, trust me. It is also an amazing vegetarian main course, or side.
If you aren't familiar, za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that ususally contains sumac, sesame seeds, and dried herbs. The taste? It's vibrant and earthy, warm and savory, all at once. I usually get mine from the local Middle Eastern market, but you can find it in the international aisle of most well-stocked supermarkets or online. I love za'atar so much, I've even been putting it on avocado toast and scrambled eggs. It's a game changer, people. If you have never tasted it, you should really try it.
Required Equipments
- Baking Sheet
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower Steaks: Frequently Asked Questions
Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Transform cauliflower into a flavorful and satisfying dish with this recipe for Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower Steaks. This vegetarian-friendly recipe features thick-cut cauliflower steaks seasoned with za'atar, garlic powder, and olive oil, then roasted to golden-brown perfection.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2-3 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you're using parchment paper, line a baking sheet with it. This makes for easy cleanup!
- Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower. Place the cauliflower head stem-side down on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut 1-inch thick 'steaks' from the center of the cauliflower. You'll likely get 2-3 good steaks; the outer pieces can be chopped and roasted alongside. Don't throw them away!
- Make the za'atar mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of za'atar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good whisk to make sure it's all combined, avoiding clumps
- Brush the cauliflower: Lay the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush both sides of each steak with the za'atar mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered for maximun flavor!
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown around the edges. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the cauliflower steaks from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately as a main course or a flavorful side dish. I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice too!
📝 Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice after roasting.
- Adjust the amount of za'atar to your taste.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 5g
Calcium: 40mg
