Cauliflower Steaks with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce & Chimichurri
These roasted cauliflower steaks are smoky, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Paired with a creamy roasted red pepper–walnut sauce and a vibrant fresh chimichurri, this dish makes a stunning vegan centerpiece for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Sharp knife
- Food Processor or Blender
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Steaks:
- 1 large head cauliflower cut into 2.5cm thick "steaks"
- 3-5 tbsp olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric optional, for color & earthiness
For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
- 3 red bell peppers
- 1-2 handfuls walnuts
- juice of 1 lemon
- salt & pepper to taste
- Water as needed
For the Fresh Chimichurri (No Garlic):
- 1 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried
- 1 fresh chili finely chopped, or 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 2-3 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven or air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Season the cauliflower:- Mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt & pepper.- Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks.
- Cook the cauliflower & peppers:- Oven: Place cauliflower steaks and whole bell peppers on parchment-lined trays. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping cauliflower once, until steaks are golden and peppers are blistered.- Air Fryer: Arrange cauliflower steaks and bell peppers in the basket together (if space allows). Cook for 20–25 minutes at 200°C, flipping the steaks halfway. The cauliflower should be golden and tender, and the peppers soft and charred.
- Peel the peppers once cooled, then discard skins.
- Make the roasted red pepper sauce:- Blend roasted peppers with walnuts, lemon juice, vegan parmesan, salt & pepper.- Add water gradually until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning.
- Make the chimichurri:- Mix parsley, oregano, chili, vinegar, olive oil, salt & pepper in a bowl.- Let sit 5–10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Assemble:- Spread roasted red pepper sauce on a serving plate.- Place the cauliflower steaks on top.- Drizzle generously with chimichurri.- Garnish with extra parsley.
Nutrition
Calories: 426kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 28gSodium: 17mgPotassium: 407mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4459IUVitamin C: 152mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 3mg