Cauliflower Steak with Romesco

Name: Cauliflower Steak with Romesco
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade); 1/2 cup toasted almonds or hazelnuts; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; Salt, to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love preparing Cauliflower Steak with Romesco because it's a vibrant dish that showcases the beauty of vegetables. The first time I made it, I was amazed by how satisfying the meaty texture of the cauliflower was when grilled, and the Romesco sauce provided a perfect flavorful kick. It’s a dish that can elevate any gathering or serve as a delightful weeknight meal, and I always get rave reviews when I serve it. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it repeatedly!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:46:14.092Z

When I first discovered cauliflower steaks, I was skeptical about whether they could really satisfy my craving for a hearty meal. But after experimenting with different marinades and cooking methods, I realized that grilling them brings out a wonderful nutty flavor and creates a delightful char. It's all about the right technique, and I’ve found that even just a little olive oil and seasoning allows the cauliflower to shine.

The Romesco sauce, made with roasted red peppers and nuts, adds a layer of complexity that complements the cauliflower perfectly. My friends were blown away the first time I served it, and now it’s a staple in my dinner rotation. If you want to impress, this dish is the way to go!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich, smoky flavor from the grilled cauliflower
Vibrant Romesco sauce that adds a punch of flavor
A nutritious, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion

      

Understanding the Cauliflower

Selecting the right cauliflower is crucial for a perfect steak. Look for a large head that feels heavy for its size and has tightly packed florets. The outer leaves should be vibrant and green, indicating freshness. If you're looking for convenience or want to add extra texture, consider using a pre-cut cauliflower steak pack from your local market, but remember to check for quality to ensure an excellent flavor.

When cutting the cauliflower into steaks, aim for uniform thickness (around 3/4 inch) to ensure even cooking. If you find that some of your steaks have broken apart during slicing, don't let them go to waste! These smaller pieces can be tossed on the grill alongside the steaks and still make a delightful addition to your meal or as a salad topping.

Making the Perfect Romesco Sauce

The Romesco sauce is what elevates the cauliflower steak from simple to spectacular. Using jarred roasted red peppers can save time, but if you're up for it, making your own will provide a fresher taste. Simply char fresh red peppers until the skin is blackened, allow them to cool, then peel. The smoky flavor will complement the grilled cauliflower beautifully.

For the nuts, while I often use almonds or hazelnuts, feel free to experiment with pine nuts or walnuts for a unique twist. Just remember to toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown to enhance their flavor. If you're avoiding nuts, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, adjusting to taste while maintaining that delightful texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Once your cauliflower steak is plated and drizzled with Romesco sauce, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added burst of color and flavor. You could also include a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for creaminess that complements the dish perfectly. Serving this dish alongside a simple grain salad or roasted vegetables can make for a nutritious and well-rounded meal.

For leftovers, store any uneaten cauliflower and Romesco in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The grilled cauliflower will maintain its texture for about 3 days, while the Romesco can last a week. You can reheat the cauliflower on a skillet over medium heat to bring back some of its original char. If you like, you can serve it cold as a salad topping for a refreshing twist!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish:

For the Cauliflower Steak

1 large head of cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Romesco Sauce

1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
1/2 cup toasted almonds or hazelnuts
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt, to taste

With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create an amazing meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the Cauliflower Steak and Romesco sauce:

Prepare the Cauliflower

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and slice it into thick steaks, about 3/4 inch each. Brush both sides with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Grill the Cauliflower Steaks

Place the cauliflower steaks on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Remove from the grill and set aside.

Make the Romesco Sauce

In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, toasted nuts, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Blend until smooth, and season with salt to taste. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.

Serve the Dish

Place the grilled cauliflower steaks on a plate and drizzle generously with the Romesco sauce. Serve warm and enjoy your beautiful meal!

Now that your meal is prepared, dig in and savor the flavors!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, try garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. You can also serve the Romesco sauce on a variety of grilled vegetables for a colorful side dish.

Key Techniques for Grilling

To achieve those perfect grill marks on your cauliflower steaks, make sure your grill is properly preheated. A medium heat is ideal; you want the grill hot enough to sear the steaks without burning them. Alternatively, if you're using a grill pan, keep it at medium-high heat, and use a little more olive oil to prevent sticking.

Keep an eye on the cooking time; about 5-7 minutes per side usually yields tender yet firm steaks. If you find that the edges are getting too dark while the center remains raw, reduce the heat slightly. This ensures that you achieve tender, juicy cauliflower steaks cooked evenly throughout.

Customization and Variations

This recipe is versatile for various dietary preferences. If you're vegan, rest assured that both components are completely plant-based. For a gluten-free version, just ensure that any packaged ingredients, like the roasted red peppers, are certified gluten-free. You can also add more spices to the seasoning mix for the cauliflower, such as cumin or cayenne pepper, to elevate the flavor profile.

To further enhance the dish, consider incorporating seasonal vegetables alongside the cauliflower steaks on the grill. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even asparagus can complement the flavors well. Additionally, if you're entertaining, creating a grilled vegetable platter with different sauces can be an impressive and diverse offering for your guests.

Storage Tips and Reheating

If you have leftovers, cool the grilled cauliflower steaks and Romesco sauce quickly before transferring them to the fridge. You can also freeze leftover Romesco sauce by pouring it into an ice cube tray for easy portioning later on. Just pop them out and store in freezer-safe bags for a quick sauce addition in future meals.

When reheating, avoid using the microwave if you want to preserve the texture of the cauliflower. Instead, heat it in a skillet on low to medium heat, adding a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking and to bring back some moisture. This way, you can enjoy the dish almost as if it were freshly made with that delightful grilled finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cauliflower?

While fresh cauliflower works best for grilling, you can use frozen if you thaw and drain it thoroughly.

→ Is there a substitute for nuts in the Romesco sauce?

Yes! You can substitute sunflower seeds or even omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can grill the cauliflower and make the Romesco sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.

→ What can I serve with Cauliflower Steak?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grains like quinoa or bulgur, or with a fresh green salad.