Cajun Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
3
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Calories
197 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American, Vegan, gluten-free
Cajun Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri
Description
The recipe calls for slicing cauliflower into steaks or breaking into florets, then rubbing with oil and lemon juice to help spices adhere. A homemade Cajun seasoning mix combining paprika, cayenne, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, and onion powder is applied generously including salt based on the blend's saltiness. For extra crispness, breadcrumbs can be incorporated into the spice mix before coating the cauliflower.
The cauliflower is baked at a high temperature (425°F) to develop color and roasted texture, with optional broiling for final searing. Meanwhile, the chimichurri sauce is prepared by blending parsley, basil (or cilantro), raw garlic, olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and optional avocado for creaminess. This sauce adds brightness and an herbal punch that complements the spicy roasted cauliflower.
This dish can be served immediately as a side or main component, paired with salads, cooked grains, or in tacos and wraps. The texture varies depending on cauliflower moisture but aims for a tender interior with crisp edges and spicy seasoning. Adjust heat intensity by reducing cayenne or pepper flakes in the seasoning. The suggested chimichurri offers cooling contrast to the Cajun spices.
Practical notes mention that homemade or store-bought Cajun blends may vary in salt content and heat intensity, and adjustments can be made accordingly to suit taste preferences.
Ingredients
Cajun Cauliflower:
- 1 cauliflower sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices or chopped into medium size florets, small head
- 2 tbsp cajun spice blend ( 2 tsp sweet paprika, 1/3 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp oregano, 1.5 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp onion powder, dash of pepper flakes
- 1/2 to 3/4 tsp salt , if using store bought cajun blend, it might already be salted, so you will need 1/4 tsp
- 2 tsp neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Chimichurri sauce:
- 1 cup parsley or one bunch parsley leaves and tender stems, chopped, packed
- 1/4 cup basil or use cilantro, packed
- 6 cloves garlic more the merrier, raw
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- lime juice of 1
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic or red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado or more, for creaminess, optional
Instructions
- Slice the cauliflower or chop into florets. Blend the chimichurri sauce with a few tbsp of water and set aside. Line a baking dish with parchment. Preheat the oven to 425 deg F ( 220 C )
- Rub oil and lemon juice all over the slices or florets.
- Sprinkle the cajun spice + salt on both sides of the slices and rub lightly. Then sprinkle more on the open side. (If using florets, sprinkle spice + salt, then toss well to coat). For Crispyness, mix 2 tbsp breadcrumbs in the spice mix and salt and then sprinkle all over.
- Spray oil lightly on the spiced cauliflower to seal the spices in, Bake at 425 deg F for 20 to 25 mins. Broil for a minute to sear if needed.
- Cauliflower tends to soften depending on the moisture content after cooking. So serve immediately. Sprinkle some more spice if needed. Cajun can be hot, so add another cooling dressing of choice if needed.Serve with a side salad of beans, chickpeas, or cooked grain or add to tacos, wraps. I make a salad bowl with cherry tomatoes/tomatoes, onion, chickpeas/beans, salt, pepper and chimichurri/lemon with these.
Notes
- Adjust heat levels by reducing cayenne, black pepper, and pepper flakes in the Cajun spice mix for a milder flavor.
- For a smoky taste, substitute half the paprika with smoked paprika or add a drop of liquid smoke to the lemon juice.
- Apply oil lightly and use breadcrumbs in the spice mix to enhance crispiness on roasted cauliflower.
- Serve the roasted cauliflower immediately for best texture, as it may soften if left too long.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 197kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 6.5g | 13% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 618mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 1087mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 7555IU | 151% |
| Vitamin C | 115.8mg | 129% |
| Calcium | 118mg | 12% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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