Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger-Soy Sauce

Why These Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger-Soy Sauce Are a New Favorite

I’ve been on a cauliflower kick for months, and these cauliflower steaks with ginger-soy sauce from Jaden Hair’s new cookbook, Steamy Kitchen’s Healthy Asian Favorites, have become a household favorite. We threw a little party to celebrate the book’s launch, and this dish stole the show. My son Caleb devours them, and even Josh, who’s usually skeptical of cauliflower, came back for seconds. The savory-sweet glaze and tender roasted edges make it impossible to resist.

3 Reasons to Love This Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

• The ginger-soy sauce adds a savory-sweet glaze that caramelizes on the edges of the roasted cauliflower, creating a delicious contrast.
• It’s a quick vegetarian main that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• The cauliflower steaks are hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but also work as a side for grilled meats or fish.

Key Ingredients for the Best Cauliflower Steaks

• Cauliflower: Look for a firm, heavy head with tight, creamy-white florets and no brown spots. The stalk should be fresh and not dried out. A large head yields 3 to 4 steaks.
• Fresh ginger: Use a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated. Dried ginger won’t give the same bright, spicy flavor. Grate it on a microplane for the best texture.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: This keeps the dish from becoming too salty. If you only have regular soy sauce, use a little less and adjust to taste.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Large baking sheet: A rimmed sheet pan works best to catch any drips and allows the steaks to roast evenly.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp, heavy knife makes cutting through the cauliflower core much easier.
• Whisk: For combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

When cutting the cauliflower, leave the stalk attached to each slice. It helps the steak hold together and adds a tender, slightly sweet bite. Don’t worry if the slices overlap on the baking sheet a little, they’ll shrink as they roast. For even browning, rotate the pan halfway through. The steaks are done when the stems are easily pierced with a fork and the tops are lightly browned in spots. Pour the ginger-soy sauce over the hot cauliflower right before serving so the glaze stays fresh and bright.

Easy Variations for Cauliflower Steaks

If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a gluten-free version, swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. You can also top each steak with a fried egg for extra protein, the runny yolk mixes with the glaze beautifully. If you don’t have cauliflower, try the same method with thick slices of broccoli stems or Romanesco.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger-Soy Sauce

I like to serve these steaks as a main dish over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the extra sauce. They also pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a lighter meal. For a complete vegetarian plate, add a side of sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad. A sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top adds a nice crunch and color.

How to Store Leftover Cauliflower Steaks

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cauliflower will soften as it sits, but the flavor remains great. I usually reheat them in the oven to bring back some of the original texture.

Can You Freeze Cauliflower Steaks?

Freezing is not ideal because the texture becomes mushy after thawing. If you have leftovers you really want to save, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about a month, but expect a softer result when reheated.

Best Way to Reheat Cauliflower Steaks

To restore some crispness, reheat the steaks in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the cauliflower will be much softer. If you’re reheating from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge first, then use the oven method.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cauliflower Steaks