Cauliflower Steaks with Spinach Basil Pesto

Time

 45 min

Servings

2-4

Published July 31, 2023 by Dr. Stephanie Gray, DC

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Today, I am making cauliflower steaks with a spinach basil pesto.  Cauliflower steaks are thick slices of cauliflower, roasted in the oven or cooked on a grill. While not quite the same as a sirloin steak, they make a great plant based option for those that don’t eat meat.  And if you do eat meat, these cauliflower steaks also make a great side dish alongside any protein. 

These cauliflower steaks are easy to make. They are tender on the inside and lightly caramelized on the outside. Topped with a simple yet delicious pesto, this dish is loaded with flavour. 

I can’t wait for you try these Cauliflower Steaks with a spinach basil pesto. 

This recipe is naturally, gluten free, grain free, low carb. Ketogenic friendly and plant based. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

For other great dinner ideas, check out these other recipes:

Beef and Salsa Stuffed Peppers

Greek Chicken with Tzatziki

Indian Spiced Chicken

Low Carb Roasted Veggie “Pizza”

Stir Fry on Cauliflower Rice with Almond Butter Sauce

Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Salad

Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk

The Jennifer Aniston Salad

12 Minute Broiler Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Big Mac Salad

 

How to Store left over Cauliflower Steaks

Store leftover cauliflower steaks in a tight glass containers. Store leftover pesto in a covered glass container. Both must be refrigerated. Eat within 5-7 days.

 

 

Cauliflower Steaks with Pesto

Today we're making these super flavorful grilled or roasted vegetarian "steaks" served with a spinach and basil pesto
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cauliflower, cauliflower steaks
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 241kcal
Author: Dr. Stephanie Gray ~www.drstephanieskitchen.ca

Equipment

  • an oven or a grill
  • 1 Large baking sheet

Ingredients

To make the Pesto

  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 cup basil
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast or parmasean
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 lemon juiced & zested
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

To make the Cauliflower Steaks

  • 1 large cauliflower

Instructions

To make the pesto

  • Add all pesto ingredients in a small food processor. Process until mixed well.

To prepare the cauliflower

  • Trim the green leaves off the cauliflower.
  • Place the cauliflower on a cutting board stem up. Cut cauliflower into slices about 2 cm thick. Some of the cauliflower will fall apart. This is normal. Reserve those florets for another recipe, or roast them on the baking sheet with the "steaks".

To roast the cauliflower steaks in the oven

  • Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place cauliflower "steaks" on the baking sheet. Brush a little olive oil on both sides. Add florets that fell away from steaks if desired.
  • Bake about 10 minutes then flip them over and bake another 10-15 minutes or until tender and browned.

To grill cauliflower steaks on a BBQ

  • Preheat the grill over medium heat. Place cauliflower steaks on the grill, close the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes. Flip them over and cook another 5-10 minutes until tender and browned. Brush each side with a little olive oil.
  • Before serving, garnish each cauliflower steak with a tablespoon or two of pesto.

Notes

Each cauliflower will yield about 4 steaks plus some florets that fall away from the steaks.
If you want to double the recipe, use two cauliflowers to make more steaks. You will have enough pesto to serve 4-6 people. 
Substitute fresh parsley for basil or substitute more spinach for basil. 
Substitute more basil for spinach. 
Substitute Parmasean cheese for nutritional yeast. 
Substitute avocado oil for olive oil. 
Substitute pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for walnuts for a nut free option. 

Nutrition

Serving: 2steaks | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.9g | Protein: 6.5g | Fat: 20.6g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Sodium: 187.05mg | Potassium: 373.5mg | Fiber: 4.9g | Sugar: 3.05g
Tried this recipe?Mention @drstephanieskitchen or tag #drstephanieskitchen!

Hi! I’m Dr. Stephanie Gray. I’m a doctor of chiropractic, with a special interest in nutrition. I am passionate about healthy eating and using food to heal thyself. Food should be made in a kitchen not a factory. I believe in eating whole foods, keeping processed foods to a minimum. It is my goal to show you that eating healthy and cooking at home can be simple and very rewarding! All of my recipes are gluten-free. Some are ketogenic or paleo friendly.