Hey!
If you’re craving something cozy and comforting, these oil-free Cauliflower Steaks are a perfect choice. Tender inside, crisp at the edges and full of flavor, they make an easy weeknight meal or a beautiful plant-based side.
Cozy Cauliflower Steaks (Oil-Free, Plant-Based)
Ingredients~
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (regular)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional or to taste)
Instructions~
Prepare the Steaks
Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower. Slice the cauliflower from top to stem into thick “steaks,” about 1 to 1½ inches each. You should get 2–3 solid steaks and some loose florets (you can roast those too).
Steam First
Place the steaks in a steamer basket over simmering water. Steam for 7–9 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Remove carefully and let them cool slightly.
Mix the Marinade
Whisk together water, lemon juice, tahini, maple syrup, balsamic, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, black pepper, paprika and sea salt if using. The mixture should be pourable, add a splash of water if needed.
Marinate the Steaks
Place the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush or spoon the marinade generously over both sides. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes to soak up the flavor.
Roast
Preheat oven to 425°F. Roast the steaks for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are golden and lightly crisp.
Serve
Top with fresh parsley, lemon zest or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve over quinoa, greens, mashed potatoes or rice.

I started out over 10 years ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
