Mildly sweet, roasted cauliflower takes on a bold new personality in these Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce. The aromatic earthiness of zaatar, a luscious herby tahini drizzle, and a hint of heat make this dish impossibly vibrant—whether you serve it as a plant-based entrée or a standout side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The fragrant zaatar and green tahini sauce transform cauliflower into a showstopper that’s anything but bland.
- Healthy & Wholesome: This recipe is naturally plant-based, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrient-dense veggies and fresh herbs.
- Impressively Simple: With a handful of core ingredients and just a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes gourmet with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Serve as a main, side, or appetizer—Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce fit beautifully anywhere on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce lies in a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients—each adding a layer of taste or texture. Every component has a purpose: from tahini’s nuttiness to the bright pop of fresh herbs, you’ll find nothing extra, just everything essential.
- Whole cauliflower: Look for a medium-large head with compact florets and minimal blemishes—this is the canvas for your “steaks.”
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps roast the cauliflower to crisp-tender perfection.
- Zaatar spice blend: The star seasoning—its earthy cumin, tangy sumac, and toasty sesame seeds bring big Middle Eastern flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all those lively flavors.
- Water: Just enough to thin out the green tahini sauce for drizzling.
- Lemon juice: Provides brightness and cuts through the richness of the tahini.
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro, parsley, dill, or basil—or any combo—bring life, color, and fragrant freshness to the sauce.
- Garlic: A couple of hefty cloves add zippy, savory depth to the sauce.
- Jalapeño (optional): A few slices offer gentle heat, but you can skip it or add more for a kick.
- Tahini paste: This creamy sesame paste is the magic behind the sauce’s silky texture and nutty taste.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce your own! This dish is tailor-made for improvisation—whether you need it spicier, milder, or want to play with other veggies and flavors, the possibilities are endless.
- Different Herbs in the Sauce: Swap in mint or chives, or use all basil for a more Mediterranean spin—herby freshness is the only must!
- Add Toasted Pine Nuts: Sprinkle a handful on top for buttery crunch and extra richness.
- Spicy Lovers: Amp up the jalapeño or add a drizzle of harissa for more heat.
- Other Veggies: Try thick slices of roasted eggplant or portobello mushroom as another “steak” option with the same toppings.
How to Make Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce
Step 1: Slice and Prepare the Cauliflower
Begin by trimming any green leaves from your cauliflower but leave the sturdy stem attached—this helps the steaks hold together. Slice off just the end of the stem, then use a sharp knife to carefully cut the cauliflower into ½–¾ inch thick slabs. Don’t worry if a few florets fall off (save them for roasting alongside!).
Step 2: Season and Roast
Place your cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Brush each side liberally with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and a generous blanket of zaatar spice. Roast in a hot, preheated 425°F oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden, tender, and have irresistible crispy edges.
Step 3: Make the Green Tahini Sauce
While the steaks cook, blend up your sauce. In a blender, combine water, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and jalapeño (if using). Blitz until chunky-smooth, then add tahini paste and blend again. Adjust salt for taste and thin with a bit more water, if you’d like a drizzle-friendly consistency.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the hot Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks on a platter—or serve individually. Spoon or drizzle the vivid green tahini sauce over the top and finish with your favorite garnishes. Serve immediately, and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce
- Steak Slicing Success: Slice straight down through the stem to keep the steaks together, and don’t stress if you lose a few florets—they’re delicious roasted alongside the main event.
- Generous Zaatar Crust: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Use your hands to gently press the zaatar into each steak for maximum flavor and beautiful color.
- Oven Rack Placement: For crispier edges, roast the steaks on the top rack—just keep an eye to prevent over-browning.
- Sauce Texture Control: If you like your green tahini sauce on the thinner side for drizzling, add more water a tablespoon at a time until it’s perfect for you.
How to Serve Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce
Garnishes
Finish your Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with a flourish! Sprinkle extra fresh herbs, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, or even ruby-red pomegranate arils for a pop of sweet-tart color. A final squeeze of lemon right before serving wakes up every flavor on the plate.
Side Dishes
These cauliflower steaks pair fabulously with a crisp salad (like a kale or tabbouleh), herby rice pilaf, or creamy hummus. Want to keep things light? Serve over a bed of greens or tuck into a warm pita for a satisfying wrap-style meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this recipe into shareable finger food by cutting the steaks into smaller portions and serving them on a platter with dipping cups of green tahini sauce. For an elegant dinner, individually plate each steak atop a swipe of sauce with colorful garnishes for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks and green tahini sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The steaks keep well for up to 3 days, while the sauce stays bright and flavorful for about a week—perfect for quick lunches or snack time reinventions!
Freezing
While the texture is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze roasted cauliflower steaks for up to a month in an airtight container. Let them cool completely beforehand; just note they’ll soften a bit upon thawing. The green tahini sauce is best made fresh, but can be frozen if needed—stir well after thawing as it may separate.
Reheating
Reheat cauliflower steaks in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and edges are crisp again. A quick blast in a toaster oven works, too! For the sauce, simply let it come to room temperature and whisk or blend to revive its creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use a different spice blend if I don’t have zaatar?
Absolutely! While zaatar gives this recipe its signature character, feel free to use a mix of cumin, coriander, sesame seeds, dried oregano, and a dash of lemon zest as a homemade alternative. Even dukkah or another Middle Eastern blend will work in a pinch.
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Can I grill the cauliflower steaks instead of roasting?
Yes! Brush with olive oil, season as directed, and grill over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes per side. Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to avoid sticking, and flip gently to keep the steaks intact.
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Is the green tahini sauce spicy?
It’s only as spicy as you want it to be! Jalapeño is optional and easily adjustable—leave it out for a mild sauce or add extra for punchy heat. The lemon and herbs keep the flavors bright and balanced either way.
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What’s the best way to keep the cauliflower steaks from falling apart?
Be sure to leave the main stem intact and slice carefully through it—this provides structure so the steaks hold together while cooking. Use a sharp chef’s knife and go slowly; don’t worry if a few pieces break off, as they still roast up deliciously!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat, treat yourself and your loved ones to Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce. It’s a memorable way to celebrate the power of plants—colorful, nourishing, and bursting with bold flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give it a try and let this dish become a new favorite at your table!
Print
Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these flavorful Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with a zesty Green Tahini Sauce for a satisfying and healthy meal option.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Steaks:
- 1 whole cauliflower, leaves trimmed, sliced into 1/2 inch thick steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–4 teaspoons zaatar spice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Green Tahini Sauce:
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1–2 fat garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, Italian parsley, dill, basil, or a combo)
- 2–3 slices jalapeno (optional)
- 1/2–1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F: Trim leaves off cauliflower, leaving stem intact. Slice into steaks. Brush with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and zaatar. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
- Make Green Tahini Sauce: Blend water, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, jalapeno, salt. Add tahini, blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Plate cauliflower steaks, drizzle with Green Tahini Sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- The Green Tahini Sauce recipe makes extra; save leftovers for Buddha bowls, salads, or roasted veggies during the week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 308
- Sugar: 3.1 g
- Sodium: 224 mg
- Fat: 27.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.6 g
- Fiber: 5.7 g
- Protein: 7.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
