Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Steaks with Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492194H23M27S
Total time: PT-492194H23M27S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large cauliflower head; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); Salt and black pepper to taste; ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) or honey for a sweet and spicy flavor; 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional); Vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles; Celery sticks and carrot sticks; Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Ingredients

1 large cauliflower head

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) or honey for a sweet and spicy flavor

2 tablespoons melted vegan butter

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

Vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles, for serving

Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving

Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the cauliflower and pat dry. Remove any green leaves and trim the stem, leaving enough core to hold the steaks together. Slice into 1 to 1½ inch thick steaks, typically two to three per head.

Step 2: Place cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Brush or drizzle this mixture evenly over the steaks.

Step 3: Roast the cauliflower in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown with crispy edges and tender inside.

Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce, melted vegan butter, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup (if using) in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until well mixed, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Remove cauliflower from the oven and brush each steak generously with the buffalo sauce. Return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes to let the sauce bake in and become sticky. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Transfer steaks to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve with vegan ranch or blue cheese crumbles alongside celery and carrot sticks for a classic, refreshing crunch.

Tips & Variations

Adjust heat by increasing cayenne pepper or choosing a hotter hot sauce, or tone down spice by mixing buffalo sauce with vegan yogurt.

For extra crispiness, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on the steaks after saucing, then bake until golden.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but verify that all ingredients such as hot sauce and vegan butter are gluten-free if needed.

Try variations like honey buffalo for sweetness, BBQ buffalo for smoky flavor, or toss in cornstarch before seasoning for a crispier crust.

FAQs

Can I make buffalo cauliflower steaks without an oven?

Yes, you can cook the cauliflower steaks in an air fryer at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway, then apply sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Alternatively, pan-searing followed by covered steaming can work, but roasting provides the best texture.

How spicy are buffalo cauliflower steaks?

The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and type of hot sauce used. You can easily adjust the spice to your preference by reducing or increasing cayenne or choosing a milder hot sauce.