Description
These Buffalo Cauliflower Steaks are a bold, vegan-friendly dish featuring thick-cut cauliflower ‘steaks’ roasted to perfection and coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect as a game day snack or a flavorful entrée, they combine smoky spices, a sticky buffalo glaze, and a satisfying texture while remaining light and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower Steaks:
- 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
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 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)
For Serving:
- Vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Select a large, fresh cauliflower head. Rinse it thoroughly and pat dry. Remove the green leaves and trim the stem but keep enough core intact to hold the steaks together.
- Slice the Cauliflower: Using a sharp knife, cut the cauliflower into 1 to 1½-inch thick steaks. Typically, this yields 2-3 full steaks plus smaller florets which can be saved for roasting or other recipes.
- Season the Cauliflower Steaks: Place the cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle and brush this mixture evenly over both sides of each steak for a smoky, spiced flavor base.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the steaks for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides evenly. The cauliflower should develop golden brown, crispy edges while remaining tender inside.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot sauce, melted vegan butter, apple cider vinegar, and optional maple syrup. Stir until well mixed and then remove from heat. This sauce will have a tangy, rich flavor perfect for coating the steaks.
- Apply the Buffalo Sauce: When the cauliflower is roasted, brush each steak generously with the buffalo sauce. Return them to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes to bake the sauce into the steaks and form a sticky coating. Watch closely to avoid burning, as the sauce caramelizes quickly.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the buffalo cauliflower steaks to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve with vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles and accompany with celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by modifying cayenne pepper or using a hotter hot sauce; dilute with vegan yogurt if needed.
- Add a crispy breadcrumb topping after applying buffalo sauce for added texture.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free; verify all ingredients for gluten-free certification if required.
- Substitute honey for maple syrup in the buffalo sauce to create a sweet and spicy variant.
- Try mixing buffalo sauce with vegan BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Coat cauliflower in cornstarch before seasoning to achieve extra crispiness.
- Pair with sweet potato fries, vegan nachos, grilled corn, or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Entrée
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo cauliflower steaks, vegan buffalo, cauliflower steak recipe, plant-based buffalo, air fryer cauliflower, spicy cauliflower steak, game day snacks, vegan appetizer
