Cauliflower steaks have emerged as a star in the plant-based culinary world, offering a hearty and satisfying alternative to traditional meat dishes. These thick slices of cauliflower, expertly seasoned and cooked, are incredibly versatile, but the question often arises: What To Serve With Cauliflower Steaks to create a complete and memorable meal?
This guide will explore a range of delectable pairings and side dishes that perfectly complement cauliflower steaks. Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch, a comforting weeknight dinner, or an impressive dish for a special occasion, we’ve got you covered with ideas that will elevate your cauliflower steak experience.
Cauliflower steaks served on a white plate with dijon garlic potatoes and green beans
Elevating Your Cauliflower Steaks: The Perfect Side Dish Equation
Cauliflower steaks, with their mild, slightly nutty flavor, are a blank canvas ready to absorb and enhance the flavors of accompanying dishes. When considering what to serve with cauliflower steaks, think about creating a balance of textures and tastes.
Consider these factors when choosing your side dishes:
- Flavor Profile: Do you want to enhance the savory notes of the cauliflower, or contrast them with something bright and acidic?
- Texture: Cauliflower steaks are tender on the inside and often crispy on the edges. Pair them with sides that offer textural variety, like creamy, crunchy, or roasted elements.
- Dietary Needs: Are you catering to vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets? The versatility of cauliflower steaks means you can easily tailor your side dishes to suit various dietary preferences.
- Occasion: Is it a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner? This will influence the complexity and presentation of your side dish choices.
Classic & Crowd-Pleasing Sides for Cauliflower Steaks
For a guaranteed hit, these classic side dishes are always a great answer to what to serve with cauliflower steaks:
-
Roasted Potatoes: Dijon garlic roasted potatoes, as mentioned in the original recipe, are a fantastic choice. The creamy interior and crispy exterior of roasted potatoes provide a wonderful textural contrast to the cauliflower steaks. Consider variations like roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness, or rosemary garlic potatoes for an herbaceous aroma.
Ingredients for cauliflower chimichurri laid out on a dark green countertop -
Garlic Green Beans: Another excellent suggestion from the original post, garlic green beans are a simple yet flavorful side. The slight bitterness of green beans is balanced beautifully by garlic and a touch of olive oil. For extra flavor, try adding toasted almonds or a squeeze of lemon juice.
-
Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Polenta: For ultimate comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes or polenta are exceptional choices. Their smooth texture and rich flavor create a luxurious pairing with the cauliflower steaks. Infuse your mashed potatoes with roasted garlic or herbs for added depth.
-
Simple Salad: A fresh and vibrant salad provides a light counterpoint to the richness of the cauliflower steaks. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette, a Caprese salad, or a cucumber and tomato salad are all refreshing options.
Sauces That Sing with Cauliflower Steaks
Sauce is key to elevating any dish, and cauliflower steaks are no exception. When thinking about what to serve with cauliflower steaks in terms of sauces, consider these flavorful options:
-
Chimichurri Sauce: The original recipe highlights chimichurri, and for good reason! This vibrant Argentinian sauce, packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of acidity, is a match made in heaven for cauliflower steaks. Its herbaceous and zesty notes cut through the richness of the roasted cauliflower, creating a balanced and exciting flavor profile.
-
Romesco Sauce: This Spanish sauce, made from roasted red peppers, almonds, tomatoes, and garlic, offers a smoky, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that complements cauliflower beautifully. Its creamy texture also adds another dimension to the dish.
-
Peppercorn Sauce: Inspired by the suggestion for Portobello mushroom steaks, a creamy peppercorn sauce brings a touch of indulgence and warmth. The spicy kick of peppercorns and the richness of the cream create a decadent pairing.
-
Curry Tahini Sauce: For a more exotic twist, a curry tahini sauce offers a creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy flavor. The earthy notes of tahini and the aromatic spices of curry create a unique and delicious combination.
-
Lemon Herb Butter Sauce: A classic and versatile choice, a lemon herb butter sauce adds brightness, richness, and aromatic herbs. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the mildness of the cauliflower.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Side Dish Ideas
Looking to get a little more creative with what to serve with cauliflower steaks? Try these unique and flavorful side dish ideas:
-
Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, beets, and turnips roasted with herbs and balsamic glaze offer a medley of sweet and earthy flavors that complement cauliflower steaks beautifully.
a collage of six images showing the preparation process of cauliflower before it goes into the oven -
Quinoa or Couscous Salad: A light and fluffy quinoa or couscous salad with roasted vegetables, herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a healthy and flavorful side. Add some chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
-
Grilled Asparagus or Broccolini: Grilled asparagus or broccolini brings a smoky char and tender-crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the cauliflower steaks. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (for non-vegan diets) can enhance their flavor.
-
Creamed Spinach: For a touch of elegance and richness, creamed spinach is a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with cauliflower steaks. Use plant-based cream for a vegan version.
-
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls: Create vibrant bowls with quinoa as a base, topped with cauliflower steaks, roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a lemon-herb dressing.
Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions
Weeknight Dinner: Keep it simple and satisfying by serving cauliflower steaks with roasted potatoes and garlic green beans, topped with chimichurri sauce. This is a quick and easy meal that is both healthy and delicious.
Date Night In: Impress your date with cauliflower steaks served alongside creamy polenta, roasted asparagus, and a decadent peppercorn sauce. A glass of red wine would complete the romantic meal.
Vegan Feast: Create a vibrant vegan spread with cauliflower steaks as the centerpiece, surrounded by roasted root vegetables, a quinoa salad with chickpeas and herbs, and a generous bowl of romesco sauce.
Low-Carb Meal: Pair cauliflower steaks with a simple green salad, grilled asparagus, and a lemon herb butter sauce. This combination is light, flavorful, and keeps the carbohydrate count low.
cauliflower steaks served on a wide oval plate topped with chimichurri
Final Thoughts on Cauliflower Steak Pairings
The beauty of cauliflower steaks lies in their versatility. When considering what to serve with cauliflower steaks, the possibilities are truly endless. From classic roasted potatoes and green beans to more adventurous sauces and salads, you can customize your side dishes to create a meal that is perfectly tailored to your taste and occasion. Experiment with different flavors and textures, and you’ll discover your own favorite pairings for this plant-based star.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, cauliflower steaks are a fantastic and flavorful option. By choosing the right side dishes, you can transform them into a truly exceptional culinary experience.
How to Store Cauliflower Steaks (Leftovers)
As mentioned in the original recipe, leftover cauliflower steaks are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through, being careful not to overheat them and make them mushy. Freezing is not recommended.
cauliflower steaks served on a white plate with dijon garlic potatoes and green beans
Recipe FAQs (Refer to original article for detailed answers)
- How do you cut cauliflower steaks so they don’t fall apart?
- What can I make with the leftover cauliflower florets?
- How thick should my cauliflower steaks be?
- Why is my roasted cauliflower tough?
- Should I line my baking sheet with parchment paper?
Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri Recipe (Refer to original recipe)
(Include Recipe Card as in original article)
This rewritten article aims to provide a more comprehensive guide on “what to serve with cauliflower steaks”, going beyond just the recipe to offer a wider range of side dish and pairing suggestions, enhancing SEO for the target keyword and providing more value to the reader.
