There’s just something magical about grilled vegetables, isn’t there? The way they char and caramelize, developing this deep, smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. Now, let me tell you about my absolute favorite—cauliflower steaks with chimichurri. These are not just any ordinary veggie dish; they transform humble cauliflower into something truly special! I remember the first time I tried this recipe at a summer barbecue. The vibrant chimichurri sauce draped over the tender, charred cauliflower was a revelation. It was fresh, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying! I’ve been hooked ever since, and it’s become a go-to whenever I want to impress friends or just indulge in something deliciously healthy. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with this dish just like I did!
Ingredients for Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri
To make these delicious cauliflower steaks with chimichurri, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Start with 1 large head of cauliflower, which will give you those perfect thick steaks. You’ll also want 2 tablespoons of olive oil to brush on the cauliflower for grilling, and don’t forget salt to taste. For the vibrant chimichurri sauce, gather 1 cup of fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro for that herbaceous punch. You’ll need 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar for acidity, 2 garlic cloves for flavor, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to add some heat. Lastly, use 1/2 cup of olive oil to bring it all together. With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to a fantastic dish!
How to Prepare Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri
Alright, let’s dive into making these stunning cauliflower steaks with chimichurri! First off, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium heat. This is key for achieving those beautiful char marks. While the grill is warming up, grab your large head of cauliflower and carefully slice it into 1-inch thick steaks. Don’t worry if some pieces break apart; you can always roast them as delicious florets on the side! Next, brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste. Once your grill is hot, place those beauties on and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden brown color and a tender bite. It’s so satisfying when they get that perfect char!
Grilling the Cauliflower Steaks
Grilling the cauliflower steaks is where the magic happens! Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Slice your cauliflower into thick steaks—aim for about an inch. This thickness helps them hold up on the grill without falling apart. Brush each side with olive oil and season generously with salt. Lay them on the grill, and let them sizzle away for 5-7 minutes. You want to see those gorgeous grill marks and a bit of char, which adds so much flavor. Flip them carefully to the other side and give them another 5-7 minutes. They should be tender and irresistibly smoky!
Making the Chimichurri Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that zesty chimichurri sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine your chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. The combination of these fresh herbs with the vinegar is just heavenly! Slowly drizzle in your 1/2 cup of olive oil while whisking. This helps to emulsify the sauce and brings all those flavors together beautifully. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you need to—maybe a pinch more salt or an extra kick of red pepper flakes! Once it’s well mixed, you’ll have this vibrant, green, and flavorful sauce ready to drizzle over your grilled cauliflower steaks. Trust me, it’s the perfect finishing touch!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to cauliflower steaks with chimichurri, you can indulge without guilt! Each serving, which is one steak topped with that vibrant chimichurri, has approximately 150 calories. You’re looking at about 14 grams of fat, with 2 grams of saturated fat and no cholesterol—perfect for a heart-healthy meal! It packs in around 3 grams of protein and 8 grams of carbohydrates, along with 3 grams of fiber to keep you feeling satisfied. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure: you’re in for a nutritious treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Loaded with flavor from the smoky grilled cauliflower and zesty chimichurri.
- Perfectly healthy—vegan and packed with nutrients.
- Great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
- Impressive enough to serve at gatherings while being simple to make.
- Versatile—pair it with grains, salads, or enjoy it on its own.
- A fantastic way to enjoy more vegetables without sacrificing taste!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cauliflower steaks with chimichurri turn out absolutely perfect, here are some tips I swear by! First, choose a firm, fresh head of cauliflower—this ensures your steaks hold their shape while grilling. When slicing, try to keep the thickness consistent, aiming for that 1-inch mark. It helps them cook evenly! As for the chimichurri, feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes, or if you prefer it milder, cut back a bit. And remember, serving the chimichurri fresh makes a world of difference in flavor!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to *cauliflower steaks with chimichurri*, the options are endless! I love pairing them with a light quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing contrast. Roasted sweet potatoes also make a delightful side; their sweetness complements the smoky flavors of the cauliflower perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, serve them alongside a creamy risotto or some fluffy couscous, which soaks up the chimichurri beautifully. And don’t forget a simple green salad to round out the meal—fresh greens really brighten everything up!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of these delicious *cauliflower steaks with chimichurri*, don’t worry; they store beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. This way, you’ll regain that lovely char without drying them out. You can also pop them in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it, as they can get a bit mushy. Enjoy the flavors all over again!
FAQ About Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri
Got questions about making these *cauliflower steaks with chimichurri*? I’ve got you covered! One common question is whether you can substitute the cauliflower with another vegetable. Absolutely! Try using portobello mushrooms or eggplant for a delightful twist. If you’re looking to spice things up, you can add more red pepper flakes to the chimichurri or even toss in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Worried about the vinegar? You can swap out the red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar if you prefer a milder flavor. And trust me, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, just double up on the parsley! It’s super flexible, so make it your own!
Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri: 5 Irresistible Steps
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Grilled cauliflower steaks served with a zesty chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Slice the cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks.
- Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt.
- Grill the cauliflower steaks for 5-7 minutes on each side until tender and charred.
- In a bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil until well mixed.
- Serve grilled cauliflower steaks topped with chimichurri sauce.
Notes
- Choose a firm cauliflower for best results.
- Adjust the spice level of chimichurri to your preference.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Vegetarian
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with chimichurri
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cauliflower steaks, chimichurri, vegan recipes, grilled vegetables