Cauliflower Steaks with Avocado Aioli
Now, don’t look at the title of this recipe and give me the stink eye. I am not trying to tell you to completely replace steak with cauliflower steak (well, I kind of am), this is just referring to the way the cauliflower is cooked. Instead of cutting it into florets, you cut it into thick slices so it sort of looks like a vegetable “steak”. Okay, are we good now? Let’s proceed.
Sometimes you just have to mix it up a bit and try new things with vegetables so you don’t get tired of them. I cook vegetables in lots of different ways all the time, and this recipe is no exception. Actually, this recipe may even be one of the simplest recipes that I’ve ever put on the blog. All you do is cut the cauliflower into thick slices, sear them in a pan until they get those yummy brown bits on them, and then top them with this tasty sauce.
Let’s talk about this sauce, okay fine, it’s technically an aioli because it has a mayo base. But no one will care when you slather a huge dollop of this deliciousness all over the cauliflower steaks. And like the cauliflower in this recipe, it is also super simple and only requires a few ingredients. I’m willing to bet you have avocado, lemons, and some type of mayo in your fridge right now. That’s all it takes.
This is the perfect side dish to accompany pretty much any protein or grain, and with this amazing sauce, it is going to please even your pickiest vegetable eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- parsley for garnish
- 1 large avocado
- 1/4 cup mayo (I used Vegenaise)
- juice of 1 lemon
- pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the leaves and outer stems, and cut the cauliflower into about 3/4 inch thick slices.
- Add the oil to the skillet and place the cauliflower steaks in the hot skillet (you may have to do it in batches if your skillet is not very big), season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the cauliflower for 3-4 minutes on each side, they should start to turn slightly brown.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, you can make the aioli. In a food processor, combine the avocado, mayo, lemon juice, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until the mixture turns into a smooth consistency. Transfer to a small bowl, and store in the fridge.
- To assemble and serve, transfer the cauliflower to a platter and drizzle the aioli over the top. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!