spicy chipotle cauliflower steaks

Cauliflower steak

spicy chipotle cauliflower steaks

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

04 Sept 2025

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I remeber once, my sister telling me how she thought cauliflower was so bland and boring. So, I took it as a personal challenge to prove her wrong! These Spicy Chipotle Cauliflower Steaks are the result – tender, flavorful, and anything but boring. The chipotle marinade infuses the cauliflower with a delightful smokiness and just the right amount of heat, making it a meal that's both exciting and comforting. Whether you're looking for a hearty vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish, this recipe is a winner.
close up of chipotle cauliflower steaks
What does this mean for you? It means that even if you're not usually a fan of cauliflower, this recipe might just change your mind. The key is in the preparation – properly searing the cauliflower steaks ensures a beautiful caramelization and prevents them from becoming soggy. Don't skimp on the marinade time, either. Letting the cauliflower soak up all those wonderful flavors is essential for a truly delicious result. I'd suggest overnight, if you have the patience.
chef preparing chipotle cauliflower steaks
Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to adapt. Want to kick up the heat even more? Add an extra chipotle pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of chipotle powder or use smoked paprika instead. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, too – a dollop of vegan sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of lime juice all work beautifully.
plating chipotle cauliflower steaks

Required Equipments

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Spicy Chipotle Cauliflower Steaks: Frequently Asked Questions

Spicy Chipotle Cauliflower Steaks

Transform ordinary cauliflower into extraordinary Spicy Chipotle Cauliflower Steaks! This recipe delivers a smoky, spicy, and satisfying plant-based dish that's sure to impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Don't be shy—embrace the heat!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First things first, let's prep the cauliflower. Start by removing the outer leaves from a large head of cauliflower. It is easier to cut it on a cutting board, make sure it is stable, but not too heavy.
  2. Now, this is the crucial part: cutting the steaks. You'll want to cut two thick slices (about 1-1.5 inches) from the center of the cauliflower. These are your steaks! Don't worry if the edges crumble a bit; you can save those florets for roasting later. For the love of God be careful and take it slow when cutting the cauliflower steaks.
  3. Time to make the star of the show: the chipotle marinade! In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of chipotle powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. If you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
  4. Now, brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks generously with the chipotle marinade. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated in that flavorful goodness. Cover the steaks and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they'll be.
  5. When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). I know, it seems so simple, but it is important.
  6. While the oven is preheating, heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
  7. Carefully place the marinated cauliflower steaks in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're nicely browned and slightly caramelized. This step is key for developing that delicious flavor and texture.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Keep and eye on them so they don't burn.
  9. Once the cauliflower steaks are cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven and let them cool slightly. Be careful, the skillet will be hot.
  10. Serve your Spicy Chipotle Cauliflower Steaks hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. I love a dollop of vegan sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!
  11. You can also serve it with your favorite side dishes, like rice, quinoa, or a simple salad.

📝 Notes

  • Marinating the cauliflower steaks overnight will result in a more flavorful dish.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • For a milder flavor, use smoked paprika instead of chipotle powder.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal

Protein: 5 g

Fat: 18 g

Carbohydrates: 20 g

Fiber: 8 g

Calcium: 50 mg

Embrace the spice, savor the flavor, and share the love. Cooking is an act of joy!

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