sweet and sour cauliflower steaks on a plate

Cauliflower steak

sweet and sour cauliflower steaks

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

08 Oct 2025

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I still remember the first time I tried cauliflower steaks. A friend, bless her adventurous heart, served them at a dinner party. I was skeptical, I'll admit. Cauliflower? As a steak? But one bite, and I was converted. The way the edges caramelized, the slight bite of the cauliflower itself, and the explosion of flavor from the sauce…it was magic. So, I had to recreate it, but with my twist – a vibrant sweet and sour sauce that's easy to make and even easier to love. Find out how you can make them!
close up of cauliflower steak being pan fried
These Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Steaks are not only delicious but also surprisingly versatile. They are perfect as a vegetarian or vegan main course, or a unique side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish. The key is getting that perfect sear on the cauliflower, which creates a beautiful golden crust and a tender interior. The homemade sweet and sour sauce, with its balance of tanginess and sweetness, elevates the dish to a whole new level. Don't be scared to get creative with the recipe - experiment with different vegetables, add extra spices, or even throw in some chopped nuts for added crunch.
cauliflower steaks with sauce being drizzled over them

Required Equipments

  • Cutting Board
  • Large Knife
  • Small Bowl
  • Large Skillet
  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spoon

Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Steaks: Frequently Asked Questions

Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Steaks

These Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Steaks transform a humble vegetable into a show-stopping, flavorful main course. The perfectly seared cauliflower, coated in a tangy, homemade sweet and sour sauce, offer a delightful balance of textures and tastes that even meat-lovers will adore.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, prep the cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves from a large head of cauliflower. Place the cauliflower stem-side down on a cutting board. Using a large knife, carefully cut 1-inch thick 'steaks' from the center of the cauliflower. You should get about 2-3 steaks depending on the size of your cauliflower. Don't worry about the florets that break off; you can roast them separately!
  2. Season the cauliflower steaks: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the cauliflower steaks. Ensure every nook and cranny is covered for maximum flavour!
  3. Sear the cauliflower: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cauliflower steaks in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly tender. The key here is patience! Don't move the steaks around too much – let them develop a nice crust. If the cauliflower is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
  4. Make the sweet and sour sauce: While the cauliflower is searing, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger. Make sure there aren't any cornstarch lumps.
  5. Add sauce and simmer: Once the cauliflower steaks are seared, pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly – about 2-3 minutes. As the sauce simmers, it will coat the cauliflower steaks, creating a beautiful glaze.
  6. Glaze the cauliflower: Spoon the sauce over the cauliflower steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cauliflower simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the cauliflower to absorb the sauce.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Steaks with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions. Serve immediately over a bed of rice or quinoa, or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables.

📝 Notes

    🍎 Nutrition

    Calories: 250 kcal

    Protein: 5 g

    Fat: 12 g

    Carbohydrates: 35 g

    Fiber: 6 g

    Calcium: 50 mg

    Embrace the unexpected in the kitchen – sometimes the most delightful dishes are born from a little improvisation!

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