Are you enjoying the robust flavor of cauliflower steaks but unsure of what to pair them with? You’re not alone; many people are perplexed by this flavorful, yet versatile veggie main course. So, let’s find out what to serve with cauliflower steaks.
Our blog post packs in a wealth of ideas for side dishes that perfectly compliment your cauliflower steak, transforming it into a complete meal experience. Let’s dig in and discover creative, delicious sides that will elevate your next dinner featuring cauliflower steaks!
Key Takeaways
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes pair perfectly with cauliflower steaks for a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
- Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan: Crispy roasted broccoli tossed with lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese creates a vibrant side dish that complements the earthy taste of cauliflower steaks.
- Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes: Top roasted sweet potatoes with tangy feta cheese, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant herbs for a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the sweet potatoes.
- Creamy Garlic Mushrooms: Cook mushrooms in a rich garlic sauce for a flavorful side dish that provides a satisfying contrast to the mildness of cauliflower steaks.
Delicious Side Dishes for Cauliflower Steaks
Mashed Potatoes make a creamy and comforting side dish for cauliflower steaks, creating a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Mashed Potatoes
These potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. Their creamy texture and hearty flavor serve as the perfect backdrop for the nutty, slightly sweet taste of roasted cauliflower.
Preparing them is simple: you boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter and cream for richness. Seasoning is crucial here; don’t forget to add salt for flavor enhancement.
To take your mashed potatoes up a notch, consider mixing in some roasted garlic or cheese. This smooth and scrumptious companion will elevate your cauliflower steak meal into a more fulfilling experience!
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan
Roasted broccoli with lemon and Parmesan is a delicious and vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. The florets of broccoli are coated in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, then roasted until they become tender and slightly crispy.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess to the dish, while grated Parmesan cheese brings a savory richness. So, next time you wonder, what to serve with cauliflower steaks, think about it. This combination of flavors creates a fantastic contrast to the earthy taste of cauliflower steaks, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes
The Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes are a flavorful and satisfying side dish to pair with cauliflower steaks. These sweet potatoes are roasted until tender and topped with a delicious combination of Mediterranean ingredients.
The tangy feta cheese, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant herbs bring a burst of flavor to the dish. The creamy texture of the sweet potatoes perfectly complements the vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
It’s a simple yet impressive side that adds depth and variety to your meal.
Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
Creamy garlic mushrooms are a delectable side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. These mushrooms are cooked in a rich and velvety garlic sauce, adding a burst of flavor to your meal.
With their creamy texture and savory taste, they provide a satisfying contrast to the cauliflower’s mildness. The garlicky essence adds depth to the overall dish, creating a delightful combination of flavors.
Whether you’re serving vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals, these creamy garlic mushrooms will undoubtedly elevate your cauliflower steak experience.
Couscous Salad
Try a refreshing couscous salad as a side dish for your cauliflower steaks. The light and fluffy texture of the couscous pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of the cauliflower.
You can add in some colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers to give it extra freshness and crunch. A simple dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs will tie all the flavors together.
This vibrant salad is not only delicious but also provides a good source of fiber and essential nutrients. So, this should pretty much end your struggle to know what to serve with cauliflower steaks.
Greek Salad
Greek Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. This traditional Mediterranean salad is bursting with flavor, featuring fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese.
The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Tossed in a light dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, Greek Salad offers a zesty and herbaceous complement to the earthy flavors of cauliflower steaks.
It’s an excellent choice for adding brightness and nutritional value to your meal while keeping things light and flavorful.
Creative and Flavorful Sides for Cauliflower Steaks
Incorporate bold and unique flavors with these creative and flavorful sides that will take your cauliflower steaks to the next level.
Marmite Roasted Potatoes
Marmite roasted potatoes are a delicious and unique side dish to serve with cauliflower steaks. The potatoes are coated in a savory Marmite glaze that adds an intense umami flavor.
The crispy texture of the roasted potatoes pairs perfectly with the tender cauliflower steaks, creating a satisfying contrast of textures. This side dish is sure to impress your guests with its bold and flavorful taste.
Fluffy Mashed Cauliflower
Fluffy mashed cauliflower is a perfect side dish to serve with cauliflower steaks. Made by steaming and then mashing the cauliflower, it has a light and airy texture that pairs well with the heartiness of the steak.
The creamy consistency of the mashed cauliflower adds a comforting element to your meal, while still keeping it healthy and low in calories. Whether you choose to season it simply with salt and pepper or add additional ingredients like garlic or herbs, fluffy mashed cauliflower is a delicious accompaniment that enhances the flavors of your cauliflower steaks.
Homemade Nando’s Spicy Rice
The article includes a recipe for homemade Nando’s Spicy Rice as one of the creative and flavorful side dishes to serve with cauliflower steaks. This spicy rice dish adds an extra kick of flavor and complements the mild taste of the cauliflower steak.
It is inspired by the famous Nando’s peri-peri seasoning, giving it a delicious and vibrant flavor profile. The recipe uses ingredients like rice, garlic, onion, paprika, chili flakes, and lemon juice to create a bold and zesty accompaniment for your cauliflower steaks. So, it is a good answer to what to serve with cauliflower steaks.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just want to try something different, this homemade Nando’s Spicy Rice is sure to add excitement to your meal.
Three Bean Chaat
The Three Bean Chaat is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. Made with a combination of kidney beans, chickpeas, and black beans, this dish is packed with protein and fiber.
The beans are tossed in a tangy dressing made from lemon juice, tamarind paste, and chaat masala spice blend. The addition of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds crunch and freshness to the chaat.
This side dish not only complements the flavors of the cauliflower steak but also adds a burst of color to your plate.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a classic and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. The creamy texture of the spinach complements the hearty flavor of the cauliflower, creating a delicious combination.
Creamed spinach is made by sautéing fresh spinach in butter and garlic, then adding cream or milk to create a rich sauce. This side dish adds a touch of elegance to your meal and brings out the natural flavors of both the cauliflower and the spinach.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, creamed spinach is sure to be a hit alongside your cauliflower steaks.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Beet and goat cheese salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. The earthy sweetness of the roasted beets combined with the tanginess of the creamy goat cheese creates a delectable combination of flavors.
This salad not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty cauliflower steaks. It’s a simple yet elegant choice that will impress your guests and elevate your meal to another level.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options for Cauliflower Steaks
If you are still wondering, what to serve with cauliflower steaks? These are some options.
Enjoy a variety of plant-based options like lentil stew, quinoa salad, roasted root vegetables, and more to complete your cauliflower steak meal. Discover flavorful and satisfying dishes that will leave you craving for more.
Lentil Stew
Lentil stew is a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. The earthy flavor of the lentils complements the grilled cauliflower, creating a delicious and nutritious combination.
Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians or vegans looking to add some substance to their meal. The stew can be made with aromatic herbs and spices like garlic, cumin, and paprika to enhance the flavors even further.
Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or just want something warm and comforting on the side of your cauliflower steaks, lentil stew is sure to be a hit.
Quinoa Salad
It is a versatile and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. Quinoa, known for its nutty flavor and protein-packed goodness, complements the grilled cauliflower steak well.
Whether served warm or chilled, quinoa salad can be customized with various vegetables, herbs, and dressings to suit your taste preferences. Middle Eastern-inspired options like carrot quinoa salad or Mediterranean-style quinoa salads are recommended alongside cauliflower steaks.
As a vegetarian or vegan option, quinoa salad adds a satisfying texture and flavors to enhance your meal.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables are a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. These earthy vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, become caramelized and tender when roasted in the oven.
The natural sweetness of the roasted root vegetables complements the savory flavors of the cauliflower steaks, creating a delicious combination. Roasting adds depth of flavor to these veggies, making them an excellent choice to enhance your meal.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Among vegan options on what to serve with cauliflower steaks, cilantro rice is a great choice.
Cilantro Lime Rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. The tanginess of the lime complements the earthy flavors of the cauliflower, while the fresh cilantro adds a refreshing touch.
This rice dish is easy to make by simply cooking white rice and then tossing it with freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. It’s a versatile option that can also be customized by adding other ingredients like garlic or bell peppers for added depth of flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a zesty twist or just want to add some color to your plate, Cilantro Lime Rice is an excellent choice to serve alongside cauliflower steaks.
– Cauliflower steaks are taken up a notch when paired with zesty Cilantro Lime Rice. This side dish adds a burst of freshness and brightness to every bite of tender cauliflower steak.
To make this tasty rice, cook white rice until fluffy, then mix in minced cilantro and tangy lime juice. The result is a vibrant green rice that beautifully complements the nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower steaks.
Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. These tender and flavorful carrots are cooked in a sticky glaze made from butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
The caramelized coating adds a touch of sweetness to the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a delectable combination. Glazed carrots not only provide a burst of color on the plate but also offer a delightful balance of flavors that complement the earthiness of cauliflower steaks.
With their vibrant appearance and delicious taste, glazed carrots make for an enticing addition to any meal featuring cauliflower steaks.
Lemon Herb Orzo
The bright and tangy flavors of lemon herb orzo make it a perfect side dish for cauliflower steaks. The refreshing combination of fresh herbs, zesty lemon juice, and tender orzo pasta adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavor of the grilled cauliflower.
Whether served warm or chilled, this simple yet flavorful dish is sure to enhance your meal and leave you wanting more.
Light and Refreshing Sides for Cauliflower Steaks
Sautéed Spinach adds a vibrant and nutritious element to your cauliflower steaks, while grilled asparagus provides a smoky flavor and satisfying crunch. Couscous Pilaf offers a fluffy and flavorful grain option, and yogurt provides a cooling contrast to the rich flavors of the cauliflower. So, this might solve your problem of what to serve with cauliflower steaks.
Watermelon Arugula Salad brings a refreshing sweetness, while Lemony Pine Nut Arugula Salad adds zesty brightness to complete your meal.
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. Spinach comes with nutrients like iron, Vitamin C, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your meal.
To make sautéed spinach, simply heat some olive oil in a pan and add the spinach leaves. Cook until wilted, which only takes a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor.
The vibrant green color of the cooked spinach adds visual appeal to your plate alongside the cauliflower steaks. Enjoy the combination of tender cauliflower and flavorful sautéed spinach for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a fantastic side dish to serve alongside cauliflower steaks. Its tender and slightly charred texture pairs well with the grilled flavor of the cauliflower. Asparagus is also packed with nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K, making it a healthy addition to your meal.
Simply toss the asparagus spears in olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, then grill them for a few minutes until they’re tender-crisp. The smoky taste of the grilled asparagus adds depth to the overall flavor profile of your meal and complements the earthiness of the cauliflower steaks perfectly.
Couscous Pilaf
Couscous Pilaf is a delightful and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. Made with fluffy couscous cooked in aromatic spices, it adds a Middle Eastern touch to your meal.
The nutty and grainy texture of the couscous complements the tender grilled cauliflower steak beautifully. With its versatility, you may customize couscous pilaf by adding vegetables like roasted bell peppers or garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking for a delicious side dish, Couscous Pilaf is a fantastic choice to elevate your cauliflower steak dinner.
Yogurt
If you want a simplest option about what to serve with cauliflower steaks, here’s the deal. Yogurt is a light and refreshing option to serve with cauliflower steaks. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor perfectly complement the hearty taste of the cauliflower. You may serve yogurt as a sauce or dressing, providing a cool contrast to the warm and savory steak.
It adds a touch of creaminess without overpowering the dish, allowing the flavors of both the cauliflower and yogurt to shine through. Whether you choose plain yogurt or opt for flavored varieties like Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce, adding yogurt as a side dish will add depth and balance to your meal while keeping it light and refreshing.
Watermelon Arugula Salad
Watermelon Arugula Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower steaks. The juicy sweetness of watermelon complements the earthy flavors of the cauliflower, while the peppery arugula adds a fresh and vibrant element to the salad.
This colorful combination is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings or outdoor barbecues. With just a few simple ingredients, including watermelon cubes, arugula leaves, crumbled feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, you may prepare this salad in no time.
It’s a great way to add some brightness and flavor to your cauliflower steak meal without overwhelming the main dish.
Lemony Pine Nut Arugula Salad
To add a light and refreshing touch, serve your cauliflower steaks with a Lemony Pine Nut Arugula Salad. This tangy salad brings together fresh arugula leaves, zesty lemon juice, crunchy pine nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil.
The bitterness of the arugula contrasts nicely with the nuttiness of the pine nuts, while the lemon adds a burst of citrus flavor. It’s a simple yet satisfying side dish that complements the flavors of the cauliflower steaks perfectly.
FAQs
1. What are some side dishes that pair well with cauliflower steaks?
Popular options to serve with cauliflower steaks include roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
2. Can I serve cauliflower steaks as a main dish?
Yes, cauliflower steaks can be served as a satisfying vegetarian main dish. You can pair them with complementary sides to create a complete meal.
3. Are there any sauces or dressings that go well with cauliflower steaks?
You can drizzle your cauliflower steaks with lemon tahini sauce, chimichurri sauce, balsamic glaze, or even homemade vegan cheese sauce for added flavor.
4. Can I grill or pan-fry the cauliflower steaks instead of roasting them?
Absolutely! You can grill cauliflower steaks over medium heat until tender and charred on both sides. Additionally, you may pan-fry them in a little oil for a crispy texture.
Conclusion
Elevate your cauliflower steaks with these delicious and flavorful side dishes. I hope you found the answer to what to serve with cauliflower steaks! From creamy garlic mushrooms to Mediterranean baked sweet potatoes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or just looking for a light and refreshing pairing, these options will enhance the flavors of your cauliflower steaks and leave you satisfied.