Perfect Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steak is the best thing since sliced bread.

(ok, ok maybe not that dramatic, but still, cauliflower steak is pretty cool).

These delectable steaks are made by cutting raw cauliflower into 1″ thick slices.

The florets are then roasted until tender and caramelized with crispy edges that hold up to rich, flavorful toppings (or seasoned with salt and pepper).

Cauliflower steak provides an excellent base for almost any flavor combination.

They’re perfect for adding into stir-frys, curries, or stews; you can also top them with your favorite cheese sauce or hummus.

No matter how you choose to eat them, there is one thing you must consider when cooking your cauliflower steak: when choosing your cauliflower, look for a head that is firm and tightly packed.

They should be free of discoloration and have purple leaves on the stem.

If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your cauliflower steak, try using garlic powder or fresh basil.

As delicious as they are, cauliflower steaks can’t be eaten on their own.

No matter your side dish preference, there is something out there for everyone.

That’s why we’ve put together 8 of our favorite side dishes below.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Cauliflower Steaks?

Cauliflower steaks are an excellent, tasty, and healthy dish to serve at dinner parties.

If you’ve never experienced cauliflower steak before, it is simply a large cut of cauliflower that has been cooked until tender on the inside yet crispy on the outside.

Cauliflower steaks make for a delicious meal straight out of the oven, but why not do more to enhance the dish?

Cauliflower steaks go well with many other dishes, so adding a delicious side dish will not only help you impress your dinner guests but also provide them with a truly delightful meal.

Another reason why you should consider serving side dishes with your cauliflower steaks is because they are an excellent source of nutrients.

It’s best to serve them with a side of vegetables, such as broccoli or kale.

Vegetables such as these provide your body with fiber and plenty of antioxidants.

So go ahead and serve your cauliflower steaks with a side of vegetables, and impress your dinner guests with the healthiest dish they’ve ever tasted.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Steaks? 8 BEST Side Dishes

Here we’ll explore some of the best side dishes that you can serve with cauliflower steaks.

1 – Garlic-Butter Roasted Potatoes

These potatoes are nothing but easy. Just cut, salt, and roast them in the oven with butter and garlic for amazing flavor.

Try roasting some rosemary on the side to add more deliciousness.

If you’re not a fan of rosemary, you can also try oregano or basil to add a fresh and fragrant touch.

To make it even better, though, consider adding some red pepper flakes once the potatoes are out of the oven.

It adds an extra kick that enhances the beauty of hot buttery spuds even more.

2 – Mashed Cauliflower

This is one of the simplest possible recipes to get you started with your cauliflower steak.

It only takes around 30 minutes — including peeling and washing — and has a nice flavor of its own.

You can spice it up or tone it down, depending on the recipe you choose to follow.

Mixing in some garlic powder goes well together with other spices, like basil or oregano.

Other than that, the oats will provide you with additional fiber and nutrients for your meal.

Topped with cheese; it’s even better.

3 – Roasted Broccoli with Red Pepper Flakes

This simple side dish should be cooked only for 15 minutes, but it will provide you with your required daily dose of vitamin A.

You can also top this broccoli over white rice or any other grain to become a complete meal.

Some recipes recommend boiling the broccoli first, then putting it in the oven, but I prefer to roast it with the red peppers.

The flavor of this side dish goes well together with Italian spices, so consider adding oregano and basil for a fresh touch.

This is a great choice when you’re looking for something healthy to serve along with your cauliflower steak.

4 – Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus goes well with many foods, and cauliflower is one of them.

This particular recipe calls for a creamy cheese dip, but consider using some salsa instead if you’re looking for something healthier.

Feel free to add red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to provide a spicy touch to the meal.

This also goes very well with Italian spices, so consider adding oregano and basil for a fresh touch.

5 – Baked Sweet Potatoes

These are just perfect served with grilled chicken or fish.

The potatoes can be cut into smaller pieces before baking them to save time and effort.

The flavor also goes well with Indian spices, so consider adding cumin and turmeric to turn your potatoes into an exotic delight.

Some people might want to eat the skin together with the potato, but if you’re looking for something healthier, you can remove it beforehand.

6 – Roasted Mushrooms

This is by far one of the most simple side dishes you can make with cauliflower steaks.

Place the mushrooms on a sheet tray, squeeze some salt on top, and then roast until caramelized.

If you’re looking for something more complex, consider adding thyme or oregano with olive oil to make them taste even better.

Cauliflower also pairs well with garlic, so consider adding some crushed cloves to the mushrooms baking in the oven.

When you’re done, top it over some white rice or couscous for a delicious side dish that will pair nicely with your main course of cauliflower steaks.

7 – Creamy Cheesy Spinach

This is another simple recipe that doesn’t take much time to make.

Just cook up some garlic and onions with butter, then add the spinach with some liquid cheese.

You can also consider adding diced tomatoes for extra flavor, but it is entirely optional.

This works well over couscous or rice if you’re looking for something heartier.

Another option is to add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

8 – Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is one of the most nutritious foods out there, and it comes in many different dishes.

Consider using your favorite recipe by replacing half of the usual ingredients with chopped cauliflower steaks (steamed or roasted).

Throwing in some nuts like almonds can also provide a crunchy touch that will make all the difference.

Cilantro also goes well with the flavor of quinoa, so consider adding some for extra taste.

This can be served warm or cold, depending on your preferences.

It will go nicely with some grilled chicken or fish fillets.

Conclusion

Cauliflower steaks are simple to make, but they can be hard to pair with the right side dishes.

Using any of these eight recipes will prove that cauliflower steaks do not need much seasoning or effort to taste great.

If you’re looking for a healthy side dish, there are many options you can choose from.

Even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian, going meatless with your dishes is a great way to provide variety and stick to a healthier diet.

Making the right choice when it comes to side dishes will make all the difference.

Consider using some of these recipes when you want to prepare a delicious side dish for your cauliflower steak.

About The Author

Sharing is caring!