Authentic Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Steaks

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegan twist on traditional tandoori, featuring thick cauliflower steaks marinated in aromatic spices and grilled until smoky and tender. This indian-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 47 minutes pairs large head cauliflower, plain yogurt, garam masala for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Indian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks, removing leaves. Whisk yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Brush both sides of cauliflower steaks with the yogurt mixture, ensuring full coverage, and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or oven to 400°F. Brush cauliflower with coconut oil and place on a grill rack or baking sheet lined with parchment.
  4. Step 4: Grill for 12 minutes per side, turning once, until edges are charred and cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a platter, drizzle with any remaining marinade, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving with minted yogurt sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Steaks take to make?

Total time is about 47 minutes (35 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Steaks?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large head cauliflower from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Steaks?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Steaks for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Steaks vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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