Herb-Crusted Cauliflower 'Steak' with Lemon Butter
Roasted cauliflower steaks coated in a herby breadcrumb mix, then drizzled with a tangy lemon-butter sauce for a satisfying vegetarian main. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs large head cauliflower, olive oil, almond flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut cauliflower into 1-inch thick 'steaks' (discard core). Brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Roast for 25 minutes until golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork, flipping halfway through. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: While cauliflower roasts, melt 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped parsley, cooking for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant. Drizzle over roasted cauliflower steaks before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Cauliflower 'Steak' with Lemon Butter take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Herb-Crusted Cauliflower 'Steak' with Lemon Butter?
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 Herb-Crusted Cauliflower 'Steak' with Lemon Butter?
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 Herb-Crusted Cauliflower 'Steak' with Lemon Butter 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 Herb-Crusted Cauliflower 'Steak' with Lemon Butter vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
