Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce Recipe

If I could bottle up sunshine and tangy zest and serve it for dinner, it would look a lot like these Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce. They’re impossibly golden, crispy at the edges, with the hauntingly aromatic blend of zaatar working its magic on every bite. The drizzle of vibrant green tahini sauce pulls everything together — this is plant-based comfort food with serious flair!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the stunning color and flavor fool you — Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce use just a handful of fresh, honest ingredients. Each one packs a punch, playing its part in creating crave-worthy edges, soft centers, and that unforgettable herby drizzle.

• 1 whole cauliflower: The star of the show! Choose one with tight, white florets and a firm, intact stem for easy steak slicing.
• Olive oil: Helps the steaks crisp up beautifully in the oven and carries the flavors of the spices.
• Zaatar spice (3–4 teaspoons): A Middle Eastern blend typically featuring sumac, sesame seeds, cumin, and coriander — it imparts toasty, tangy, and earthy flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Simple, but essential for seasoning both the steaks and the sauce.
• Tahini paste (½ cup): Ground sesame seed paste brings a creamy, nutty foundation to the sauce.
• Fresh herbs (¾ cup): Parsley, cilantro, dill, or basil — or a mix! They create that fresh, green pop in the tahini sauce.
• Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Adds brightness and zing to balance the rich tahini.
• Water (½ cup): For blending the sauce into a drizzle-able consistency.
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons, for sauce): Adds silkiness and depth to the green tahini.
• Garlic (1–2 large cloves): For just the right kick of savory bite in the sauce.
• Jalapeño slices (optional): If you crave a gentle heat, a few slices transform the sauce.
• Salt (½–1 teaspoon, for sauce): Start on the lower end and add more to taste as you blend.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce is how wildly flexible they are. Feel free to riff on the spices, herbs, or even the sauce based on what you love or what’s in your kitchen!

• Spice Swap: Use ras el hanout, smoked paprika, or curry powder instead of (or alongside) zaatar for a totally different vibe.
• Herb Mix-Up: Try mint, chives, or tarragon in the green tahini sauce for a fresh twist.
• Make It Spicier: Add extra jalapeño to the sauce, or sprinkle the roasted steaks with Aleppo pepper or chili flakes before serving.
• Creamier Sauce: For an ultra-smooth tahini sauce, blend in a little plain unsweetened yogurt (dairy or non-dairy!)

How to Make Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Slice the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Take a whole head of cauliflower and trim off the outer leaves, keeping the sturdy stem intact (this is what keeps your “steaks” from falling apart). Slice off just the bottom end of the stem, then slice the entire cauliflower into slabs about ½–¾-inch thick. You should get 4–6 beautiful “steaks” — don’t worry if a few florets fall away, you can roast them, too!

Step 2: Season and Roast

Lay the cauliflower slices on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Brush both sides generously with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and a vibrant shower of zaatar. Roast in your preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the edges are caramelized and the stems are fork-tender.

Step 3: Make the Green Tahini Sauce

While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the green tahini sauce. In a blender, combine water, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, jalapeño (if using), and salt. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped and everything is well-mixed — but don’t worry about getting it totally smooth yet. Add the tahini paste, then blend again. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon as you like, and add more water if you want a thinner drizzle.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your roasted Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks on a generous platter or individual plates. Drizzle over plenty of the green tahini sauce (don’t be shy!), and scatter with extra herbs or sesame seeds for a final flourish. Now, dig in while everything’s still warm and fragrant!

How to Serve Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce

Garnishes

For a final touch, I love to scatter a handful of toasted sesame seeds, pomegranate arils, or an extra sprinkle of zaatar right before serving. A few fresh herb leaves (think parsley, cilantro, or dill) make every plate pop with color and fragrance.

Side Dishes

These Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce partner perfectly with a fluffy warm grain like quinoa, herbed couscous, or a crisp, crunchy kale salad. Roasted chickpeas or a scoop of hummus on the side makes it a truly satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the steaks lined up on a big platter drizzled with extra sauce for family-style dining, or plate individually for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For fun entertaining, slice the steaks in half and tuck them into pita pockets with pickled onions and greens — people will rave!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks and extra green tahini sauce are actually a treat the next day! Store cooled steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce can be kept separately in a jar for up to 5 days.

Freezing

The cauliflower steaks themselves can be frozen after roasting — just let them cool, then layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container. The sauce won’t freeze as well due to the fresh herbs, but you can prep the sauce base (minus the herbs) and freeze that for future quick meals.

Reheating

To revive leftover steaks, pop them in a hot oven (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, or warm briefly in a skillet until heated through and edges get a little crisp again. The green tahini sauce is best served at room temperature — just give it a good stir before drizzling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, visually stunning, and flavor-forward way to make cauliflower exciting, Zaatar Cauliflower Steaks with Green Tahini Sauce is it! I can’t wait for you to try this at home — let it brighten your table and maybe even spark a new favorite tradition. Enjoy every bite!

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