Deep-Fried Cauliflower Steak
Updated: Mar 26
An amazing plant-based, vegan-friendly, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free Fried Cauliflower "Steak" recipe that makes approximately 4 servings, taking about 10 minutes to prepare, with an additional 20 minutes of cook time.
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Before my journey of becoming plant-based, I was never a fan of steak, so when I told my dad I was going to try making cauliflower steak, he was baffled. The goal when I made this was not to have my cauliflower taste like a meaty steak but to have it have a delicious flavor that my family could enjoy without the dangers of animal products.
This recipe was inspired by One Great Vegan, and with just a few minor tweaks, her magnificent cauliflower steak was a little bit more to my liking! I think my favorite part of this cauliflower steak recipe is that the acidity of the pickle juice makes the hot sauce more palatable, especially for someone who has become very sensitive to spicy foods post-covid.
Of course, the day I tried this for the first time, I just so happened to enjoy it along with Parmesan-Ranch Crusted Potatoes and Strawberry-Feta Salad, which were also first-time recipes that came out remarkable and worthy of sharing with you all. The flavors of all three recipes really brought together the flavor palette and were absolutely delicious.
So without further ado, I introduce my take on a Deep-Fried Cauliflower Steak. I think it's safe to say you'll enjoy it as much as my family. Since I am allergic to soy and have adapted to a plant-based lifestyle (no meat or dairy), this recipe is vegan-friendly, plant-based, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Deep-Fried Cauliflower Steak
Ingredients:
Cauliflower Steak Marinade:
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup pickle juice
3 tbsp. grilling steak seasoning
1/4 cup hot sauce
Seasoned Flour Mixture:
1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. grilling steak seasoning
1 tbsp. smoked paprika
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. pink salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Fried Cauliflower Steak:
1 head of cauliflower
Pot of boiling water
Oil of choice (for frying)
Directions:
Preparing to Marinade:
Start by putting a large pot of water over high heat and bringing it to a boil.
While waiting for the water to come to a boil, cut your cauliflower into large, steak-sized pieces.
After you've cut your cauliflower into large, steak-sized pieces and your water has come to a boil, boil your cauliflower for 10 minutes.
While your cauliflower is boiling, gather your marinade ingredients, preferably organic: low-sodium vegetable broth, pickle juice, grilling steak seasoning, and hot sauce.
Combine all ingredients in a glass dish large enough to submerge your cauliflower as it marinates. Let marinade for at least 30 minutes.
Breading & Frying:
As your cauliflower is marinating, you can prepare the seasoned flour mixture to bread your cauliflower steak. Gather your flour mixture ingredients, preferably organic: gluten-free all-purpose flour, grilling steak seasoning, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, pink salt, black pepper.
Combine all ingredients in a large glass bowl and combine the mixture well for even distribution of the seasoning.
When you're ready to bread and cook your cauliflower, start by heating your frying oil before breading your cauliflower.
While the oil is heating up, bread your cauliflower by dipping the entire marinated cauliflower steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it is coated entirely.
After breading all your cauliflower, the oil should be ready for frying—fry the breaded cauliflower for roughly 10 minutes per side, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown color.
What's your favorite way to enjoy fresh corn salsa?
