Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Tahini Drizzle

Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Tahini Drizzle

Mia

This stunning vegetarian centerpiece transforms humble cauliflower into a show-stopping main course that celebrates the bold, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Thick-cut cauliflower steaks are generously coated with za'atar—a traditional spice blend of wild thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt—then roasted until deeply caramelized with crispy, golden edges and a tender, creamy interior. The high heat of the oven works magic on the cauliflower, concentrating its natural sweetness while the za'atar adds earthy, tangy, and nutty notes.

The dish is elevated with a silky tahini-lemon sauce that provides a cooling, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cauliflower. This sauce, a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, is incredibly simple yet transforms the dish with its rich, nutty flavor and bright citrus notes. The final flourish comes from vibrant garnishes: jewel-like pomegranate seeds that burst with sweet-tart juice, and fresh mint leaves that add a cooling, aromatic finish.

Perfectly aligned with Mediterranean diet principles, this recipe showcases how plant-based ingredients can take center stage without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Cauliflower is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, while tahini provides healthy fats and protein. The result is a nutritionally complete meal that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you're serving this as a vegetarian main course, a substantial side dish, or part of a mezze spread, these cauliflower steaks are guaranteed to impress. The presentation is restaurant-worthy, yet the technique is simple enough for home cooks of any skill level. It's proof that eating healthfully doesn't mean compromising on flavor or visual appeal.

Nutrition

50 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 21.00g
Carbs 22.00g
Protein 8.00g

Ingredients

1 wholelarge head of cauliflower, leaves removed
3 tbspza'atar spice blend
1/4 cupextra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/3 cuptahini, well-stirred
3 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 clovegarlic, minced
3-4 tbspwater, cold
1/2 cuppomegranate seeds
1/4 cupfresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
1 wholelemon, cut into wedges (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Parchment paper
Oven
Whisk
small mixing bowl
medium mixing bowl
large baking sheet
pastry brush
spatula
large sharp knife

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense recipe is ideal for the 16:8 eating window, providing sustained energy from healthy fats (olive oil, tahini), fiber-rich cauliflower, and protein. The balanced combination of whole foods helps maintain satiety and supports meeting daily nutritional needs within the compressed timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 Diet perfectly with 100% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods: cauliflower, olive oil, tahini, fresh herbs, and pomegranate seeds. It's rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats while containing zero processed ingredients, making it an ideal '80' choice.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including cruciferous cauliflower, extra virgin olive oil rich in polyphenols, tahini with omega-3s, and pomegranate seeds loaded with antioxidants. The za'atar spice blend contains thyme and sumac, both known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while avoiding all processed foods and refined ingredients.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients in their natural state: fresh cauliflower, extra virgin olive oil, pure tahini, fresh herbs, and pomegranate seeds. It contains no refined sugars, artificial ingredients, preservatives, or processed foods—just real, recognizable ingredients.

Detox Diet

This recipe supports natural detoxification with cruciferous cauliflower that aids liver function, fresh lemon juice for cleansing, and olive oil for healthy fats. It contains only whole, unprocessed plant-based ingredients while completely avoiding dairy, gluten, refined sugars, and processed foods.

Diabetic Diet

This recipe is excellent for diabetic diets with its low glycemic index cauliflower base, healthy fats from tahini and olive oil that slow digestion, and no added sugars. The high fiber content and balanced macronutrients help maintain stable blood sugar levels while providing satisfying flavors and nutrition.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe is ideal for flexitarian eating, placing plant-based ingredients at the forefront with cauliflower as the main attraction, complemented by tahini, olive oil, and fresh produce. It demonstrates how satisfying and flavorful plant-centered meals can be without any animal products.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, containing only cauliflower, spices, olive oil, tahini, and fresh produce—all without any wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients. It's a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten while providing satisfying flavors and textures.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is heart-healthy with its emphasis on extra virgin olive oil rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber-rich cauliflower, and tahini providing healthy fats and plant protein. It contains no saturated fats, trans fats, or processed ingredients, while the pomegranate seeds add cardiovascular-protective antioxidants.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense recipe is excellent for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing sustained energy from healthy fats (olive oil, tahini), fiber-rich cauliflower, and protein from tahini. The whole, unprocessed ingredients support stable blood sugar levels and satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating principles by offering a satisfying, flavorful meal that honors both taste preferences and nutrition without restriction or guilt. The combination of textures, colors, and Middle Eastern flavors creates an enjoyable eating experience that promotes satisfaction and mindful appreciation of food.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its emphasis on extra virgin olive oil, abundant vegetables (cauliflower), tahini from sesame seeds, fresh herbs (mint), and citrus (lemon). It showcases plant-based ingredients as the centerpiece while avoiding processed foods, red meat, and refined grains, making it an ideal Mediterranean-style main course.

Mindful Eating

This recipe is perfect for mindful eating with its variety of textures (crispy cauliflower edges, creamy tahini, bursting pomegranate seeds), vibrant colors, and aromatic za'atar spices that engage all the senses. The whole, minimally processed ingredients encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation of each component.

Plant-Based Diet

This recipe is completely plant-based, featuring cauliflower as the protein-rich centerpiece complemented by tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, and fresh vegetables and fruits. It contains no animal products while providing fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients from whole plant foods.

Vegan Diet

This recipe is 100% vegan with absolutely no animal products or by-products. It showcases cauliflower, tahini, olive oil, za'atar spices, pomegranate seeds, and fresh mint—all plant-derived ingredients that provide protein, healthy fats, and abundant nutrients without any meat, dairy, eggs, or honey.

Vegetarian Diet

This vegetarian recipe features cauliflower as a satisfying main course with no meat, poultry, fish, or seafood. It provides plant-based protein from tahini and cauliflower while delivering complete nutrition through vegetables, healthy fats, and aromatic Middle Eastern spices.

Weight Watchers

This recipe aligns with Weight Watchers principles by featuring non-starchy vegetables as the star, using minimal added fats, and avoiding processed ingredients. The cauliflower provides volume and satisfaction with minimal calories, while the tahini sauce adds healthy fats in a controlled portion.

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 min
2

Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower, keeping the core intact. Place the cauliflower stem-side down on a cutting board.

1 min
3

Using a large, sharp knife, carefully slice the cauliflower vertically through the core into 4 steaks, each about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. The outer pieces may crumble—reserve these florets for roasting alongside the steaks.

3 min
4

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of za'atar, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a paste.

1 min
5

Arrange the cauliflower steaks and any loose florets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides of each steak generously with the za'atar oil mixture, using all of the mixture.

2 min
6

Roast the cauliflower steaks in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each steak and continue roasting for another 15 minutes, until golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.

30 min
7

While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the tahini sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic.

1 min
8

Gradually add water to the tahini mixture, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Set aside.

2 min
9

Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and transfer the steaks to serving plates or a large platter.

1 min
10

Drizzle the tahini sauce generously over the cauliflower steaks, allowing it to pool around the base.

11

Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chopped fresh mint leaves. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions