Keto Chili Lime Cauliflower Steaks (Print)

Crispy roasted cauliflower with bold chili-lime seasoning and cool avocado crema.

# Ingredients:

→ Cauliflower Steaks

01 - 2 large heads cauliflower
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - Zest and juice of 1 lime

→ Avocado Crema

11 - 1 large ripe avocado
12 - 1/3 cup sour cream
13 - Juice of 1 lime
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
17 - 1 to 2 tablespoons water, as needed

→ Garnish

18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - Lime wedges
20 - Jalapeño, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Remove leaves from cauliflower and trim stem while keeping core intact. Slice each head into 1-inch-thick steaks to yield 2 to 3 steaks per head. Reserve loose florets for alternative use.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, lime zest, and lime juice until fully combined.
04 - Arrange cauliflower steaks on prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with chili-lime marinade, ensuring even coating.
05 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crisp-tender.
06 - In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding water one tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Arrange roasted cauliflower steaks on serving plates. Drizzle generously with avocado crema. Top with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeño if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These actually taste nothing like "diet food" because the chili-lime marinade transforms cauliflower into something you genuinely want to eat.
  • The avocado crema is ridiculously creamy without needing heavy cream, and it makes everything taste restaurant-quality in your own kitchen.
  • You can have dinner on the table in under an hour, which matters when you're tired but still want something that tastes intentional.
02 -
  • If your cauliflower steaks seem like they're browning too fast before the inside gets tender, cover them loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover for the rest.
  • The avocado crema oxidizes and browns if it sits too long, so make it as close to serving time as you can, or save that step for just before plating.
03 -
  • Pat your cauliflower steaks dry with paper towels before brushing on the marinade because moisture will steam them instead of roasting them crispy.
  • Don't move them around on the sheet once they start roasting because that's how they develop those caramelized golden edges that make this whole thing worth it.
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