Cauliflower steaks! better than meat! Quick, Simple and delicious dinner recipe ! you'll love it
Cauliflower steaks! better than meat! Quick, Simple and delicious dinner recipe ! you'll love it ! is a easy South African recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Quick Simple & Delicious on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min
Cost: $8.80 total, $2.20 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 medium head Cauliflower (cut into bite‑size florets)
- 5 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, about 30 g)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 0.5 teaspoons Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 Medium Onion (diced)
- 4 cups Mushrooms (sliced, about 300 g)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 0.75 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat, about 200 g)
- 0.25 cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (about 100 g, grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the cauliflower
Wash the cauliflower, remove the leaves, and cut into bite‑size florets. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Brown the cauliflower
Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add the cauliflower, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces turn golden brown.
Time: PT10M
Sauté the onion
Add the diced onion and an additional 2‑3 Tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Time: PT5M
Cook the mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms, 1 tsp salt, a pinch of black pepper, 1 Tbsp garlic powder, and 1 Tbsp dried parsley. Increase the heat to medium and stir until all released liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are lightly browned.
Time: PT8M
Make the creamy sauce
Stir in the sour cream and water. Reduce the heat to medium‑low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and coats the vegetables.
Time: PT5M
Assemble and bake
Transfer the vegetable‑sour‑cream mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 180°C (356°F) until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 180°C
Finish and serve
Remove the bake from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, let rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Milk, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cauliflower: Broccoli
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Medium Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Mushrooms: Button mushrooms, Cremini mushrooms
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Dried Parsley: Fresh parsley (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, Crème fraîche
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Baking Dish
- Oven
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the cauliflower until golden brown.
- Cook mushrooms until all liquid evaporates.
- Bake until mozzarella is melted and golden.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine after the mushrooms have released their moisture.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and a sharper cheese like Gruyère for a more complex taste.
- Pat the mushrooms dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan to speed up liquid evaporation.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery after step 5.
Continue simmering over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reduces to a thick, coat‑the‑vegetables consistency.
Cheese does not brown.
Increase oven temperature to 200°C for the last 3‑4 minutes or switch to broil, watching closely to avoid burning.
Cauliflower remains hard.
Make sure the cauliflower is cut into small florets and cooked on low heat long enough before adding the onion.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; reheat covered to retain moisture.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cauliflower, onion, and mushroom mixture up to step 5; refrigerate covered and bake within 24 hours.
- Grate the mozzarella in advance and store in a sealed bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cauliflower casseroles in South African cuisine?
Cauliflower casseroles have become a beloved comfort food in South African homes, especially during cooler months. They blend European baking traditions with locally available vegetables, offering a hearty, family‑style dish that is both economical and satisfying.
What are the traditional regional variations of cauliflower bake in South African cooking?
In the Cape region, cooks often add a layer of cheese and a hint of nutmeg, while in the interior provinces, the dish may include a tomato‑based sauce or be spiced with curry powder. The version on this channel keeps it simple with a creamy sour‑cream base and mozzarella topping.
How is a creamy mushroom and cauliflower bake traditionally served in South African households?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, accompanied by a simple green salad or crusty bread. Families often enjoy it as a main course for dinner or as a substantial side at braais (barbecues).
On what occasions or celebrations is a cauliflower bake commonly prepared in South African culture?
The dish appears at family gatherings, weekend lunches, and during festive seasons like Christmas when a warm, filling casserole is welcomed. Its ease of preparation makes it a go‑to for pot‑luck events.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional South African cauliflower bake, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Traditional recipes call for fresh cauliflower, butter, cream or sour cream, and a mild cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar. Substitutes include broccoli for cauliflower, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for the cheese topping.
What other South African dishes pair well with this creamy mushroom and cauliflower bake?
It pairs nicely with pap (maize porridge), a simple tomato and onion relish, or a fresh cucumber‑tomato salad dressed with lemon. A side of grilled boerewors (South African sausage) also makes a hearty meal.
What makes this cauliflower and mushroom bake special compared to other vegetable casseroles in South African cuisine?
The use of sour cream creates a tangy, velvety sauce that sets it apart from the more common milk‑based béchamel. The combination of sautéed mushrooms adds an earthy depth, while the mozzarella topping gives a golden, stretchy finish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the creamy mushroom and cauliflower bake?
Common errors include overcooking the cauliflower before it browns, letting the sauce boil which can cause the sour cream to curdle, and under‑baking the cheese so it never turns golden. Follow the low‑heat browning steps and keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.
Why does this recipe use low heat to brown the cauliflower instead of high heat?
Low heat allows the cauliflower to soften gradually while developing a uniform golden color without burning. High heat would char the outside quickly, leaving the interior undercooked and affecting the final texture of the bake.
What does the YouTube channel Quick Simple & Delicious specialize in?
The YouTube channel Quick Simple & Delicious focuses on fast, easy‑to‑follow recipes that require minimal ingredients and equipment, emphasizing everyday comfort foods and quick weeknight meals for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Quick Simple & Delicious' approach to South African cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Quick Simple & Delicious blends traditional South African flavors with modern, streamlined techniques, often simplifying classic dishes while retaining authentic taste. Other channels may stick to more elaborate preparations, whereas this channel prioritizes speed and accessibility.
Last updated: September 3, 2026








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