🥩

🥩 is a medium Middle Eastern Fusion recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Jacob King on YouTube.

Prep: 27 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 27 min

Cost: $6.32 total, $1.58 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 large head Cauliflower (cut into 4‑5 1‑inch thick steaks, keep core intact for stability)
  • 2 tablespoons Harissa Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 3 medium Carrots (peeled and sliced into ¼‑inch rounds)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (sliced thin for caramelization)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, divided)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds smoky depth to carrots)
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin (earthy note for carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons Tahini (smooth, well‑stirred)
  • ¼ cup Water (to thin sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Miso Paste (optional, adds umami)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it fully preheat.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 425°F

  2. Prepare Cauliflower Steaks

    Using a chef's knife, cut the cauliflower head into 1‑inch thick steaks, keeping the core intact so the steaks hold together. Brush both sides with 1 Tbsp olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Roast Cauliflower

    Arrange the seasoned steaks on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 425°F

  4. Season Carrots and Onions

    In a mixing bowl, toss the carrot rounds and sliced red onion with 2 Tbsp olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, and ground cumin until evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Roast Carrots & Onions

    Spread the seasoned carrots and onions on a second parchment‑lined baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring once at the 12‑minute mark, until the carrots are soft and the onions are deep caramelized.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 425°F

  6. Mix Harissa Coating

    In a small bowl, combine the harissa paste with the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil; set aside.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Blend Creamy Carrot Sauce

    Transfer the roasted carrots, onions, and minced garlic to a blender. Add tahini, water, and miso paste (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a splash more water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Assemble and Serve

    Place each cauliflower steak on a serving plate, brush generously with the harissa mixture, and drizzle the creamy carrot‑tahini sauce around the steak. Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or fresh herbs if desired.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Sesame, Soy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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🥩

Recipe by Jacob King

Tender cauliflower steaks brushed with spicy harissa and served with a silky, caramelized carrot‑tahini sauce. This Middle‑Eastern‑inspired vegetarian main course turns humble vegetables into a show‑stopping plate using everyday ingredients and simple oven‑roasting techniques.

MediumMiddle Eastern FusionServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
48m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.32
Total cost
$1.58
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F before any prep
  • Cut cauliflower into sturdy 1‑inch steaks to prevent breakage
  • Roast cauliflower until golden and tender (about 20 minutes)
  • Caramelize carrots and onions until deep brown for maximum flavor
  • Blend the roasted vegetables with tahini and miso to a smooth sauce
  • Season the harissa coating with a touch of oil for even coverage

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets.
  • Allow roasted vegetables to cool slightly before blending to prevent steam burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cauliflower steaks with harissa in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

Cauliflower has long been a staple in Levantine cooking, often roasted or grilled. Harissa, a North African chili paste, became popular across the Middle East as trade routes spread spices. Combining the two reflects a modern fusion that honors traditional roasting techniques while adding bold, spicy heat.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of harissa‑flavored cauliflower exist in North African cuisine?

A

In Tunisia, cauliflower is sometimes marinated in harissa, preserved lemon, and olive oil before grilling. In Morocco, the dish may include preserved olives and cumin. Jacob King’s version simplifies the approach for home cooks while keeping the core flavors.

cultural
Q

How is a cauliflower steak traditionally served in Middle Eastern meals?

A

Traditionally, roasted cauliflower is served as part of a mezze platter, accompanied by tahini‑based sauces, fresh herbs, and flatbread. It can also be a main course alongside rice or couscous, much like Jacob King’s plated presentation.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature spiced vegetable dishes like this in Middle Eastern culture?

A

Spiced vegetable dishes appear at Ramadan Iftar tables, festive family gatherings, and spring celebrations such as Nowruz, where vibrant, colorful plates symbolize renewal and abundance.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional harissa‑roasted cauliflower, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh cauliflower, North African harissa, olive oil, and sometimes preserved lemon. Substitutes can be a mix of chili flakes, smoked paprika, and cumin for the harissa, and vegetable oil if olive oil is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with harissa‑roasted cauliflower steaks?

A

Pair it with couscous or quinoa tabbouleh, a side of labneh, grilled halloumi, or a fresh cucumber‑yogurt salad to balance the heat and add creamy contrast.

cultural
Q

What makes Jacob King’s harissa‑roasted cauliflower steak unique within Middle Eastern‑inspired vegetarian cooking?

A

King combines the bold heat of harissa with a silky carrot‑tahini sauce, adding umami from miso. This layered flavor profile elevates a simple vegetable into a restaurant‑quality main course.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making harissa‑roasted cauliflower steaks?

A

Common errors include cutting steaks too thin so they crumble, under‑seasoning the cauliflower, and over‑roasting the harissa which can turn bitter. Follow the critical steps for thickness, seasoning, and timing.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe blend roasted carrots with tahini and miso instead of using a plain yogurt sauce?

A

Roasting deepens the carrots’ natural sweetness, and tahini adds a nutty creaminess while miso contributes umami without dairy. This creates a vegan‑friendly sauce that still offers richness comparable to yogurt‑based dips.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jacob King specialize in?

A

Jacob King’s YouTube channel focuses on approachable, high‑impact vegetarian and plant‑forward recipes that showcase bold flavors and simple techniques, often featuring global spice blends and creative vegetable preparations.

channel

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