Michael Symon shares how to make cauliflower steaks l GMA

Michael Symon shares how to make cauliflower steaks l GMA is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Good Morning America on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $7.37 total, $1.84 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 head Cauliflower (large, trimmed of leaves and core, cut into 2‑inch steaks)
  • 4 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, divided (2 tbsp for roasting, 2 tbsp for chimichurri))
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp White Sugar
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Orange (juiced and zested)
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 2 tbsp Golden Raisins
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 tsp Crushed Chili Flakes
  • 1/4 cup Flat‑Leaf Parsley (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Mint (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Pistachios (toasted and roughly chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Capers (rinsed)
  • 1 tsp Sherry Vinegar (a splash)
  • 2 tbsp Sliced Almonds (toasted for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the cauliflower.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. Prepare Cauliflower Steaks

    Remove the outer leaves and core of the cauliflower head. Slice the head into 2‑inch thick "steaks"—you should get about two steaks per head. Set any loose florets aside for the raw salad.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Season the Steaks

    Place the cauliflower steaks on a plate. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle evenly with smoked paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, white sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Rub the seasoning into both sides.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Sear the Steaks

    Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat. Add a thin layer of olive oil and place the seasoned steaks in the pan. Sear for 4‑5 minutes per side, until a deep golden‑brown crust forms.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Finish Roasting

    Transfer the skillet (or move the steaks to a baking sheet) into the preheated oven. Roast for 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and caramelized.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 400°F

  6. Make Orange Chimichurri Dressing

    While the cauliflower roasts, zest the orange and then juice it. In a mixing bowl combine orange juice, orange zest, 1/4 cup water, golden raisins, minced garlic, chili flakes, a pinch of cumin (optional), chopped parsley, chopped mint, toasted pistachios, rinsed capers, 2 tbsp olive oil, sherry vinegar, and cracked black pepper. Stir until well blended.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Toss Raw Cauliflower Salad

    Place the reserved raw cauliflower florets in a separate bowl. Drizzle with half of the orange chimichurri and toss gently to coat. The raw pieces will soften slightly from the dressing.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Plate and Garnish

    Arrange the roasted cauliflower steaks on a serving platter. Spoon the remaining chimichurri over the hot steaks, then top with the dressed raw cauliflower salad. Finish with toasted sliced almonds for crunch.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
7 g
Carbohydrates
22 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Tree nuts

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Michael Symon shares how to make cauliflower steaks l GMA

Recipe by Good Morning America

A hearty, plant‑based cauliflower steak served with a bright orange chimichurri, toasted almonds, pistachios, raisins, and capers. Inspired by Chef Michael Symon's recipe from Doug Katz's restaurant Zoo, this dish can be made on the grill or in a cast‑iron skillet and oven, delivering meaty caramelized flavor for carnivores and vegans alike.

MediumAmericanServes 4

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Source Video
35m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.37
Total cost
$1.84
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Searing the cauliflower steaks to develop a deep caramelized crust.
  • Roasting at the correct temperature (400°F) for the right amount of time to keep the interior tender.
  • Balancing the orange chimichurri dressing – enough acidity and sweetness without overwhelming the cauliflower.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot cast‑iron skillet with oven mitts; the handle becomes extremely hot.
  • Use caution when zesting the orange to avoid slipping.
  • Do not leave the oven unattended while roasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of roasted cauliflower with orange chimichurri in American barbecue cuisine?

A

While cauliflower is not a traditional barbecue staple, the rise of plant‑based cooking in the United States has turned hearty vegetables like cauliflower into meat‑like centerpieces. Chef Michael Symon adapted a dish from Cleveland’s Zoo restaurant, showcasing how modern American chefs reinterpret classic grill flavors with vegetables.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cauliflower steak dishes in American cuisine?

A

In the Midwest, cauliflower steaks are often seasoned with smoked paprika and served with creamy sauces. On the West Coast, they may be marinated in Asian‑inspired sauces like soy‑ginger. The GMA version adds an orange chimichurri, blending citrus brightness with classic grill spices.

cultural
Q

How is roasted cauliflower with orange chimichurri traditionally served in Cleveland, Ohio?

A

At Zoo in Cleveland, the cauliflower steak is presented on a rustic wooden board, drizzled with a vibrant orange‑based chimichurri, and garnished with toasted nuts and raisins. It is often paired with grilled chicken or served as a standalone entrée for vegetarians.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is roasted cauliflower with orange chimichurri traditionally associated with in American barbecue culture?

A

This dish has become popular for summer backyard barbecues, Fourth of July gatherings, and casual weekend cookouts where hosts want a flavorful vegetarian option that still feels grill‑centric.

cultural
Q

What makes roasted cauliflower with orange chimichurri special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The combination of caramelized cauliflower “steaks” with a bright, citrus‑forward chimichurri creates a balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that mimic the depth of grilled meat, making it a standout vegetarian main in a meat‑heavy barbecue setting.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making roasted cauliflower with orange chimichurri?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan during searing, which prevents caramelization, under‑seasoning the cauliflower, and making the chimichurri too thin. Follow the critical steps: sear each side fully, roast at 400°F, and let the dressing rest to thicken.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a sear‑then‑roast method instead of grilling the cauliflower directly?

A

Searing creates a deep Maillard crust that a grill may not achieve evenly on a rainy day, while finishing in the oven ensures uniform tenderness. This two‑step method replicates grill flavor indoors and works even when the weather forces you inside.

technical
Q

Can I make roasted cauliflower with orange chimichurri ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Roast the cauliflower steaks up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the chimichurri dressing separate; combine just before serving. Reheat the steaks gently in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the cauliflower steaks are done?

A

The steaks should have a deep golden‑brown crust with visible caramelized edges, and the interior should be fork‑tender but not mushy. A slight char on the edges indicates proper searing.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Good Morning America specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Good Morning America delivers daily news, lifestyle, and cooking segments, featuring quick‑turn recipes, seasonal cooking tips, and collaborations with celebrity chefs like Michael Symon.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Good Morning America’s approach to American barbecue cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Good Morning America focuses on accessible, home‑friendly adaptations of restaurant dishes, often demonstrating how to pivot outdoor grilling recipes for indoor kitchens, as seen with Michael Symon’s cauliflower steak made in a cast‑iron skillet and oven.

channel

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