Keto Chili Lime Cauliflower Steaks (Printable)

Thick cauliflower steaks roasted with zesty chili-lime spices topped with creamy avocado.

# What You Need:

→ 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 ground 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

→ Garnishes

18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - Lime wedges
20 - Sliced jalapeño

# 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, yielding 2 to 3 steaks per head. Reserve loose florets for another 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.
04 - Place cauliflower steaks on prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with chili-lime marinade.
05 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp-tender.
06 - In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, sour cream, lime juice, minced 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 and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeño if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Perfect keto-friendly main dish with only 7g net carbs per serving
  • Impressive presentation that makes cauliflower the star of your meal
  • Layers of flavor from the chili-lime marinade and creamy avocado sauce
  • Quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of hands-on time
  • Naturally gluten-free and easily adapted for dairy-free diets
02 -
  • For extra-firm cauliflower steaks that hold together better, soak them in salt water for 30 minutes before roasting
  • The marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator
  • Make the avocado crema just before serving to prevent oxidation, or add extra lime juice to maintain its bright green color if making ahead
  • For a more filling meal, add a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts for extra protein while keeping it keto-friendly
  • Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the stem to check for doneness—aim for 180-185°F for perfect tenderness
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