Make vegan Tzatziki Sauce or sub vegan mayo or store-bought ranch or blue cheese dressing
Optional Toppings
2-4tomato slices, thick
2-4red onion slices, thick
leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
4gherkin or sweet pickles
4buns (ciabatta, kaiser, pretzel)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425º F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment.
Cauliflower Prep
Cut the cauliflower head into ½" slices or medium size floret clusters (see photos).
You will get some smaller pieces/nuggets as well which are perfect for sliders and cauliflower wings.
Cauliflower Batter
Add all dry ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk together. Stir in ½ cup of the water until incorporated - add the remaining water as needed to achieve a pancake batter (paper mache) consistency.
Dip the cauliflower pieces into the batter. Use a pastry brush or your hands to make sure the batter gets into all the crevices and pockets of the cauliflower slices.
Place each piece on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer with space between (see photo). Bake in a preheated for ~20-25 minutes. Flip the pieces after 15 minutes.
If your cauliflower pieces are larger/thicker, increase the cooking time. Test with a fork for tenderness - should be tender but firm (not mushy). Up to 40 minutes for the larger steaks.
Make the Harissa Sauce
Whisk the harissa spice and mayo together in a small bowl - it will be thick. Add more spice to your taste.
When the cauliflower has cooked for ~25 minutes, remove it from the oven and brush the harissa sauce very generously on the tops and edges of each cauliflower piece.
Bake for another 5-7 minutes until the harissa sauce is bubbly and caramelizing. *Any small pieces/nuggets will be ready sooner.
While the cauliflower is roasting, make the tzatziki sauce or use store-bought vegan mayo, vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese sauce.
Quick and Easy Slaw
In a medium bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together.
Add the cabbage and cilantro and toss until well coated.
To Serve
Cut the buns in half and toast them in the oven or on the grill. Buttered or plain.
Slather tzatziki sauce on the bun, layer on a few cauliflower cutlets then top with slaw, and any optional toppings.
Notes
Cauliflower - I typically don't go for big steaks (which take much longer to cook). I prefer the cluster size (see photos).Harissa Sauce - meant to be applied liberally so it bubbles up and is slightly caramelized on top of the cauliflower. This method creates the most delicious melt-in-your-mouth, saucy, tender cauliflower burgers!Leftovers - leftover cutlets are amazing next day in Buddha bowls, vegan tacos, and on pizza! Warm up in toaster oven or air fryer!