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Spicy cauliflower burger with slaw and leafy greens topped with green pickle.

Succulent Cauliflower Burger (saucy + spicy)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Tracy Halasz

Ingredients

Cauliflower

  • 1 whole cauliflower, cut into clusters

Spicy Cauliflower Batter

  • ½ cup AP flour (sub gf flour)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspooon paprika
  • S&P to taste
  • ¾ cup water (more as needed for thinning)

Harissa Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons Vegenaise (vegan mayo)
  • 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons harissa spice blend

Simple Slaw

  • 3 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Vegenaise
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon maple syrup
  • salt and pepper to taste

Make vegan Tzatziki Sauce or sub vegan mayo or store-bought ranch or blue cheese dressing

    Optional Toppings

    • 2-4 tomato slices, thick
    • 2-4 red onion slices, thick
    • leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
    • 4 gherkin or sweet pickles
    • 4 buns (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.

    Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

    • 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!