Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks: A Flavorful, Nutritious Delight
If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying, look no further than Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks!

This recipe brings out the best in cauliflower with a tantalizing blend of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors. The cauliflower steaks are roasted to perfection, offering a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and juicy inside.
Paired with the bold, smoky heat of harissa and the natural sweetness of honey, this dish is perfect as a main course or a show-stopping side dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a new way to enjoy cauliflower, Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks are sure to impress your taste buds. The best part?
This dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a healthy and delicious meal that will be loved by everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bold and Balanced Flavors: The smoky heat of harissa, the sweetness of honey, and the savory depth of roasted cauliflower come together in perfect harmony. This unique combination of spices will keep you coming back for more.
- Vibrant and Colorful: With the rich golden tones of roasted cauliflower and the red hues from harissa, this dish looks as good as it tastes. The colors alone make it a beautiful addition to any meal.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Cauliflower is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Roasting it enhances its natural flavors, and the addition of harissa and honey provides a satisfying balance of heat and sweetness.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice and sweetness to your liking. Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter dish or extra harissa for an added kick. You can also experiment with different spices to create your own twist on the recipe.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or a side dish, Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks pair well with a variety of meals. They work wonderfully alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, or as part of a vegan feast.
Ingredients
To make these Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 2 tbsp harissa paste 🌶️
- 1 tbsp honey 🍯
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp smoked paprika 🧂
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin 🌿
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) 🧑🍳
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) 🌿
How to Make Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Follow these easy steps to prepare your Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem so that the head sits flat. Slice the cauliflower into thick “steaks” about 1-inch wide. Try to keep the steaks intact, but don’t worry if some florets break off; they can be roasted as well!
- Make the Harissa Honey Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, harissa paste, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly glossy.
- Coat the Cauliflower Steaks: Brush each cauliflower steak generously with the harissa honey marinade, making sure to coat both sides. If you have any leftover marinade, drizzle it over the broken florets and small pieces of cauliflower.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Arrange the cauliflower steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy on the edges but tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cauliflower steaks are done, remove them from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the cauliflower steaks hot and enjoy!
Variations
While Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks are already packed with flavor, you can adjust the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences:
- Extra Heat: If you love spicy food, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra harissa to the marinade. This will amp up the heat and make the dish even more fiery!
- Sweeten It Up: If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the amount of honey or add a splash of maple syrup to the marinade. This will create a more caramelized, sweet exterior on the cauliflower.
- Smokier Flavor: For a deeper smoky flavor, increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Add Nuts: To add crunch, consider sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the roasted cauliflower steaks just before serving. This adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but you can make it even more indulgent by adding a dollop of vegan yogurt or tahini sauce on top before serving.
How to Serve

Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways:
- As a Main Course: Serve the cauliflower steaks with a side of quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy yogurt sauce to balance the heat.
- As a Side Dish: These cauliflower steaks are an excellent side dish to grilled meats, such as chicken, lamb, or beef. They also pair wonderfully with rice or couscous for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- In Tacos: For a fun twist, slice the roasted cauliflower steaks and serve them in soft corn tortillas with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a vegetarian taco option.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made harissa paste?
Yes, store-bought harissa paste works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the cauliflower steaks in advance by marinating them a few hours before roasting. They can also be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days after roasting. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe without harissa?
If you don’t have harissa paste, you can substitute it with a combination of chili powder, paprika, and a touch of garlic. While it won’t have the same depth of flavor, it will still give you a delicious result.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the spice, add more harissa paste, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to the marinade.
Conclusion
Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious, healthy, and exciting way to enjoy cauliflower. With a perfect balance of smoky heat and sweetness, these cauliflower steaks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next meal.
Whether served as a main dish or a flavorful side, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their vegetable dishes. So, fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy these bold, mouthwatering cauliflower steaks that are sure to impress every time!

Harissa Honey Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower about 1.5 lbs 🥦
- 3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 2 tbsp harissa paste 🌶️
- 1 tbsp honey 🍯
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp smoked paprika 🧂
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin 🌿
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧑🍳
- Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Trim the cauliflower’s stem and remove the leaves. Slice into 1-inch thick “steaks.” Save any smaller pieces for roasting as well.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, harissa paste, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Brush each cauliflower steak generously with the harissa honey marinade, coating both sides.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower steaks on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Once roasted, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!