Searching for a plant-based main course for your summer barbecue? Turn those cauliflower steaks into teriyaki. Making cauliflower steaks can be challenging since, when sliced, only the cross-sections joined to the central cauliflower stem will remain coherent "steaks."
YIELDS:3-4 serving(s)PREP TIME:10 minsTOTAL TIME:1 hr 15 mins CAL/SERV279
INGREDIENTS:1/2 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, grated
2 Tbsp. unseasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tsp. grated peeled ginger
1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1 large head cauliflower
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/3 c. light brown sugar
Neutral oil, for grill
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
Step 1: HPlace the cauliflower head stem-down on a chopping board; trim the stem if needed to allow the cauliflower's bottom to rest on the board. Slice the cauliflower into pieces that are about 1/4" thick using a sharp knife.
DIRECTIONS:
Step 2: It's acceptable if the ends crumble; save the bits for later use. Three or four center "steaks" that stay together should be present. Place the cauliflower steaks in a 13" x 9" baking dish in a single layer.
Step 3: Combine 1/4 cup cold water, sesame oil, vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a medium-sized bowl. After pouring, flip the cauliflower to coat. Allow to sit for half an hour, rotating halfway through.
Step 4: In the meantime, mix cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small pot until the cornstarch dissolves. Whisk in brown sugar after adding it.
Step 5: Gently place the cauliflower on a baking pan made of metal and sprinkle it with salt.
Step 6: Add marinade and brown sugar mixture to pot. Heat to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring periodically, and simmer for 4 to 6 minutes, or until reduced and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Take the sauce off of the burner.
Step 7: In the interim, preheat a grill for five minutes at medium heat (or preheat a grill pan over medium heat). Use neutral oil to clean and oil the grates.
Step 8: Place the cauliflower steaks evenly spaced apart on the grill. Cook, uncovered, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the bottom is severely charred. With a big metal spatula, turn steaks over carefully. Grill the steak for a further 6 to 8 minutes, or until grill marks start to form on the underside and it becomes soft enough to penetrate with a fork.
Step 9: Place the cauliflower on a serving dish. Apply teriyaki sauce generously. Sprinkle sesame seeds and scallions on top.