Beautifully crusted on the outside and moist-tender inside, this gorgeous preparation of whole spicy cauliflower will make a star centerpiece at any dinner party. This Whole30, Keto-friendly and Vegan dish is easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests!

Whole roasted cauliflower is guaranteed to impress everyone who eats it. It has a superb meaty texture. So even your carnivore friends will enjoy it.

This is my favorite Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe. It looks festive and tastes amazing. Plus it is suitable for vegan and gluten free guests. Use our Thanksgiving Recipe Collection for a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving Hosting.

Ingredients

Cauliflower : 1 medium sized Cauliflower head - clean and rinse well
Seasoning Mix : Olive Oil ; Minced Ginger, Minced Garlic , Red Chili Powder ( adjust to taste ) Turmeric Powder, Garam Masala Powder , Dry Mint Leaves (rub them lightly on your palm to release aroma)
Rice flour or almond flour (for keto option)
1 Lemon juiced
To garnish : Fresh mint leaves, lime wedges and green onions

Cauliflower Whole Roasted Recipe ProfusionCurry

Basic Steps Overview

Rinse the whole cauliflower under cold water and pat dry with paper towel. You’ll need to carefully trim the outer leaves. If necessary, cut the stem. It can thus flush with the rest of the head so your cauliflower sits straight on its own.

Make sure not to cut through the core. It will end up breaking up the florets and your cauliflower would completely fall apart. You want it to look like a nice little dome!

💡This recipe is divided into two main steps : First is to steam cauliflower. Use either Instant Pot or Stove Top method to do this. Second step is to broil or air fry the marinated cauliflower to get the golden crust. Use either oven or air fryer to do this.

Step By Step Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions : Put 1 cup of water in the InstantPot steel container. Select SAUTE on High and bring water to a boil. Cancel Sauté. In the meantime, prepare cauliflower by rinsing under cold water and cut the outer leaves. Place it on the trivet.

Carefully insert the trivet in the boiling water. Close the lid . Set the valve to SEALING. Choose Steam mode and select 1 min. Once IP done cooking , wait for 3-5 minutes and release leftover pressure. Lift the trivet handle and take the cauliflower out very gently and carefully. Let it cool down.

Stove Top Instructions : Bring 3 cups of water in stockpot to roaring boil. Put the whole cauliflower on the steamer basket. Let it steam covered for 5 mins.

Check the tenderness by simply pressing a fork. It should be firm but tender. Turn off the heat and remove the whole cauliflower from steamer basket. Let it cool down.

Prepare Marinade : Meanwhile combine all ingredients under marinade and whisk them well. Add 1 tablespoon of water to make it smooth paste.

Carefully move the cauliflower to the oven proof sheet. I prefer to use cast iron skillet. Gently slather the marinade paste to entire cauliflower. Use your fingers to spread it evenly and completely. Alternatively you can use the pastry brush.

Broil In oven: Set the oven to broil setting. Place the skillet of cauliflower under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until its top gets beautifully golden brown.

💡💡I highly recommend you put a timer and be nearby watching the oven/ broiler for this step as things can burn very quickly in broiler. Once it's turned crisp golden brown, turn off the oven and carefully take the skillet out.

If you want to use Air Fryer : Set the air Fryer at 375 Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Move the marinated cauliflower on the air fryer basket. Air Fry it till you get golden brown crust all over.

Serve : Carefully transfer the cooked cauliflower to a serving platter and garnish with a handful of fresh mint leaves, lime wedges. A little drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil on top is also great. Enjoy your beautiful, delicious creation.

Pro Tips

You can blanch the cauliflower in the salty water. However, to reduce excessive salt, I prefer to steam it instead.
The steamed whole cauliflower is quiet ready to take on seasoning of your choice. You can season it to whatever you prefer. I introduced it the Indian ( Masala Gobi) spiced style.
You can choose fresh herbs, Italian seasoning mix or even Greek or Mediterranean spice blends. We would love to hear how you spiced yours. Leave us a comment and do let us know.

If you’ve never tried a Whole Roasted Cauliflower before, you have to do it, right now ! Perfect Thanksgiving or summer BBQ recipe, this is a picture perfect, unique recipe. My kids call it Instagram Style Presentation ! I am confident that you’ll be completely sold on it once you make it.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Side Dishes

★ If you make this VEGAN WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER RECIPE do let us know how you like it by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.

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This recipe was originally published on October 17, 2018. It is revised with air fryer instructions and republished on 11/23/2024

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