Keto Chili Lime Cauliflower (Printer Friendly)

Roasted cauliflower steaks with chili-lime marinade and creamy avocado crema offer a flavorful low-carb main dish.

# What You Need:

→ Cauliflower Steaks

01 - 2 large heads cauliflower
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - Zest and juice of 1 lime

→ Avocado Crema

11 - 1 large ripe avocado
12 - 1/3 cup sour cream, or coconut yogurt for dairy-free option
13 - Juice of 1 lime
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
17 - 1 to 2 tablespoons water, as needed

→ Garnishes

18 - Extra chopped cilantro
19 - Lime wedges
20 - Sliced jalapeño

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Remove leaves from cauliflower and trim the stem while keeping the core intact. Slice each head into 1-inch-thick steaks, yielding 2 to 3 steaks per head. Reserve loose florets for another use.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, lime zest, and lime juice until combined.
04 - Arrange cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with the chili-lime marinade.
05 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and crisp-tender.
06 - In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, cilantro, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding water one tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Plate roasted cauliflower steaks and drizzle generously with avocado crema. Garnish with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeño if desired.

# Pro Advice:

01 -
  • Cauliflower stops feeling like a compromise and becomes the star of the plate.
  • The whole meal comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for a weeknight that needs something special.
  • It fits keto, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets without tasting like it's checking boxes.
02 -
  • Don't crowd your steaks on the pan—give them space to roast instead of steam, or they'll stay pale and soft instead of developing that caramelized crust.
  • Make the crema last, because avocado oxidizes quickly once it's blended, and no one wants a brown sauce on their plate no matter how good it tastes.
03 -
  • For extra heat without changing the spice balance, add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade or stir it into the crema right before serving.
  • If your avocado isn't perfectly ripe, a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt can help bring out its flavor even if the texture is slightly firmer than ideal.
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