Cauliflower With Pumpkin Seeds, Brown Butter, and Lime

Roasted cauliflower steaks topped with a nutty brown butter sauce, toasted pumpkin seeds, and fresh cilantro. This elegant vegetarian dish combines crispy caramelized cauliflower with rich butter, crunchy seeds, and bright citrus notes.

4 servings
1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 head large head of cauliflower
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus leaves with tender stems for serving
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with 1 Tbsp. oil. Trim cauliflower stalk and place head stalk side down on a cutting board. Slice cauliflower lengthwise into 1/2" slices.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Arrange cauliflower slices and any stray pieces in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp. oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast until underside is deeply browned, 20-25 minutes. Turn cauliflower over, season with salt and pepper, and continue to roast until other side is dark brown and crisp, 15-20 minutes longer.

    40 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, melt butter in a small skillet over medium. Add pumpkin seeds, bring to a simmer, and cook, swirling pan occasionally, until pumpkin seeds are toasted and butter is browned and smells nutty, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and add red pepper flakes; let cool 10 minutes. Add chopped cilantro and lime juice; season with salt and pepper.

    18 min

  4. 4.

    Arrange cauliflower on a serving platter and drizzle with dressing. Serve topped with cilantro leaves.

    2 min