Vegan Cauliflower Sandwich

By Alexandra Caspero on May 11, 2015
Perfect for picnics, lunch, or easy dinners.
Makes 4 sandwiches

The BEST vegan sandwich! Crispy Cauliflower, Garlic Spinach, and Quick Romesco sauce. Roasted cauliflower steaks with romesco sauce and garlic spinach. A hearty and delicious cauliflower sandwich.

Game, set, match. I set out to create a sandwich that was 100% plant-based but savory, meaty, and flavorful enough that even the most die-hard skeptics would want to eat it.

Mission accomplished. This cauliflower sandwich is salty, crispy, garlicky– wow. Trust me when I say that you’ve never had a vegan sandwich like this before.

Cauliflower, I am not worthy. I bow to you for showing me your incredible versatility in everything from buffalo wings to creamy sauces to silky cauliflower soups. Seared perfectly on both sides, thick cauliflower steaks are the perfect meaty filling for this juicy sandwich.

If you’ve ever thought that cauliflower was a boring vegetable, make it like this and then prepare to be wowed. See below for tips and details, or scroll down for the full cauliflower sandwich recipe.

The Best Vegan Sandwich! Crispy Cauliflower, Garlic Spinach And Quick Romesco Sauce. Perfect For Picnics, Lunch, Or Easy Dinners. #Vegetarian #Vegan #Healthy | Www.delishknowledge.com

Cauliflower Sandwich Ingredients

In addition to the ingredients for the cauliflower sandwich, you’ll also make a quick romesco sauce for topping. This one is similar to my romesco sauce recipe but easier as you don’t have to toast the almonds first.

To make the romesco sauce, you’ll need roasted almonds, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic and olive oil. You’ll also need a jar of roasted red peppers, which you can find in the pickle aisle of most well-stocked grocery stores.

The Best Vegan Sandwich! Crispy Cauliflower, Garlic Spinach And Quick Romesco Sauce. Perfect For Picnics, Lunch, Or Easy Dinners. #Vegetarian #Vegan #Healthy | Www.delishknowledge.com

How to Make a Cauliflower Sandwich

Prep the Cauliflower

Trim the cauliflower stem, leaving the core intact, and cut into 1/4-inch slices.

Cook the Cauliflower

Add the oil to a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower steaks and let fry until really crisp and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Season each side with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then remove from pan.

Make the Garlicky Spinach

Add the spinach and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just wilted. Set aside.

Make the Romesco Sauce

Add the almonds to the food processor or high-powered blender. Pulse until roughly chopped. Add peppers, vinegar, and garlic and process to a thick puree. Keep the motor running and slowly drizzle in olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Sandwich

Toast the bread, then liberally add the romesco sauce to each side. Top with the crispy cauliflower steaks and spinach.

The Best Vegan Sandwich! Crispy Cauliflower, Garlic Spinach And Quick Romesco Sauce. Perfect For Picnics, Lunch, Or Easy Dinners. #Vegetarian #Vegan #Healthy | Www.delishknowledge.com

Why this Recipe Works

Sandwich or not, I could fry up an entire head of cauliflower like this and eat it for all my meals. Such a good reminder that when you prepare vegetables right, you don’t need a lot of fuss to make them taste incredible.

What to pile on top of crispy cauliflower steaks? Sautéed garlicky greens, of course! Since your cast-iron pan is already hot and seasoned, why not throw in a handful or two of spinach leaves to top things off. So much better than boring romaine lettuce, and any excess garlic flavor soaks into the bun.

Quick romesco sauce is the final layer here, and it pairs beautifully with the crispy ciabatta bread, crispy cauliflower steaks, and garlicky spinach.

The Best Vegan Sandwich! Crispy Cauliflower, Garlic Spinach And Quick Romesco Sauce. Perfect For Picnics, Lunch, Or Easy Dinners. #Vegetarian #Vegan #Healthy | Www.delishknowledge.com

Enjoy these beauties for all your summer potlucks, picnics, and hangouts. Need a side dish to go with? My Grilled Sweet Potato salad with Roasted Jalapeno dressing should do just the trick.

More Cauliflower Recipes

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking! 

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The Best Vegan Sandwich! Crispy Cauliflower, Garlic Spinach And Quick Romesco Sauce. Perfect For Picnics, Lunch, Or Easy Dinners. #Vegetarian #Vegan #Healthy | Www.delishknowledge.com

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The Best Vegan Sandwich! Crispy Cauliflower, Garlic Spinach And Quick Romesco Sauce. Perfect For Picnics, Lunch, Or Easy Dinners. #Vegetarian #Vegan #Healthy | Www.delishknowledge.com

Cauliflower Sandwich with Romesco Sauce

  • Author: Alexandra Caspero
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
  • Category: sandwich, dinner, lunch, vegan
  • Method: stove top
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

The BEST vegan sandwich! Crispy Cauliflower, Garlic Spinach, and Quick Romesco sauce. Roasted cauliflower steaks with romesco sauce and garlic spinach. A hearty and delicious cauliflower sandwich.


  • Author: Alexandra Caspero
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
  • Category: sandwich, dinner, lunch, vegan
  • Method: stove top
  • Diet: Vegan
  • Author: Alexandra Caspero
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
  • Category: sandwich, dinner, lunch, vegan
  • Method: stove top
  • Diet: Vegan
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1/8 cup olive oil, divided
  • 4 cups torn spinach leaves or baby spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 4 ciabatta rolls, toasted (or similar good, crusty bread)

Quick Romesco Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup roasted almonds
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained if jarred
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prep the cauliflower. Trim the cauliflower stem, leaving the core intact, and cut into 1/4-inch slices. If they fall apart, try slicing them a little thicker. It’s OK if they don’t stay intact, but they need to have a “flat” side to crisp up.
  2. Add the oil to a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to sizzle so make sure it’s hot enough before you add your cauliflower. I do this by wetting my hand and shaking some excess water into the skillet. If it dances in the oil, it’s hot enough.
  3. Add the cauliflower steaks and let fry until really crisp and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Season each side with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then remove from pan.
  4. In the same hot pan, add in the spinach and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just wilted. Set aside.
  5. Make the Romesco Sauce: Rough chop almonds in a food processor or high-powered blender. Add peppers, vinegar, and garlic and process to a thick puree. Keep the motor running and slowly drizzle in olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  6. Assemble the cauliflower sandwich: Liberally apply the romesco sauce to both sides of the ciabatta bread. Stack with cauliflower and greens.

Notes

To get a really good crust on the cauliflower, I recommend using a cast-iron pan. Non-stick pans won’t get the same crispy exterior but can work in a pinch. 

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Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

(17 comments) leave a comment

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    1. Tanisha LeBlanc
      May 21, 2021 AT 6:47 am

      This looks so delicious! Could I make the cauliflower in a casserole dish?






      1. Alex
        May 21, 2021 AT 8:44 am

        I don’t see why not?

    2. Tony
      October 28, 2019 AT 5:46 pm

      This is my 1st vegan meal i made. Surprisingly i liked it.. im a meat eater but trying a a fulltime vegan diet for 7 days.. was east to follow and make.. would definitely make again.. thank you for posting this.. T






      1. Alex
        October 30, 2019 AT 8:41 am

        Hi Tony! So excited for you! I remember that transition with my husband. Hope you try out some of the other recipes as well. 🙂 Thanks, Alex

    3. Miriam
      July 31, 2019 AT 5:44 pm

      I just made this and it was AMAZING! Seriously my new favorite sandwich! I am so so excited to make it again because holy crap it’s so so good!! Thank you for this amazing recipe!! I absolutely loved it, especially the sauce… it really pulled it all together!♥️






      1. Alex
        August 1, 2019 AT 6:33 am

        So glad you liked it! Thanks so much for commenting.

    4. Shon
      April 13, 2018 AT 5:49 pm

      This is awesome…do you have a video making this sandwich? The cauliflower cutting process is what I desire to see done most. Sounds yummy though, thanks for the great idea!

      1. Alex
        April 16, 2018 AT 9:51 am

        Hi Shon- I don’t… yet! But, I will plan on making one soon so you can see the process. You’ll want to slice the cauliflower into slabs, slicing vertically through the cauliflower. Though- don’t be intimidates by the slicing- even florets will taste great in this sandwich!

    5. Danielle Carey-Mooney
      August 23, 2016 AT 5:04 pm

      Made this for dinner tonight and the vegetarians and omnivores in the house (2 of each) LOVED it! New staple! Thank you for introducing me to romesco sauce!

    6. Philippa
      May 25, 2015 AT 10:32 am

      Omg, made this for dinner and it was AMAZING!!! I cook every night and am so bored with 95% of what I make and this was one of those dinners that I would have been thrilled to have ordered at a fancy sandwich shop/cafe. So so good.

      1. DK
        May 27, 2015 AT 9:24 am

        Yay! That comment makes my day- thanks for sharing Philippa 🙂

    7. Sandra Vungi
      May 23, 2015 AT 7:01 am

      Wow, these look so dreamy!

    8. Amy @ Amy’s Healthy Baking
      May 13, 2015 AT 12:03 am

      Aww, I love how you tied up that sandwich with string! Such a cute touch! And that sauce? Such a gorgeous color!

    9. Fiona
      May 11, 2015 AT 10:46 am

      This looks really tasty. I love that there’s so many spices and flavors in it too.

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