🌿 Garlic Herb Portobello & Cauliflower Steak Bowls

Here’s a low-carb vegetarian main dish for 4 that works well for a dinner menu and is filling without relying on pasta, rice, or potatoes.

Serves: 4
Style: Low-carb • Vegetarian • High-protein • Dinner entrée

Ingredients

Cauliflower steaks

• 2 large heads cauliflower, cut into 4 thick steaks

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¾ tsp kosher salt

Garlic herb portobello mushrooms

• 8 oz large portobello mushrooms, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp butter or plant-based butter

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Creamy Parmesan sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Pinch of salt

Vegetables

• 2 cups roasted broccoli florets

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 avocado, sliced

• ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Preparation

1. Roast the cauliflower: Heat oven to 425°F. Brush cauliflower steaks with olive oil and season with garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper. Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until browned and tender.

2. Cook mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until deeply browned. Add garlic, thyme, parsley, lemon juice and butter. Toss for another 1–2 minutes.

3. Make sauce: Add cream and garlic to a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan, Dijon and pepper. Cook until slightly thickened.

4. Roast broccoli: Toss broccoli with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast alongside the cauliflower for approximately 15–18 minutes.

5. Plate: Place one cauliflower steak in each bowl. Add 2 oz mushrooms, roasted broccoli, cherry tomatoes and avocado. Spoon Parmesan cream sauce over the cauliflower and finish with pumpkin seeds.

Portion per person

ComponentPortionCauliflower1 steakPortobello mushrooms2 ozRoasted broccoli½ cupCherry tomatoes¼ cupAvocado¼ eachParmesan sauce2 ozPumpkin seeds1 tbsp

Estimated net carbs: approximately 12–16 g per serving, depending on the exact vegetables and sauce quantities.

Chef's menu description

GARLIC HERB CAULIFLOWER STEAK
Roasted cauliflower steak, garlic-herb portobello mushrooms, charred broccoli, avocado, Parmesan cream and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Optional upgrade: Add a crispy fried egg or grilled halloumi for additional protein while keeping the dish vegetarian and relatively low-carb.