Crispy Cauliflower Steaks with Spicy Brush-On Sauce

1. Preheat oven and prepare cooling rack

Preheat your oven to 200°F. This will ensure your fried cauliflower steaks stay warm and crispy while you finish the rest of the batch. Place a cooling rack on a rimmed baking sheet and set it aside.

2. Prepare batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the white rice flour, tapioca flour, 2 tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of Louisiana hot sauce. Gradually add water, whisking continuously, until the mixture resembles a wet pancake batter. Taste the batter and add more hot sauce and salt if needed.

3. Coat cauliflower steaks

While you heat the oil, coat the cauliflower steaks in the batter. Allow them to marinate briefly as you prepare your frying station.

4. Heat oil for frying

Pour enough safflower oil into a deep cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to create a ½-inch layer. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F, ensuring it's hot enough for frying but not smoking.

5. Fry cauliflower steaks

Carefully add the battered cauliflower steaks to the hot oil. Fry the first side for 8-10 minutes until deeply browned, then flip and fry the second side for another 4-6 minutes. Remove the steaks and place them on the prepared cooling rack. Transfer the rack to the oven to keep the cauliflower warm. Repeat the marinating and frying process with the remaining cauliflower steaks, ensuring each batch turns out crisp and golden.

6. Prepare spicy brush-on sauce

While the cauliflower fries, prepare the spicy brush-on sauce. In a small skillet, combine ½ cup safflower oil, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, coconut palm sugar, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant and golden, which should take just a few minutes.

7. Brush cauliflower steaks with sauce

Once all the cauliflower steaks are fried and resting in the oven, warm the spicy oil again if it has cooled. Use a brush to generously coat each cauliflower steak with the spicy oil, ensuring an even layer on all sides.

8. Serve

To serve, place a toasted slice of whole-wheat bread on each plate. Top the bread with a crispy cauliflower steak and add a side of Apple and Kohlrabi Coleslaw and Dill-Pickled Fennel. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying meal!