Name: Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491252H18M28S
Total time: PT-491252H18M28S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 large head fresh cauliflower (cut into florets); 3 Tbsp. olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp chili powder; ¼ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ cup mayonnaise (your favorite); ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ tsp chili powder; ¼ tsp cumin; 1-2 cloves garlic (finely minced); ¼ tsp salt; 2 tsp lime juice; 1/3 cup crumbled Cotija cheese; Chopped cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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Introduction

Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower is a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings together smoky, spicy, and creamy elements in every bite. Perfect as a side or a vegetarian main, this grilled cauliflower is topped with a tangy crema and crumbly Cotija cheese for an irresistible treat.

The dish shows a white plate filled with roasted cauliflower pieces that are golden brown with some charred edges. The cauliflower is layered with a light creamy white sauce drizzled unevenly across the top, adding texture and richness. Sprinkled over the cauliflower are bright green cilantro leaves and a dusting of a red spice, likely chili powder, which adds color contrast. There is also a light sprinkle of a crumbly white topping, possibly cheese, scattered throughout. Two lime wedges sit on the side of the plate for added color and freshness. The whole dish rests on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large head fresh cauliflower (cut into florets)
3 Tbsp. olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ cup mayonnaise (your favorite)
¼ cup sour cream
¼ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp cumin
1-2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp lime juice
1/3 cup crumbled Cotija cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill to 375-400 degrees F. Place the cauliflower florets into a disposable aluminum pan and season with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp paprika, and ½ tsp garlic powder. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Place the pan on the grill and cook or smoke the cauliflower for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the florets are tender and show light charring and caramelization.
Step 3: (Oven method) Alternatively, bake the seasoned cauliflower at 400°F, stirring occasionally, for 30-35 minutes until tender and golden brown.
Step 4: While the cauliflower cooks, prepare the crema by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, ¼ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp cumin, minced garlic, ¼ tsp salt, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter or pan. Drizzle generously with the prepared crema, then sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.
Try swapping Cotija cheese for feta if you prefer a milder, tangier cheese.
Add a dash of hot sauce to the crema for a spicy kick.
Serve with warm corn tortillas to turn this into a satisfying taco filling.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a grill to maintain the cauliflower’s texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Add fresh crema and cheese toppings after reheating for best flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows close-up roasted cauliflower florets with a golden brown texture, topped with a creamy white sauce drizzled unevenly over the pieces. Small green cilantro leaves are scattered on and around the cauliflower, adding a fresh pop of color. There is a wedge of lime in the corner, and all the elements sit on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

While fresh cauliflower works best for grilling and caramelizing, you can use frozen florets if fresh isn’t available. Thaw and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I substitute for Cotija cheese?

If you can’t find Cotija, feta cheese makes a good substitute with a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor. You can also try queso fresco or Parmesan as alternatives.