If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and irresistible char, look no further than this Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe. Juicy cauliflower florets are lightly seasoned, grilled to perfection with a smoky finish, and then generously dressed with a tangy, spiced crema topped off with crumbly Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. It’s a vibrant, satisfying way to enjoy veggies that really captures the heart and soul of Mexican street food – all while keeping things fresh, colorful, and seriously delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredients that each play a key role in building layers of flavor. From the earthy spices to the creamy tang of the crema, every component adds texture, depth, and that unmistakable kick you’ll love.
- Cauliflower: A large head cut into florets, providing the hearty base for grilling and absorbing flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil: Coats the cauliflower to help it char perfectly and enhances richness.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural vegetable flavors.
- Chili powder: Adds a warm, smoky heat that’s traditional and bold.
- Paprika: Offers color and a subtle sweet pepper flavor.
- Garlic powder: Brings savory depth without overpowering.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: The creamy base for the flavorful Mexican-style crema.
- Cumin: Infuses an earthy, aromatic warmth into the crema.
- Fresh garlic: Minced to freshen and brighten the crema’s flavor.
- Lime juice: Adds zest and a refreshing tang.
- Cotija cheese: Crumbled on top to deliver salty, crumbly contrast.
- Fresh cilantro: The perfect herbaceous garnish that completes the dish.
How to Make Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by preheating your grill to a medium heat, roughly 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right to cook the cauliflower through while allowing those beautiful grill marks and smoky edges. Meanwhile, toss your cauliflower florets with olive oil in a large bowl so every piece gets a light sheen that will help with charring and flavor absorption.
Step 2: Season the Cauliflower
Mix salt, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl to create a spice blend that’s bursting with savory warmth. Sprinkle it evenly over the oiled cauliflower, and toss again to coat all the florets generously. This seasoning is the foundation of the dish’s vibrant flavor profile, making sure each bite has that signature Mexican street vibe.
Step 3: Grill the Cauliflower
Arrange the seasoned florets either directly on the grill grates or on a disposable aluminum pan to prevent falling through. Grill for 20 to 30 minutes, giving the cauliflower a stir every so often to ensure even cooking and that irresistible charred finish. You want the florets to be tender yet still hold a little bite, with smoky grill marks that hint at the deliciousness to come.
Step 4: Prepare the Crema
While the cauliflower is grilling, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, and lime juice in a medium bowl. This creamy, tangy mixture adds layers of flavor that balance the smoky grilled cauliflower perfectly. The lime juice brings a fresh zing, while the cumin and chili powder keep it rooted in authentic Mexican taste.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Once your cauliflower is perfectly grilled, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the luscious crema all over the warm florets, ensuring every piece gets a generous coating. Finally, sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on top for a salty, creamy contrast and finish it off with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro for brightness and color. Your Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro is a must-have garnish, injecting vibrant color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the smoky cauliflower and creamy crema beautifully. Crumbled Cotija cheese lends that authentic salty punch which makes every bite exciting. You can also add a squeeze of lime for an extra citrusy pop just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas for a veggie taco, or alongside Mexican rice and beans for a full meal. It also makes an excellent starter or side alongside grilled meats or seafood, balancing out heavier dishes with its bright, smoky flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the grilled cauliflower in mini taco shells topped with crema and garnishes to make bite-sized treats perfect for parties. Another idea is to use the florets as a topping for nachos in place of the usual cheese and meat, or add them to a grain bowl with black beans, corn, and avocado for a colorful, healthy lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks. Keep the crema separate if you want to maintain best texture when reheating.
Freezing
The cauliflower itself can be frozen after grilling and cooling. Spread the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Frozen grilled cauliflower is best used within two months but the crema is not recommended for freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grilled cauliflower gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the florets soggy. Add crema and garnishes fresh after reheating to keep flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I make Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! You can roast the seasoned cauliflower in the oven at 425°F, turning occasionally until tender and nicely browned, which gives a similar texture and flavor.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
The original version is not, because of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Cotija cheese. However, you can substitute vegan mayo, plant-based sour cream, and dairy-free cheese to make it totally vegan.
What can I substitute for Cotija cheese?
If you don’t have Cotija, feta cheese is a great stand-in with a similar salty and crumbly texture. Alternatively, queso fresco or even grated Parmesan can work in a pinch.
How spicy is the Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe?
The heat is mild to moderate thanks to the chili powder and paprika, but you can always increase or decrease spice amounts to suit your taste preferences. Adding fresh jalapeño slices can also boost heat.
Can I prepare the crema ahead of time?
Yes, the crema actually benefits from some resting time to let the flavors meld. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, giving it a quick stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe is a delightful way to elevate a simple vegetable into something truly special and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, don’t hesitate to dive into the mix of smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors – this dish holds a special place in my heart and I’m sure it will in yours too.
Print
Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower recipe features tender, smoky cauliflower florets seasoned with a blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and topped with a creamy, tangy chili-lime crema, crumbled Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro for an authentic and flavorful vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Crema:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- ⅓ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 375–400°F, to ensure even cooking and a nice char on the cauliflower.
- Toss the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, coat the cauliflower florets evenly with olive oil, which helps the spices stick and aids in grilling.
- Season the Cauliflower: Mix salt, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl, then sprinkle this seasoning blend over the cauliflower. Toss well so every floret is coated with the spice mix.
- Grill the Cauliflower: Arrange the seasoned florets on a disposable aluminum pan or directly on the grill grates for even exposure to heat.
- Cook Until Tender: Grill the cauliflower for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to promote even charring and cooking, until the florets are tender and have a pleasant smoky char.
- Prepare the Crema: While the cauliflower grills, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, and lime juice in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the grilled cauliflower to a serving platter once cooked.
- Drizzle the Crema: Pour the creamy chili-lime mixture generously over the warm cauliflower, ensuring each piece is coated to enhance flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese over the top and finish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of fresh, herbal flavor.
Notes
- Use a disposable aluminum pan to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier when grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the cauliflower in an oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Cotija cheese adds a salty tang; if unavailable, feta can be used as a substitute.
- For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese.
- The lime juice in the crema brightens the dish and balances the smoky flavors, so don’t skip it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
