Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the smoky charm of grilled veggies with vibrant Mexican spices. This recipe features tender cauliflower florets charred to perfection and topped with a creamy, zesty sauce and crumbled Cotija cheese.

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
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to 375-400°F (190-204°C). In a disposable aluminum pan, place the cauliflower florets 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.
2. Step 2: Place the pan on the grill and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender and begins to char and caramelize. For an oven method, bake at 400°F (204°C), stirring occasionally, for the same amount of time until golden and tender.
3. Step 3: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ¼ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp cumin, minced garlic, ¼ tsp salt, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir well to make the creamy, tangy crema.
4. Step 4: Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared crema and sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cauliflower seasoning.
• If Cotija cheese is unavailable, crumbled feta can be a suitable substitute.
• Try adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• This dish also works well roasted in the oven, offering convenience without compromising flavor.

Storage

Store leftover grilled cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the crema separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the cauliflower gently in the oven or microwave until warm, then add fresh crema and cheese before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based cheese or omit the cheese topping altogether.

Is it necessary to use a grill for this recipe?

No, you can easily roast the cauliflower in the oven at 400°F. The grilling adds a smoky flavor, but roasting still yields delicious results.

Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 95 reviews

This Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower recipe features tender, charred cauliflower florets seasoned with a smoky blend of spices and olive oil, grilled to perfection. Topped with a creamy, spicy lime crema and crumbled Cotija cheese, this dish offers a flavorful, vibrant take on a healthy vegetable side or snack inspired by Mexican street food flavors.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower and Seasoning

• 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

Crema Sauce

• 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

Garnish

• 1/3 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets and place them into a disposable aluminum pan. Season with salt, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to evenly coat each floret.
2. Grill the Cauliflower: Preheat your grill to 375-400°F. Place the pan on the grill and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender and begins to char and caramelize, developing smoky flavor and golden brown spots.
3. Alternative Oven Cooking: If you prefer not to grill, bake the cauliflower in the oven at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden brown.
4. Make the Crema: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and lime juice. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful crema sauce.
5. Assemble the Dish: Once the cauliflower has cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared crema sauce, then sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.

Notes

• You can bake the cauliflower instead of grilling if a grill is unavailable.
• Adjust the chili powder in the crema to control the spice level to your preference.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor in the crema.
• For a vegan option, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and omit the Cotija cheese or replace it with vegan cheese.
• Serve this dish warm as a flavorful side or appetizer.

Keywords: Grilled cauliflower, Mexican street food, Cotija cheese, Lime crema, Spiced cauliflower, Healthy side dish