Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
