Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower is a flavorful and smoky twist on a classic vegetable. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, it features tender, charred cauliflower topped with a creamy, tangy sauce and crumbled Cotija cheese. This recipe is simple, healthy, and packed with vibrant Mexican flavors.

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

For the 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

• ⅓ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the cauliflower florets in a disposable aluminum pan. Season with salt, chili powder, paprika, and 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 slightly charred. Alternatively, cook in a 400°F (200°C) oven, stirring occasionally, for the same time until golden brown.
3. Step 3: To make the sauce, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top, sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For added heat, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper on the cauliflower before grilling.
• If Cotija cheese is unavailable, try substituting with feta cheese or Queso Fresco with a pinch of extra salt.
• To make this recipe vegan, use vegan mayo and sour cream, and omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• If you don’t have a grill, roasting the cauliflower in the oven at 400°F (200°C) works just as well.

Storage

Store any leftover cauliflower and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the cauliflower gently in the oven or microwave before serving, then add the sauce fresh. The sauce can be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish without a grill?

Yes, you can roast the cauliflower in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and tender. This method creates a similar texture and flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely. Cook and cool the cauliflower, then store it separately from the sauce. You can reheat the cauliflower in a slow cooker or oven before serving, adding the creamy sauce and cheese just before presenting.

Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 147 reviews

Mexican Street Style Grilled Cauliflower is a flavorful and smoky vegetable side dish featuring tender, charred cauliflower florets seasoned with chili powder, paprika, garlic, and lime-infused crema. Topped with crumbly Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, this easy-to-make recipe brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors perfect for summer grills or oven roasting.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower

• 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

Sauce

• 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

Garnish

• ⅓ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the cauliflower: Preheat your grill to 375-400°F (190-204°C). Place the cauliflower florets into a disposable aluminum pan. Season with salt, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower and toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
2. Cook the cauliflower on the grill: Place the pan on the grill and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower should become tender and develop slight char marks or caramelization for smoky flavor.
3. Alternate oven method: If you don’t have a grill, roast the seasoned cauliflower in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and golden brown on the edges.
4. Make the crema sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, finely minced garlic, salt, and lime juice. Stir well until fully incorporated to create a tangy, creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the dish: Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared crema sauce, sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• For added spiciness, sprinkle cayenne pepper on the cauliflower before grilling or roasting.
• This dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.
• If Cotija cheese is unavailable, feta or Queso Fresco can be good substitutes, though they vary in saltiness.
• To keep warm before serving at gatherings, transfer cooked cauliflower to a slow cooker and add sauce just before serving.
• Nutrition values are approximate and vary by ingredient brands and measurements.

Keywords: Mexican, grilled cauliflower, street style, creamy sauce, Cotija cheese, side dish, summer recipe, easy, gluten free