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