Description
A vibrant Mexican street-style grilled cauliflower recipe featuring smoky spices, tangy lime mayo, and crumbled cotija cheese, perfect as a flavorful vegetarian side or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Seasoning
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into large florets or thick slices (steaks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Lime Mayo and Garnish
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure the cauliflower cooks evenly and achieves a nice char.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets or steaks with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Grill the Cauliflower: Place the seasoned cauliflower on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, grilling until the florets are tender and have a beautiful charred exterior.
- Make Lime Mayo: While the cauliflower grills, mix together the mayonnaise and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and tangy.
- Assemble and Garnish: Once grilled, brush or drizzle the lime mayo over the cauliflower, then sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro for authentic flavor.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower immediately with lime wedges on the side to add an extra burst of citrus if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or serve with your favorite hot sauce.
- This recipe can also be prepared in the oven under a high broil or roasted at 450°F if a grill is not available.
- Serve this dish as a side or as a vegetarian main alongside rice or beans for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
