Smoky Pioneer Woman Grilled Cauliflower Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s grilled cauliflower steaks represent a transformative approach to plant-based dining that challenges traditional meal expectations.

Bold culinary techniques elevate this humble vegetable into a robust, satisfying main course with remarkable depth.

Thick-cut slices absorb complex spices and develop incredible caramelized edges when exposed to high heat.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse each hearty portion with nuanced flavors that surprise and delight.

Our palates crave these substantial vegetable preparations that feel simultaneously healthy and indulgent.

Grilling unlocks natural sweetness while creating tantalizing texture contrasts between crisp exterior and tender interior.

Why Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Steal the Show

• Elevate Vegetable Game: Transform an ordinary cauliflower into a stunning, restaurant-worthy dish that surprises and delights with bold, complex flavors and gorgeous grill marks.
• Spice Symphony: Create a zesty spice rub that combines smoky, warm, and slightly spicy notes from cumin, paprika, and cayenne, turning a simple vegetable into a flavor-packed experience.
• Quick Gourmet Magic: Craft an impressive meal in under two hours using minimal ingredients and straightforward grilling techniques that make even novice cooks feel like professional chefs.
• Healthy Meets Delicious: Enjoy a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that doesn't compromise on taste, featuring a creamy mint yogurt sauce that adds freshness and tangy brightness to the grilled cauliflower.

Everything You Need for Smoky Veggie Steaks

• Cauliflower: Fresh vegetable that forms the base of the steaks, providing a hearty and nutritious centerpiece for the dish. Choose a firm, white head with tight, compact florets.
• Olive Oil: Essential for helping spices adhere and creating a beautiful grilled surface. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.
• Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Ground Coriander, Dry Mustard, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne: Aromatic spices that create a complex, smoky seasoning with subtle heat. Use fresh, high-quality spices for maximum flavor.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides a tangy, cool contrast to the grilled cauliflower. Choose full-fat yogurt for richness.
• Fresh Oregano, Fresh Mint: Bright, aromatic herbs that add freshness and complexity to the sauce.
• Honey, Lemon Juice, Garlic: Sweet, acidic, and pungent ingredients that round out the yogurt sauce with balanced flavors.

How to Grill Cauliflower That’s Tender and Charred

Step 1: Craft The Signature Spice Blend

• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Ground coriander
• Dry mustard
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Combine all spices in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly until well blended.

Step 2: Fire Up The Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat, allowing it to warm up while preparing the cauliflower.

Step 3: Transform Cauliflower Into Steaks

Place cauliflower stem side down on a cutting board. Slice into 4 thick 1-inch steaks, using the core to keep each steak compact. Set aside extra florets for future cooking.

Step 4: Dress The Cauliflower

Brush each cauliflower steak generously with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle the prepared spice blend evenly, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Grill To Perfection

Place seasoned cauliflower steaks on hot grill. Cover with baking sheet or aluminum foil to trap heat and steam. Grill 7-8 minutes per side until charred with distinct grill marks.

Step 6: Whip Up Zesty Yogurt Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Chopped oregano
• Chopped mint
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Grated garlic

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and well integrated.

Step 7: Plate And Garnish

Transfer grilled cauliflower steaks to serving plates. Drizzle generously with minty yogurt sauce. Scatter fresh mint leaves on top for extra aroma.

Step 8: Savor The Moment

Serve immediately, enjoying the bold smoky flavors and fresh herbal notes of this delightful vegetable dish.

Tips for Big Flavor in Every Slice

• Maximize Flavor Potential: Generously brush both sides of cauliflower steaks with olive oil and seasonings before grilling to enhance deep, rich taste profiles.
• Customize Seasoning Blend: Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt to create a personalized spice rub that transforms ordinary cauliflower into a gourmet experience.
• Prevent Crumbling Technique: Cut thick, 1-inch slices from the center of the cauliflower head and keep the stem intact to help steaks maintain structural integrity during grilling.
• Leftover Magic: Refrigerate unused grilled cauliflower steaks for up to three days and chop into salads, grain bowls, or reheat as a quick side dish.
• Temperature Control Trick: Use indirect heat zones on the grill to achieve perfectly caramelized edges without burning the delicate cauliflower surface.

Best Way to Store Grilled Veggie Leftovers

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in the smoky, grilled flavor by using a vacuum sealer. Extract all air from the container to prevent moisture and preserve the cauliflower's delicate texture. This method extends refrigerator life up to five days while maintaining peak taste and quality.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled cauliflower steaks into a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass containers prevent odor absorption and keep the steaks crisp, allowing you to enjoy the original grilled texture when reheating.
• Quick Cooling Technique: Before storing, spread steaks on a wire rack for 15 minutes. This step prevents condensation buildup, which can make the cauliflower soggy and compromise its delightful grilled exterior. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and flavor integrity.

Spicy, Cheesy, or Herby Takes on Cauliflower Steaks

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace the original spice mix with za'atar, sumac, and red pepper flakes for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile. Swap the mint yogurt sauce with a harissa-infused tahini drizzle.
• Herb Garden Celebration: Create a green herb crust using finely chopped parsley, basil, and thyme mixed with olive oil and lemon zest. Top with a chimichurri-style sauce for extra herbaceous punch.
• Sweet and Smoky Indian Inspiration: Use garam masala, turmeric, and curry powder for the spice rub. Complement with a cooling raita made from cucumber, cilantro, and yogurt. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
• Citrus Chili Burst: Incorporate orange zest and lime juice into the spice mix. Create a citrus-chili sauce using fresh orange juice, chipotle peppers, and a touch of honey. Garnish with chopped cilantro for brightness.

A Tasty Finish to Your Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Pioneer Woman’s grilled cauliflower steaks showcase culinary creativity at its finest.

Mediterranean-inspired spices dance across charred vegetable surfaces, creating complex flavor profiles.

Smoky paprika and cumin provide depth while grilling techniques elevate humble cauliflower into restaurant-worthy fare.

Herbal yogurt sauce adds refreshing brightness, complementing robust spice rubs with delicate tanginess.

Herb-infused accompaniments transform simple ingredients into memorable dining experiences.

When you master these techniques, incredible plant-based meals become accessible, delicious adventures waiting to unfold – so share this recipe, comment with your grilling twists, and inspire fellow kitchen explorers to embrace bold, unexpected culinary journeys.

Pioneer Woman Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Pioneer Woman Grilled Cauliflower Steaks offer a mouthwatering vegetarian delight that elevates simple cauliflower into a smoky, herb-infused main course. Robust seasonings and perfect grill marks ensure these steaks deliver maximum flavor, making vegetables the star of any summer gathering.

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Ingredients

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Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pinch cayenne
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Main Ingredient:

• 1 large head cauliflower (about 2.5 pounds / 1.13 kilograms)

Sauce and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint
• Additional mint leaves for garnish
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust spice blend by thoroughly combining ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, a subtle pinch of cayenne, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a compact mixing vessel.
2. Elevate your grill to medium heat, allowing the cooking surface to reach optimal temperature while preparing the vegetable centerpiece.
3. Position the whole cauliflower stem-side down on a sturdy cutting board. Carefully slice the vegetable into four uniform 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) thick steaks, utilizing the core as a structural anchor to maintain each slice’s integrity. Set aside any remaining florets for alternative culinary applications.
4. Meticulously coat each cauliflower steak with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring complete surface coverage. Liberally apply the prepared spice mixture, massaging the seasoning to guarantee even distribution across both surfaces.
5. Transfer the seasoned cauliflower steaks onto the preheated grill. Create a makeshift heat tent using a baking sheet or aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking. Grill for approximately 7 to 8 minutes per side, targeting a beautifully caramelized exterior with distinctive char marks.
6. Simultaneously prepare the vibrant yogurt accompaniment by whisking full-fat Greek yogurt with finely chopped fresh oregano, delicate mint leaves, pure honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and microplaned garlic. Season the sauce with kosher salt and cracked black pepper to enhance its flavor profile.
7. Once the cauliflower achieves optimal tenderness and visual appeal, carefully plate the steaks. Generously cascade the herbaceous yogurt sauce over the grilled vegetable, creating an enticing presentation.
8. Enhance the final presentation by scattering additional fresh mint leaves as a garnish. Serve immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and textural integrity of this culinary creation.

Notes

• Leftovers transform into delightful salad toppings or stuffed pita pockets, extending the meal’s versatility.
• Customize spice blends easily to match personal heat preferences and flavor adventures.
• Gluten-free and vegetarian option delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home.
• Impressive dinner party centerpiece that requires minimal culinary expertise.
• Grilling method creates magical texture contrast between crispy exterior and tender inner core.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 3 mg