Vibrant Pioneer Woman Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

Sizzlin’ Smoky Pioneer Woman Grilled Cauliflower Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s grilled cauliflower steaks transform ordinary vegetables into a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

These thick-cut slices burst with robust flavor and unexpected complexity.

Seasoned with bold spices, the cauliflower develops gorgeous caramelized edges that crackle with each bite.

Smoky undertones merge seamlessly with Mediterranean-inspired herbs, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

The high-heat grilling method elevates this humble vegetable into a show-stopping main course that rivals traditional protein dishes.

Each slice promises a delightful balance between crisp exterior and tender, succulent interior.

Wellness meets indulgence in this ingenious plant-based recipe that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Fire up the grill and get ready to fall in love with a whole new way of experiencing cauliflower.

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

For Spice Blend:
  • Ground Cumin: Pick freshly ground for intense, earthy warmth.
  • Smoked Paprika: Choose deep red varieties for robust smoky essence.
  • Ground Coriander: Select whole seeds ground just before use for vibrant flavor.
  • Dry Mustard: Opt for bright yellow powder with sharp, tangy profile.
  • Onion Powder: Look for fine, uniform powder without clumps.
  • Garlic Powder: Seek pure, aromatic powder without additives.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Select bright red, finely ground for consistent heat.
  • Kosher Salt: Prefer coarse crystals for better texture and distribution.
  • Black Pepper: Choose freshly cracked for maximum pungency.
For Vegetable:
  • Cauliflower: Select firm, ivory-white heads with tight, compact florets.
For Yogurt Sauce:
  • Greek Yogurt: Pick thick, strained variety for creamy consistency.
  • Oregano: Use fresh leaves for bright, peppery undertones.
  • Mint: Choose vibrant green leaves with strong aromatic quality.
  • Honey: Select raw, unfiltered for complex, natural sweetness.
  • Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh for bright, zesty punch.
  • Garlic: Use fresh cloves for robust, pungent flavor.
For Finishing:
  • Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for rich, fruity undertones.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves: Pick bright green, unblemished herbs for garnish.

Grill Tools to Prepare Cauliflower Steaks

  • Cutting Board: Large, sturdy surface for slicing cauliflower steaks.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for precise, even 1-inch cauliflower cuts.
  • Small Bowl: For mixing signature spice blend thoroughly.
  • Pastry Brush: Perfect for evenly coating cauliflower with olive oil.
  • Grill: Medium heat setup for creating beautiful char marks.
  • Baking Sheet or Aluminum Foil: Helps trap heat and steam while grilling.
  • Mixing Bowl: For whisking together zesty yogurt sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of yogurt sauce components.
  • Serving Plates: To present your delicious grilled cauliflower steaks.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurate spice blend proportions.

How to Cook Cauliflower Steaks on the Grill

How to Cook Cauliflower Steaks on the Grill
  • Create Flavor Magic

Blend an array of aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, mustard, onion and garlic powders, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until the spices dance together seamlessly.

  • Prep Cauliflower Canvas

Lay cauliflower stem-down on a cutting board. Slice into thick steaks about an inch wide, preserving the core to keep each slice intact. Set aside extra florets for future culinary adventures.

  • Dress and Season

Generously coat cauliflower steaks with olive oil, ensuring every surface glistens. Sprinkle the vibrant spice blend evenly, massaging the seasoning into the vegetable’s natural curves.

  • Grill With Passion

Heat grill to medium warmth. Place seasoned cauliflower steaks on the grates, covering with a baking sheet to trap heat and intensify cooking. Grill 7-8 minutes per side until edges char and beautiful grill marks emerge.

  • Craft Herbal Yogurt Sauce

Whisk Greek yogurt with fresh oregano, mint, honey, lemon juice, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Blend until the sauce transforms into a silky, bright accompaniment.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Transfer grilled cauliflower to plates. Drizzle with zesty yogurt sauce and scatter fresh mint leaves. Enjoy the robust smoky flavors and herbaceous notes of this stunning vegetable masterpiece.

Flavor Options for Cauliflower Steaks

Flavor Options for Cauliflower Steaks

Explore exciting ways to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Adjust cayenne pepper to dial heat up or down, from mild whispers to fiery explosions. Heat-sensitive eaters can reduce, while spice lovers can amplify the kick.

Switch grilling for roasting at 425°F in the oven or searing in a cast-iron skillet for equally delicious results. Each method delivers distinctive caramelization and texture.

Transform this dish into a complete meal by serving alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or tofu. The versatile spice blend complements multiple protein profiles beautifully.

Chop remaining cauliflower steaks into salads, grain bowls, or quick stir-fries. Repurpose the zesty yogurt sauce as a vibrant dressing or dipping condiment for maximum flavor efficiency.

Ways to Plate Cauliflower Steaks with Style

  • Serve With Complementary Sides: Pair the grilled cauliflower steaks with quinoa pilaf or roasted sweet potato wedges for a complete meal that balances protein and vegetables.
  • Elevate With Wine Pairing: Match the smoky, spicy cauliflower with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or an aromatic rosé that cuts through the rich, bold flavors.
  • Create A Mediterranean Feast: Accompany the steaks with hummus, tabbouleh, or warm pita bread to transform this dish into a vibrant, international-inspired dining experience.
  • Make It A Veggie Centerpiece: Use these cauliflower steaks as a stunning main course for vegetarian dinner parties, showcasing how plant-based meals can be incredibly satisfying and exciting.

Storing Grilled Cauliflower for Later

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Advance Prep Power: Craft your signature spice blend up to two weeks ahead, storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for quick and easy seasoning.
  • Refrigeration Rescue: Store cooked cauliflower steaks in sealed containers for 3-4 days, keeping the yogurt sauce separately to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
  • Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm leftover cauliflower steaks in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy edges and prevent sogginess.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap uncooked seasoned cauliflower steaks tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month, thawing in the refrigerator before grilling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 4

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Vibrant Pioneer Woman Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

Vibrant Pioneer Woman Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

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

Description

Mediterranean herb-infused cauliflower steaks showcase robust flavors from Italian and Greek culinary traditions. Robust seasoning and expert grilling techniques deliver a memorable plant-based main course that delights palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2.5 lbs / 1.13 kg)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp dry mustard
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 pinch cayenne
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Additional mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Spice Blend Preparation: Thoroughly mix ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  2. Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium temperature, ensuring even cooking surface.
  3. Cauliflower Cutting: Slice whole cauliflower into four 1-inch thick steaks, using the core as a stabilizing base. Reserve remaining florets for future use.
  4. Seasoning Process: Coat cauliflower steaks with extra virgin olive oil, then generously apply spice blend, massaging to ensure complete coverage.
  5. Grilling Technique: Place seasoned steaks on grill, covering with a heat tent to trap moisture. Grill for 7-8 minutes per side, developing caramelized exterior and distinctive char marks.
  6. Yogurt Sauce Creation: Whisk Greek yogurt with chopped oregano, mint leaves, honey, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor complexity.
  7. Plating and Finishing: Transfer grilled cauliflower steaks to serving plate, drizzle with herbed yogurt sauce. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves for visual appeal and aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Slice with Precision: Cut cauliflower into uniform 1-inch steaks by keeping the core intact to prevent florets from falling apart during grilling.
  • Spice Mastery: Create a complex spice blend in advance, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor absorption across the entire cauliflower surface.
  • Moisture Technique: Use a heat tent (aluminum foil or baking sheet) while grilling to lock in moisture and promote even caramelization without burning.
  • Sauce Balance: Whisk yogurt sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and subtle sweetness that complements the grilled cauliflower.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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