BBQ Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri (View Print Version)

Smoky grilled cauliflower steaks finished with a bright parsley-cilantro chimichurri for a bold vegan main in 45 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Cauliflower Steaks

01 - 2 large cauliflower heads
02 - 3 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ For the Chimichurri Sauce

08 - 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
09 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
13 - 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# Method:

01 - Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
02 - Remove the leaves and trim the stem of each cauliflower, keeping the core intact. Place cauliflower heads stem side down and cut into 1-inch thick slices to form "steaks" (you should get 2-3 steaks per head). Reserve the loose florets for another use.
03 - In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak generously with the spiced oil mixture.
05 - Place the cauliflower steaks on the grill. Cook 7–8 minutes per side, turning carefully with a spatula, until charred and tender.
06 - While the cauliflower cooks, prepare chimichurri: Combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, red chili flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir vigorously until well blended.
07 - Remove cauliflower steaks from the grill and arrange on a serving platter. Spoon chimichurri sauce generously over each steak. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The charred edges and smoky flavor make this cauliflower unlike any you’ve had before.
  • You can whip up the zesty chimichurri sauce in minutes and it improves just about everything it touches.
02 -
  • Attempting to grill too-thin slices results in cauliflower “crumbs,” so keep those steaks at least an inch thick.
  • If your grill sticks, resist the urge to pry—let the steaks develop a crust, then they’ll release with ease.
03 -
  • Let the chimichurri sit for at least 10 minutes before serving—the flavors get more vivid.
  • Use a thin, flexible spatula for flipping cauliflower so it stays in one glorious piece.