If you’re searching for a dish that’s as show-stopping as it is simple, Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks are about to become your new obsession. Imagine thick, tender cauliflower slices grilled until they’re beautifully charred, then draped in melty cheese and a punchy hit of fresh herbs—the result? Layers of smoky, savory, and garlicky goodness that everyone can enjoy, from die-hard vegetable lovers to even the most adamant carnivores. This recipe keeps things easy yet utterly delicious, putting cauliflower right where it belongs: at the center of the plate. Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about plant-based grilling.

Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe? The ingredients are gloriously straightforward, but each one works a little magic with flavor or texture. With just a few pantry staples and a fresh head of cauliflower, you’re only steps away from irresistible Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks.

Cauliflower: Use a firm, medium head—look for one with tight florets and minimal browning for the best-looking steaks.
Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like avocado or canola to help the steaks get that signature char and not stick to the grill.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic infuses every bite with robust, aromatic flavor—don’t skimp!
Worcestershire or Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and a touch of savoriness; choose soy sauce for a plant-based version.
Dried Thyme (or herbs of choice): Brings woodsy, earthy flavor, but feel free to play with your favorites like rosemary or basil.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Brightens everything up with zesty citrus and subtle heat.
Chili Powder: Adds gentle warmth and a splash of color.
Onion Powder: A little sprinkle goes a long way for depth and extra savoriness.
Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors—season to taste for best results.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a peppery kick that balances the garlic.
Cheese (feta, cotija, parmesan, or cheddar): Pick your favorite for either creamy tang or sharp saltiness—it’s the finishing touch!
Minced Parsley or Cilantro: A sprinkle at the end brings pops of color and a blast of freshness.

How to Make Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks

Step 1: Prep Your Grill

Fire up your grill to medium-high or high heat. This is the secret to getting those irresistible, smoky grill marks. Make sure to give your grates a good scrape so nothing sticks and you can flip the cauliflower with ease—just like when you’re getting ready for summer barbecue classics.

Step 2: Make the Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together your oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire or soy sauce, dried herbs, lemon pepper seasoning, chili powder, and onion powder. This little flavor parade is what transforms mild-mannered cauliflower into the star of Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks. The marinade doesn’t just add taste—it helps form that crave-worthy crust.

Step 3: Slice and Season Your Cauliflower

Carefully cut your cauliflower into thick, 1/2-inch steaks. Brush both sides of each slice generously with your garlic-packed marinade, making sure every nook gets some love. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper to taste—don’t be afraid to season boldly!

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Gently transfer the marinated cauliflower steaks onto your hot grill. Let them cook for about 2-4 minutes per side, until they’re deeply charred but tender inside. Be gentle when flipping—using a wide spatula or grill tongs will help keep those gorgeous, intact slices. This is where the transformation happens: the cauliflower turns smokey, crispy, and golden, all in a matter of minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

As soon as your Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks come off the grill and hit the platter, shower them with cheese while they’re still sizzling hot. The cheese will melt slightly, getting creamy in all the best ways. Finish with a flurry of parsley or cilantro and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks

Garnishes

A handful of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese make a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing presentation. If you want even more flavor, try a squeeze of fresh lemon, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even some toasted seeds for little crunch. These finishing touches balance out the savory, smoky flavors of the Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks beautifully.

Side Dishes

Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks are hearty enough to stand alone, but pair perfectly with a fluffy grain salad, grilled corn, or even a tangy slaw. If you’re going for a cookout spread, pile them alongside roasted potatoes, couscous, or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Their versatility shines with almost any side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these steaks on a big platter, topped with all the garnishes, really puts them in the spotlight. For a fun twist, slice the steaks into strips and serve in warm tortillas for a plant-forward taco night, or use leftovers in grain bowls for tomorrow’s lunch. Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks also make an incredible sandwich filling with a swipe of garlicky aioli!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even more rich as they rest, making them an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner addition.

Freezing

While fresh is best to preserve that crave-worthy texture, you can also freeze cooked cauliflower steaks. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Just be aware the cauliflower may soften a bit when thawed, but it’s still delicious and ready for quick meals.

Reheating

To reheat, you have a couple of tasty options: warm the cauliflower steaks in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or give them a few minutes on a hot grill or skillet to crisp up the edges again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can turn them a bit soggy—unless you’re really in a hurry!

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks without a grill?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can use a grill pan or even roast the steaks in a 425°F oven on a baking sheet. The key is to get those golden, crispy edges that make this dish so special.

What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?

It’s all about preference! Feta and cotija add creamy tang and saltiness, while parmesan and cheddar bring sharp, rich flavor. You can even skip the cheese entirely for a fully vegan option—the Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks are still outstanding.

How do I keep the cauliflower steaks from falling apart on the grill?

The trick is to leave the core intact when slicing the steaks, as it helps hold the florets together. Be gentle with flipping and use a wide spatula. Don’t worry if some pieces break—a pile of golden grilled cauliflower is still pure magic!

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! Make the marinade up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also marinate the cauliflower steaks for up to an hour before grilling to let the flavors really soak in.

Are Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks gluten-free?

They can be! Just use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce or Worcestershire, and you’re all set with a dish that everyone at the table can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite that keeps making its way to the center of my table. They’re tasty, stunning, and shockingly satisfying. Give them a try—you might just find yourself craving cauliflower in a whole new way!

Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a summer barbecue or as a flavorful side. The cauliflower is marinated in a garlic and herb mixture, grilled to perfection, and topped with cheese and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

Instructions

Preheat the grill: Pre-heat grill to medium-high to high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean.
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix oil, garlic, Worcestershire/soy sauce, dried herbs, lemon pepper seasoning, chili powder, and onion powder. Brush the marinade onto both sides of the cauliflower slices. Season with salt and pepper.
Grill the cauliflower: Place marinated cauliflower steaks on the grill. Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side until charred and crispy.
Finish and serve: Transfer the steaks to a platter. Sprinkle cheese on top while hot to melt. Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cauliflower steaks before serving.
Feel free to customize the seasonings in the marinade to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American