Vegan Firecracker Cauliflower

Photo credit Olivia Wallace.

As grilling season kicks in, bring some spice into your life with this fiery hot BBQ flavored cauliflower dish. Even vegan’s like steak---cauliflower steak, that is. Which is what you will be grilling for the base of this dish. Those who like it even hotter can feel free to add more hot sauce than the recipe calls for and let the festivities begin!

Vegan Firecracker Cauliflower

Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower, sliced into 5 or 6 thin ‘steaks’

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, water or vegetable stock

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen

  • ½ cup diced red onion

  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce

  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste

  • ¾ teaspoon chili powder

  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

  • Cilantro sprigs for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat the grill. Slice the cauliflower from top to bottom into 5 or 6 ½ inch ‘steaks’. Place olive oil, salt, and pepper into a small bowl and whisk well. Using a basting brush, baste both sides of the cauliflower and grill until char marks appear, and the cauliflower is just tender, approximately 4 minutes on each side depending up on the heat of the grill. 

  2. Slice the cauliflower into small florets, using 4 cups for this recipe. Place in a large bowl.

  3. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Garnish with cilantro sprigs before serving. Serve warm or room temperature.

    Variations

    ~ You can grill the corn.

    ~Top with toasted pine nuts. 

    ~ You can also roast the cauliflower instead of grilling it. To do so, Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Add to a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until just tender and golden brown, approximately 35 minutes.