BBQ Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri (Printable Version)

Grilled smoky cauliflower steaks topped with vibrant parsley-cilantro chimichurri for a bold, plant-based main.

# 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

# How to Make It:

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 smoky crust on the cauliflower, paired with a zesty chimichurri, is an irresistible plant-based star.
  • This recipe feels special enough for guests but remains delightfully fuss-free to make.
02 -
  • Once I tried slicing the steaks too thin and they fell apart on the grill–stick to one inch for structure and easy flipping.
  • Letting the chimichurri sit for ten minutes lets the flavors bloom and meld together beautifully.
03 -
  • Let the cauliflower cool a couple minutes before serving so the texture settles and the flavors round out.
  • Try basting the steaks with any leftover spiced oil halfway through grilling for an extra smoky punch.
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