Grilled BBQ Cauliflower Steaks are thick-cut cauliflower slices brushed with smoky barbecue sauce and grilled until tender with crispy, caramelized edges. This easy BBQ cauliflower steak recipe is a flavorful plant-based main or side dish perfect for grilling season, vegetarians, and anyone looking to add bold veggie options to their BBQ menu.
Yields 4 Servings Servings Quarter (1 Serving) Half (2 Servings) Default (4 Servings) Double (8 Servings) Triple (12 Servings) Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 20 minsTotal Time 40 mins 2 large heads cauliflower
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
BBQ Glaze
½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet)
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings
Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives)
Toasted nuts or seeds
Vegan butter or regular butter
Crumbled feta or vegan cheese
Prep the cauliflower
1
Remove outer leaves and trim stem end just enough to keep head intact.
Slice each cauliflower lengthwise into 1–1½ inch steaks .
Save loose florets for another use.
Season
Make the BBQ glaze
3
Whisk BBQ sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Reserve ¼ cup for finishing.
Preheat the grill
Grill the cauliflower
5
Place steaks directly on grill grates.
Grill 6–8 minutes per side , flipping carefully.
Brush generously with BBQ glaze during last few minutes on each side.
Finish & serve
6
Remove from grill when tender and nicely charred.
Brush with reserved glaze.
Rest 2–3 minutes and garnish as desired.
Side Information (What to Serve With)
7
Grilled corn with BBQ butter
Coleslaw or vinegar slaw
Smoked mac & cheese (or vegan version)
Roasted or grilled potatoes
Simple green salad
Pairing Suggestions
8
Beer: Pale ale, amber ale, or wheat beer
Wine: Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Zinfandel
Non-alcoholic: Iced tea, sparkling water with citrus, or lemonade
Tips & Notes
9
Cut thick steaks so they don’t fall apart.
Par-cook briefly (steam 3–4 minutes) if cauliflower is very dense.
Sauce late to prevent burning sugars.
These make excellent BBQ cauliflower sandwiches or tacos.
Leftovers reheat well or can be chopped into bowls and salads.
Ingredients 2 large heads cauliflower
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
BBQ Glaze
½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet)
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings
Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives)
Toasted nuts or seeds
Vegan butter or regular butter
Crumbled feta or vegan cheese
Directions Prep the cauliflower
1
Remove outer leaves and trim stem end just enough to keep head intact.
Slice each cauliflower lengthwise into 1–1½ inch steaks .
Save loose florets for another use.
Season
Make the BBQ glaze
3
Whisk BBQ sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Reserve ¼ cup for finishing.
Preheat the grill
Grill the cauliflower
5
Place steaks directly on grill grates.
Grill 6–8 minutes per side , flipping carefully.
Brush generously with BBQ glaze during last few minutes on each side.
Finish & serve
6
Remove from grill when tender and nicely charred.
Brush with reserved glaze.
Rest 2–3 minutes and garnish as desired.
Side Information (What to Serve With)
7
Grilled corn with BBQ butter
Coleslaw or vinegar slaw
Smoked mac & cheese (or vegan version)
Roasted or grilled potatoes
Simple green salad
Pairing Suggestions
8
Beer: Pale ale, amber ale, or wheat beer
Wine: Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Zinfandel
Non-alcoholic: Iced tea, sparkling water with citrus, or lemonade
Tips & Notes
9
Cut thick steaks so they don’t fall apart.
Par-cook briefly (steam 3–4 minutes) if cauliflower is very dense.
Sauce late to prevent burning sugars.
These make excellent BBQ cauliflower sandwiches or tacos.
Leftovers reheat well or can be chopped into bowls and salads.
Grilled BBQ Cauliflower Steaks
