Cauliflower Elote Mexican Street (Print)
Golden roasted cauliflower tossed in creamy lime-chili sauce, topped with cotija cheese and fresh herbs for a zesty Mexican-inspired dish.
# Ingredient list:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Sauce
03 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
04 - 1/3 cup sour cream
05 - 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Toppings
11 - 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
15 - Extra lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp-edged.
04 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
05 - Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and immediately toss with the prepared sauce until well coated.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeño. Dust with additional chili powder and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get all those messy, delicious elote flavors without awkward corn-on-the-cob logistics at dinner parties
- The cauliflower becomes this incredible crispy-tender vehicle for that creamy, tangy sauce we secretly want to eat with a spoon
02 -
- The cauliflower needs to be hot when you toss it with the sauce or it won't coat evenly, so work quickly
- Overcrowding the baking sheet is the fastest way to end up with sad steamed cauliflower instead of crispy roasted pieces
03 -
- Use a microplane for the garlic so it practically dissolves into the sauce instead of leaving chunks
- Let the roasted cauliflower sit for just 2 minutes after removing from the oven before saucing, it helps the coating stick better