Smoked Cauliflower

Alright, folks, gather ’round because today we’re diving into the smoky wonderland of whole cauliflower! Trust me, this dish is a game-changer; even your meat-loving pals won’t know what hit ’em. So, let’s fire up those grills and get cookin’!

How to Make Smoked Cauliflower

Now, before we start, you’ll need a few things:

• One whole cauliflower (duh!)
• Olive oil
• Your favorite seasoning blend (I’m a sucker for a good Cajun mix!)
• A trusty grill, preferably with a lid
• A chunk of wood for smokin’ (Hickory? Mesquite? Take your pick!)

1. Prep that Cauli: First things first, give that cauliflower a good wash and trim off any excess leaves. You want it looking sharp and ready for action!
2. Steamy Business: Steam the cauliflower for about 10 minutes. You want it tender but not mushy. We’re not making cauliflower soup, after all!
3. Rub-a-Dub: Mix up a generous batch of olive oil and your favorite seasoning blend while your cauliflower’s steaming away. Give it a good rub-down. Don’t be shy! Get those flavors in there!
4. Let the Smoke Roll: Time to get that grill going! Set it up for indirect heat. Toss that wood chunk onto the coals and let the smoky magic begin!
5. Cauliflower Throne: Pop your seasoned cauliflower on the grill grates. Close the lid and let it soak up that smoky goodness for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, we’re aiming for a nice golden crust!
6. The Reveal: When you’ve got that perfect smoky char, carefully transfer your cauliflower to a plate. Admire your handiwork. You’re a culinary genius!
7. Slice and Serve: Now, it’s time to carve that beauty up! It’s like slicing into a steak, but way more veggie-tastic. Serve it up with a grin, because you just rocked that smoked cauliflower!

Tips for Success

• Size Matters: Go for a medium-sized cauliflower. Too small, and it might dry out. Too big, and it’ll take forever to cook through. Balance is key!
• Season to Taste: Don’t hold back on the seasoning. Cauliflower can soak up flavors like a sponge. Be bold, be spicy, be adventurous!
• Keep It Moist: If you notice your cauliflower drying out, don’t be afraid to give it a little spritz of water. We want tender, not tough!

What to Serve

Alright, so you’ve got this gorgeous smoked cauliflower. What’s next? Pair it with some grilled veggies, a zesty chimichurri sauce, or a salad for an extra smoky kick!

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? No problemo! Pop ’em in an airtight container and toss ’em in the fridge. When you’re ready for round two, a quick reheating in the oven or on the grill will have that cauliflower tasting just as smokin’ as day one!

So there you have it, folks! A simple yet mind-blowingly delicious recipe for smoked whole cauliflower. Who knew veggies could be this epic, right? NoGetut there, fire up that grill, and let the smoky magic happen!

Thanks a bunch for joining me on this veggie adventure! Until next time, keep it smoky, tasty, and rockin’ that grill!

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Smoked Cauliflower

Savor the Flavor: Our Smoked Cauliflower Recipe will blow your taste buds away! A simple yet impressive dish for any occasion.

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized whole cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 chunk of hickory or mesquite wood for smoking

Instructions

Prep and Steam

1. Preheat the Grill: Start by firing up your grill. If using charcoal, light the coals and let them heat up. Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C). Place a chunk of hickory or mesquite wood on the coals or the smoker box if you have one. Let it start smokin'!
2. Prepare the Cauliflower: While the grill is heating, wash the cauliflower and remove any excess leaves. Trim the stem just enough to create a flat surface so it sits evenly on the grill.
3. Steam the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower, stem-side down, in a large pot with a steamer basket. Add about an inch of water to the pot. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes until it's tender but not mushy. You can poke it with a fork to check - it should still have a bit of resistance.

Season and Grill

1. Create the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This is your flavor-packed seasoning blend.
2. Season the Cauliflower: Place the steamed cauliflower on a plate. Use a basting brush or your hands to coat the cauliflower with the seasoning mix generously. Make sure to get the spices into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor!
3. Grill Time: Now, it's grillin' time! If you're using a charcoal grill, push the coals to one side and create an indirect heat zone. For a gas grill, turn off one side or use a side burner if you have it. Place the seasoned cauliflower on the grill grates over the indirect heat zone.
4. Smoke 'n Grill: Cover the grill with the lid, let the cauliflower smoke, and grill for about 25-30 minutes. Keep the grill temperature around 350°F (175°C). The cauliflower should develop a beautiful golden crust and a smoky aroma.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Carve and Serve: Carefully remove the smoked whole cauliflower from the grill using tongs. Place it on a cutting board and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then, slice it into thick, steak-like pieces. Serve it up with a big ol' grin because you just created a masterpiece!