BBQ Cauliflower Sweet Corn

Featured in: Tex-Mex Homestyle

This dish combines tender, smoky cauliflower roasted with spices and BBQ sauce with sautéed sweet corn and a fresh cabbage slaw. Warm tortillas cradle the flavorful filling, topped with creamy avocado slices and fresh cilantro. The quick preparation and vibrant textures create a satisfying plant-based dinner perfect for Tex-Mex lovers. Customize with jalapeños or chipotle sauce for extra heat and complexity.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:45:00 GMT
Smoky BBQ cauliflower tacos with sweet corn, vibrant slaw, and creamy avocado.  Save It
Smoky BBQ cauliflower tacos with sweet corn, vibrant slaw, and creamy avocado. | zetluna.com

Smoky, tender BBQ cauliflower paired with sweet corn, crisp slaw, and creamy avocado, all tucked into warm tortillas for a vibrant plant-based taco night.

This recipe quickly became a staple in my household because of its smoky flavor and ease of preparation.

Ingredients

  • BBQ Cauliflower: 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (vegan if desired)
  • Sweet Corn: 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels, 1 tsp olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper
  • Slaw: 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1 cup shredded green cabbage, 1 small carrot julienned, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, pinch of salt
  • For Serving: 8 small corn or flour tortillas (gluten-free if needed), 1 ripe avocado sliced, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss Cauliflower:
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
Roast Cauliflower:
Roast cauliflower for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the oven, toss with BBQ sauce, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes until caramelized and tender.
Cook Corn:
Meanwhile, heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly charred. Set aside.
Make Slaw:
In a mixing bowl, toss both cabbages, carrot, lime juice, olive oil, and salt to make the slaw.
Warm Tortillas:
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
Assemble Tacos:
Fill each tortilla with slaw, BBQ cauliflower, corn, avocado slices, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
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These tacos always bring the family together on taco night, making for fresh and fun mealtimes.

Variations

Try adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat or swap BBQ sauce for chipotle sauce for a smoky twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with vegan sour cream or cheese for added creaminess and enjoy with a side of Mexican rice or beans.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the cauliflower and corn before assembling tacos.

Colorful BBQ Cauliflower and sweet corn tacos garnished with fresh cilantro and lime.  Save It
Colorful BBQ Cauliflower and sweet corn tacos garnished with fresh cilantro and lime. | zetluna.com

This dish is a quick, flavorful way to enjoy plant-based tacos any night of the week.

Common Questions About Recipes

How do I achieve tender smoky cauliflower?

Roast the cauliflower tossed in olive oil and smoked paprika at high heat, then coat with BBQ sauce and roast again until caramelized.

What is the best way to sauté sweet corn?

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add corn with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly charred for added flavor.

How can I make the slaw crisp and fresh?

Toss shredded red and green cabbage with julienned carrot, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a bright, crunchy slaw.

What tortillas work best for this dish?

Corn or flour tortillas warmed until pliable work well; gluten-free corn tortillas are a good alternative for dietary needs.

Can this dish be made spicier?

Yes, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle chipotle or hot sauce on top to introduce more heat.

BBQ Cauliflower Sweet Corn

Smoky cauliflower and sweet corn with fresh slaw and avocado in warm tortillas for a vibrant meal.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
25 mins
Overall Time
45 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Tex-Mex Homestyle

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type Tex-Mex

Recipe Output 4 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Plant-Based, Lactose-Free

The Ingredients You'll Need

BBQ Cauliflower

01 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (vegan if preferred)

Sweet Corn

01 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels
02 1 teaspoon olive oil
03 Pinch of salt and black pepper

Slaw

01 1 cup shredded red cabbage
02 1 cup shredded green cabbage
03 1 small carrot, julienned
04 2 tablespoons lime juice
05 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 Pinch of salt

For Serving

01 8 small corn or flour tortillas (gluten-free if desired)
02 1 ripe avocado, sliced
03 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
04 Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Season Cauliflower: In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat evenly.

Step 03

Roast Cauliflower: Arrange the seasoned cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through for even cooking.

Step 04

Add BBQ Sauce and Roast Again: Remove cauliflower from oven, toss with BBQ sauce, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until caramelized and tender.

Step 05

Cook Corn: While cauliflower roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly charred. Set aside.

Step 06

Prepare Slaw: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded red and green cabbage, julienned carrot, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss well to blend flavors.

Step 07

Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.

Step 08

Assemble Tacos: Layer each tortilla with slaw, BBQ cauliflower, sautéed corn, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat if using flour tortillas. Gluten-free option available with certified corn tortillas. Verify BBQ sauce and tortillas for allergens.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 310
  • Fats: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 48 grams
  • Proteins: 7 grams