Buffalo-Style Grilled Cauliflower on Arteflame - New York Twist

Introduction

If you're craving that spicy, tangy punch of Buffalo wings — but want something just a bit lighter and vegetarian-friendly — this Buffalo-style grilled cauliflower is about to become your go-to. Using the incredible heat zones of the Arteflame grill, this recipe infuses the cauliflower with smoky flavor, bold spice, and irresistible caramelization. With the intense sear of the flat cooktop and the rich taste of butter, this dish delivers all the flavor of a New York pub classic, right from your backyard.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into steaks or large florets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• Blue cheese dressing, for serving
• Chopped celery and carrot sticks, for garnish
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a bit of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light the paper.
3. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is hot and ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Cut the cauliflower into 3/4-inch thick steaks or large florets.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the cauliflower generously with the seasoned butter mixture.

Step 3: Grill the Cauliflower

1. Place the cauliflower on the flat cooktop, closer to the center for higher heat for a quick sear.
2. Let each side sear for 3-4 minutes until deep golden char marks form.
3. Move the cauliflower toward the outer edge of the cooktop to finish cooking gently for another 5-7 minutes until tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Add Buffalo Sauce

1. In the last minute of cooking, brush the cauliflower with Buffalo wing sauce on both sides.
2. Let it cook for 30 seconds per side to caramelize the sauce slightly without burning.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

1. Remove the cauliflower from the grill and arrange on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle with blue cheese dressing and sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional).
3. Serve with celery and carrot sticks on the side.

Tips

• Use butter instead of oil for unparalleled flavor and a rich golden crust.
• Position the cauliflower correctly—start near the center of the flat top for charring, then move to the outer zones for more gentle cooking.
• Avoid covering the grill—it’s not needed with Arteflame, and open-flame grilling gives the dish its signature smokiness.
• You can grill all veggies alongside the cauliflower to absorb that savory charred flavor.
• Don’t forget to use the flat top’s different heat zones to manage cooking time and texture.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Buffalo Cauliflower: Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the Buffalo sauce blend for a sweet and spicy finish.
2. Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower: Skip the Buffalo sauce and finish with a garlic butter glaze and grated Parmesan.
3. BBQ Cauliflower Steaks: Replace the Buffalo sauce with smoky barbecue sauce and serve with ranch dressing instead.
4. Asian Buffalo Cauliflower: Mix the hot sauce with a splash of soy sauce and rice vinegar for an umami boost before grilling.
5. Smoky Chipotle Cauliflower: Add chipotle in adobo to the Buffalo sauce for a deeper, smoky heat with extra flavor complexity.

Best Pairings

• Fresh crisp lager or IPA
• Chilled celery and ranch dip
• Grilled sweet corn or cornbread
• Fingerling potatoes cooked on the Arteflame
• Classic potato salad with creamy mustard dressing

Conclusion

This Buffalo-style grilled cauliflower is a celebration of bold flavor, high-heat searing, and the joy of cooking outdoors on the Arteflame grill. Perfect for entertaining guests or serving as a smoky, spicy appetizer at your next cookout, it delivers all the flavor of a New York wing night — without the meat. Let the heat of the grill and the punch of Buffalo sauce win you over with this crave-worthy vegetarian masterpiece.