The Easiest Microwave Cauliflower Recipe (From Fresh) | Seeking Good Eats (2024)

This Microwave Cauliflower recipe is deliciously simple and by far the easiest way to get perfectly cooked cauliflower. You can prepare it in 5 minutes (or less), cook it in less than 9 - and there are many ways you can serve it. Cauliflower makes a great pasta substitute in many recipes as it's gluten free, low carb, and keto.

Why You'll ❤️ Microwave Cauliflower

"Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetables because of how versatile and easy it is to make! Steaming cauliflower in microwave is the easiest method and it can then be used as a side dish or added to other recipes."

Quick and Easy

Making microwave cauliflower is as simple as adding a bit of water to a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving until tender! That's it. To keep it simple, I like to add butter, salt, and pepper to mine. Sometimes I even grate some cheese over the top.

So Many Uses

Microwave cauliflower can be used in other recipes as a replacement for pasta, or it can be made as is for a simple side dish. To make mashed cauliflower, cook the cauliflower in the microwave until very soft. Mash it and add butter.

Healthy

Cauliflower is a super healthy vegetable because it is low-carb, keto-friendly, low-calorie, low-fat, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, and Whole30! It is super versatile to use in many different diets, so it is easy to prepare for a large group too!

🥘 What You'll Need

Here are the ingredients you will need to make microwave cauliflower:

Cauliflower - use a large or a medium-sized head of cauliflower; adjust the size to your needs.

Water - a small amount used for steaming the cauliflower.

Butter - used for serving. You can use your preferred kind of butter.

Salt and Pepper - used for serving. Add any additional seasonings to your liking.

🔪 How To Steam Cauliflower in Microwave

Here's how to steam cauliflower in microwave from fresh or frozen:

Prep

Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch florets or "bite-sized" pieces. Hint: try to keep the florets about the same size, so they cook evenly in the microwave.

Microwave Steam

From fresh: Place the fresh cauliflower florets in a large microwave-safe bowl and add one-quarter to one-half cup of water. Cover with a lid.

Microwave on high, approximately 4 to 6 minutes until crisp tender or until your desired tenderness is reached.

From frozen cauliflower: Same steps as from fresh, but you may need to adjust your cooking time to increase to approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

Drain

Check frequently; when done, drain well and serve.

🥗 How To Serve It

Here are a few ways to serve microwave cauliflower:

Serve with butter or a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, freshly chopped parsley, and a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra tasty side dish.

Use it in place of pasta or rice in many recipes, such as this Ground Pork Stir Fry, or add to this Keto Stir Fry with Shrimp.

Meal idea! Serve these Italian Baked Chicken Thighs with Zesty Italian Pasta Salad substituting the pasta with steamed microwave cauliflower. A really tasty low carb keto dinner!

📖 Variations

Here are a few ways you can vary or make substitutions to microwave cauliflower:

• The same microwave technique can be used on broccoli, carrots, and more! Be sure to adjust your cooking time if needed.
• You can use either fresh or frozen cauliflower when steaming in the microwave. If using frozen cauliflower, you just need to increase your cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add any seasonings you like! Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, or your favorite hot sauce over top of your cauliflower.

💭 Top Tips

❓FAQs

How To Store

Cool and store microwave cauliflower in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. You may also cover your container tightly with plastic wrap.

How To Reheat

Yes, place it in a bowl and cover it with a loose plastic lid or plastic wrap with a few puncture holes in it. Reheat for up to 2 minutes or until your cauliflower has reached 165 degrees.

How To Freeze

First, cool your cauliflower. Then place in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 months.

✔️ More Cauliflower Recipes

If you are looking for more delicious cauliflower recipes, check these out:

• Frozen Cauliflower in Air Fryer Recipe
• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
• Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
• How To Cook Cauliflower
• Zesty Italian Pasta Salad (with Pasta or Cauliflower)
• Seafood Pasta Salad (Use Pasta or Cauliflower)
• Cauliflower Cheese (Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese)
• Coconut Cauliflower Rice (Keto Cauliflower Rice)