How to Cook Cauliflower: 6 Effortless and Delicious Ways

Cooking cauliflower has never been easier! With these six simple recipes, you can enjoy mouthwatering cauliflower dishes without breaking a sweat. From roasting in the oven to steaming in the microwave, there’s a method for every taste bud. Let’s dive in and explore the delightful world of cauliflower cooking!

You’ll Love Easy Ways to Cook Cauliflower

Preparing cauliflower is a breeze, and the options are endless. Here are my go-to recipes for cooking this versatile veggie: steaming it in the microwave, roasting it in the oven (my personal favorite!), making riced cauliflower, air frying it, simmering it on the stovetop, or enjoying it mashed.

How to Microwave Cauliflower

Steaming cauliflower in the microwave is quick and convenient. It’s the fastest way to cook basic cauliflower for many low-carb recipes. You can also use frozen cauliflower to make it even easier.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into 1″ florets

Directions:

1. Place cauliflower florets in a large microwave-safe dish.
2. Cover with 1/2 cup of water.
3. Seal the dish with a lid.
4. Microwave on high for approximately 4 minutes or until tender.
5. Drain well and serve.

Serving Suggestion:

For a delightful side dish, toss the cauliflower florets with extra virgin olive oil or butter and season with freshly ground black pepper and salt. For added flavor, drizzle with melted butter, a squeeze of lemon juice, your favorite fresh herb, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve it on its own or use it as a low-carb substitute for pasta in recipes like Zesty Italian Pasta Salad.

How to Cook Cauliflower on the Stovetop

Cooking cauliflower on the stovetop is another excellent option. It’s simple and yields tender results that pair perfectly with melted butter, salt, and pepper.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1″ florets
• Salt

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the temperature to medium-low.
3. Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until fork-tender.
4. Drain well and serve.

Serving Suggestion:

After cooking, toss the cauliflower with melted butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, your favorite herb, and even some Parmesan cheese.

How to Cook Riced Cauliflower

Riced cauliflower is a popular low-carb rice substitute. Making your own is cost-effective and effortless. Let’s dive into how to make it!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium to large head of cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cut the cauliflower head into small florets, about 1/2″ in size.
2. Grate the cauliflower using a food processor with a grater attachment, a box grater, or a food processor with a chopping blade. Processing in small batches until the cauliflower resembles rice-sized pieces.
3. Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the cauliflower to the skillet and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.

Serving Suggestion:

Enjoy riced cauliflower as a vegetable side dish or use it as a replacement for rice in various dishes. It pairs wonderfully with Thai Basil Chicken or can be a tasty base for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff or Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce.

Mashed Cauliflower

Create mashed cauliflower that rivals traditional mashed potatoes in taste and texture. These buttery, fluffy, and creamy mashed cauliflower are the perfect addition to any meal, and they can even be made ahead of time for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 4 tablespoons of softened butter
• 3 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

Directions:

1. Cut the cauliflower head into small florets, about 1/2″ in size.
2. Place the florets in a large microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup of water. Cover and microwave until very soft, approximately 15 minutes.
3. Drain the cauliflower in a colander.
4. Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor and add the remaining ingredients.
5. Process on high, scraping down the sides periodically, until smooth. You may need to process in two batches, depending on the size of your food processor.
6. Reheat in the microwave if necessary.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and top with cheese, gravy, or more butter according to your preference.

Air Fryer Cauliflower

For a simple yet utterly delicious cauliflower dish, turn to your trusty air fryer. With minimal effort, you can enjoy perfectly cooked cauliflower every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1 to 2″ florets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add smoked paprika and garlic powder for extra flavor.
3. Transfer the seasoned florets to the air fryer basket.
4. Cook until the cauliflower reaches your desired tenderness, approximately 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your air fryer.
5. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Add an additional layer of flavor by sprinkling smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder over the air-fried cauliflower. Lemon pepper seasoning is also a great choice.

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower in the Oven

Roasted cauliflower offers an irresistibly delicious taste that’s perfect as a side dish or a pasta substitute in recipes. Let’s dive into the steps.

Ingredients:

• Cauliflower florets
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt or sea salt
• Ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
2. Cut the cauliflower into 1″ florets.
3. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
5. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown.

Serving Suggestion:

For a delightful twist, add garlic, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite herbs to the cauliflower before roasting. Don’t be afraid to get creative and adapt the recipe to your liking.

More Recipes from Seeking Good Eats

If you’re craving more cauliflower dishes, don’t worry! Here are a few tempting recipes to explore:

• Buffalo Cauliflower
• Cauliflower Cheese (Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese)
• Zesty Italian Pasta Salad (with Pasta or Cauliflower)
• Low Carb Tuna Casserole
• Seafood Pasta Salad (Use Pasta or Cauliflower)
• Coconut Cauliflower Rice (Keto Cauliflower Rice)

Recipe

Now that you know how to cook cauliflower in various ways, it’s time to put your culinary skills to the test. Get creative and try out these recipes to enjoy the goodness of cauliflower in a variety of delightful dishes.

Remember, cooking cauliflower is a breeze once you have the right recipes on hand. So grab a head of cauliflower and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

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