This Microwave Cauliflower Recipe with garlic, butter, salt and pepper is a healthy side dish. Learn how to steam cauliflower in the microwave in just a few minutes with this easy recipe! It's fork tender and delicious!
We love to cook cauliflower in the microwave! It's the easiest way to steam cauliflower, and it comes together in just a few simple steps.
Plus, it comes out perfectly cooked every time. All you need it a little butter, water and seasoning.
Microwave cooking is healthy, since veggies retain more nutrients this way. I also love to cook baked potatoes, carrots, green beans, broccoli, asparagus and sweet potatoes in the microwave. We even microwave ramen!
Jump to:
Ingredients
You only need 2 ingredients to make this healthy side dish, but I like to add a few more simple ingredients to make this delicious side dish extra flavorful.
- Head of fresh cauliflower
- Water
- Sea salt
- Garlic powder
- Ground black pepper
- Butter
How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave
First, you'll need to rinse the cauliflower under cold water. Then, carefully cut off the base of the cauliflower, using a sharp knife.
Cut the cauliflower head into smaller florets, cutting off as much of the stems as possible.
Smaller heads of cauliflower are easier to work with. Look for those when you can.
If you can only find a large head of cauliflower, you can either cook it all at once or chop up half of it and save the rest for later.
Try to keep the florets around the same size. They'll cook more evenly this way. You'll probably have some that are smaller then others, but this is fine.
The smaller pieces will just be on the soft side. Or, you can munch on them for a healthy snack! They're super tasty with just a touch of sea salt or perfect for dunking in homemade ranch dressing or cucumber dill dip!
Place the cut cauliflower into a microwave-safe bowl, microwave-safe dish, or even a serving dish. That's why this cooking method is the best way to make cauliflower -- there's fewer dishes!
Then, add a little water, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder and butter to give this great side lots of flavor.
Now, cover the dish with plastic wrap or cling film -- make sure to vent it. Or, use a microwave cover if you have it. You can also use a large plate or a paper towel.
How Long to Cook
So, how long does it take to microwave cauliflower? The total to cook time for cauliflower in the microwave depends on how much you're cooking and how big the pieces are. Small heads yield about 3 cups of florets, which take about 4 minutes to cook until fork tender.
Start off with 4 minutes. If the cauliflower is still too hard, cook in one minute increments until it's just easy enough to pierce with a fork. Keep in mind, cauliflower will keep cooking after you take it out.
Always take care when removing the lid from cauliflower or any food after microwaving. The steam is hot, so use oven mitts or pot holders.
You can drain the excess water before serving or pour some over the steamed veggies for extra flavor.
Steamed cauliflower is buttery, with a slight nutty taste and so delicious!
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover cooked cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 4 days.
You can reheat this great side dish in the microwave by cooking it for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until it's warm.
Total cooking time depends on how much you're reheating.
Variations
There are a few ways to customize this easy side dish.
You can add a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking to give it a fresh flavor. Just don't add the juice before cooking because it will turn the fresh cauliflower brown.
Add a drizzle of olive oil instead of butter to keep this a plant based dish.
In my opinion, the best way to jazz up this dish is by sprinkling some cheese on top after cooking. I like to use parmesan cheese on cauliflower, but you can add cheddar, American or any type, even cheese sauce!
For extra flavor, substitute water with vegetable broth.
One of my favorite ways to add more flavor is to sprinkle in some soy sauce. I love doing this when an Asian main dish is also on the menu.
FAQ
Yes, you can microwave cauliflower in just a few minutes.
You should add a little bit of water to help steam build up in the microwave. Half a teaspoon water is really all you need.
Steaming cauliflower is better since more nutrients are retained with this method.
Yes. You can microwave broccoli and cauliflower together as they both take the same amount of time to cook.
Recipe
Microwave Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cauliflower
- ½ teaspoon water
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Rinse the cauliflower under cold water -- do not dry
- Cut the stem off, then cut the head into smaller florets, and trim as much of the smaller heads off as possible
- Place the florets into a microwave safe dish or bowl. Add water, sea salt, garlic powder and pepper, and stir. Add butter
- Cover with microwave safe cover, plate, paper towel or plastic wrap - make sure to vent
- Cook for 4 minutes on high. It's done when fork tender. Cook for another minute if necessary or until easily pierced with fork
Notes
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
This simple method is by far the quickest way to cook cauliflower. It's one of my favorite recipes, so I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. It really is such an easy way to make fresh cauliflower!
Please leave a star rating and comment in the comment section if you make this simple side.
For more delicious recipes, including microwave recipes, be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter and follow me on social media!
Shelby says
Omg this is now my new favorite side dish! The flavor is superb, and the texture is amazing! I also love how quick and easy it!!
Dee says
Thanks a bunch, Shelby. I'm so glad you liked the cauliflower!
Krystle says
This was such a flavorful side dish. It is great when the oven is busy cooking your main dish.
Cathy says
Love how quick & easy this is!
Erin says
This Microwave Cauliflower looks like such an awesome side dish!
Sandra says
Such an easy and delicious side dish! Thanks for this idea!
Kevin says
Had to try this. Would never have thought of doing them in the microwave. So easy and delicious!
Allyson Zea says
This is such a great idea for cauliflower! Easy dinner side dish!