Microwave cauliflower with butter, salt, pepper and garlic for a healthy low carb 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 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.
How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave
First, you'll need to rinse the cauliflower under cold water. Then, carefully cut off the stem, using a sharp knife. Cut the 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. Then, add a little water, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder and butter.
Now, cover the dish with plastic wrap -- 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
The total time to cook 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, add another minute 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 cooking liquid 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
Store any leftover cooked cauliflower in a covered container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 4 days.
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
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!