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    Home » Dinner » Sides

    Simple Microwave Cauliflower

    Published: Jul 12, 2021 by heather · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Microwave cauliflower is an easy side dish that can be made in about 10 minutes. This is a simple, delicious way to steam cauliflower for a healthy side dish.

    Bowl with steamed cauliflower florets.

    While I do love the air fryer when I want crispy, roasted vegetables, I often turn to the microwave when I want to have steamed, soft vegetables like acorn squash and spaghetti squash.

    This microwave method is fast and cooks the cauliflower nice and tender-crisp. No steamer basket is required, just one bowl and your done.

    Ingredients needed

    Cauliflower – You will need a head of fresh cauliflower.

    Water – Cold water is used to help steam and soften.

    Optional – Add your favorite seasonings like salt, pepper and garlic powder. You can even add some butter for a rich and creamy dish.

    How to microwave cauliflower

    1. Clean off the cauliflower and cut into bite sized florets.
    2. Put the florets in a microwave safe bowl and then pour in water.
    3. Place plastic wrap over the bowl to cover. You could also use a microwave safe plate or lid to cover the bowl.
    4. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Pierce the cauliflower with a fork to check for desired doneness. If you prefer softer, cover and microwave for another 1-2 minutes.
    5. Season with desired seasonings.
    Bowl of cauliflower florets and seasonings.

    How to cut cauliflower florets

    Here is a simple method for cutting florets.

    Step one: Remove the leaves from the base of the cauliflower.

    Step two: Cut it in half and then cut the halves in half.

    Step three: Angle the knife to cut out the core and then pull apart the florets.

    How to microwave a whole cauliflower

    If you would like to steam the whole cauliflower instead of florets, remove the green leaves and trim the stem.

    Place the whole head in a microwave safe dish, stem side down and pour in 1/4 cup of water. Cover and cook about 8- 10 minutes.

    How to store

    The steamed cauliflower can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. After that it starts to get a little mushy.

    Reheat in the microwave for about one minute or place in the oven or air fryer to warm through.

    What to serve with cauliflower

    This is a great side dish for a variety of meals. Try it with things like:

    • Meatloaf
    • Chicken
    • Steak

    Recipe tips

    • When picking a fresh cauliflower, try to find one that is cream in color and hasn’t started to turn brown.
    • Cook time may vary depending on how much you are cooking. Check after 5 minutes and if the florets are still too hard, cover and cook another 1-2 minutes. Try not to over cook.
    • Try cutting the florets to a similar size so they cook evenly.
    • Make sure to use oven mitts or a towel to remove the bowl from the microwave. It will be hot.
    • Try topping with a variety of things like Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese sauce,

    More easy vegetable recipes

    • Air fryer roasted vegetables
    • Instant Pot broccoli
    • Air fryer spaghetti squash
    • Roasted frozen vegetables

    Let me know if you made this in the comments below. You can also tag us in a picture on Instagram or Facebook.

    Bowl of cauliflower florets.
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    Microwave Cauliflower

    Fast and easy method to steam cauliflower in the microwave.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cauliflower
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 62kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
    • 1/4 cup water

    Optional

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

    Instructions

    • Clean and cut cauliflower into florets.
    • Place florets and water in a microwave safe bowl. Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap like Cling wrap.
    • Microwave for 5 minutes. Carefully remove bowl from microwave and remove plastic wrap.
    • If adding seasonings or butter, add now and stir to coat.

    Video

    Notes

    Cook time may vary depending on how much cauliflower you are cooking. If you check the cauliflower after 5 minutes and it’s still to hard, cover again and cook another 1-2 minutes. 
    Try cutting the florets to a similar size so they cook evenly.
    Make sure to use oven mitts or a towel to remove the bowl from the microwave. It will be hot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 335mg | Potassium: 436mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Follow me @foodlovinfamily or tag #foodlovinfamily!

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