This is the easiest way to cook cauliflower! This Lemon Herb Steamed Cauliflower cooks up in minutes and is so flavorful it’s life-changing.
Did you know that steamed cauliflower can be tasty? unbelievable? Until recently we didn’t! Yes, Alex and I have been roasting cauliflower for years. It comes out slightly charred with a sweet, almost caramelized flavor. The problem is that frying takes about 40 minutes: and that doesn’t work for a quick weeknight meal. Enter: steamed cauliflower! This easy side dish cooks up in just 10 minutes. Blended with savory Italian spices and a bright note of lemon, the flavor was so good we couldn’t stop eating it. At the risk of sounding cheesy: it’s life changing.
do you have a pressure cooker Go Instant Pot Cauliflower!
How to make the best steamed cauliflower
Steaming cauliflower is easy: all you need is a steamer basket and a covered saucepan or deep frying pan. It cooks in about 10 minutes. You should make sure you don’t overcook it or it will get pretty mushy. The goal here is crispy tender, so be sure to taste it to see if it’s done! Here are all of our secrets to the best steamed cauliflower that we know will make you fall in love with.
Equipment needed: You will need a steamer or steamer basket for this recipe. Here is a steam basket that you can buy online.
Step 1: Divide the cauliflower into florets.
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. If you’re not sure what the best method is, Alex and I have a way to easily slice it without crumbs ending up on the counter! Go to How to Cut Cauliflower or watch the video below.
Step 2: Bring the water to a boil.
Rule number one when steaming vegetables: Boil the water first! It might seem intuitive to put everything in the steamer and bring the water to a boil: but this results in uneven cooking. First boil the water and then add the vegetables. If you have a steamer basket without a handle, add it now: the water surface should be just below the basket.
Step 3: Steam for 10-12 minutes.
Once the cauliflower is cooking, add it (into the steamer basket if it has a handle). Cover the pot with a lid. Steam, covered, until just tender, 10-12 minutes. Taste a piece with a fork to judge the degree of doneness. The cooking time will vary slightly each time depending on the freshness of the cauliflower and the thickness of the pieces.
Step 4: Drain and season.
Carefully place the cauliflower in a bowl. Now the magic begins! Season with olive oil, salt and pepper, Italian seasoning and lemon zest. (PS How to peel a lemon.) Try it! We hope you love this steamed cauliflower as much as we do.
Ways to flavor steamed cauliflower
The best way to season steamed cauliflower is with this recipe (we think so!): olive oil, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest! However, if you’re looking for other options, here are some ideas for supplements:
- Grated parmesan or pecorino cheese
- A web of balsamic reduction
- Toasted slivers of almonds or toasted pine nuts and raisins
- Goat cheese or crumbled feta
- Chopped Garlic
- Panko and dried herbs
- Spring onions or chopped chives
- Fresh dill, oregano or thyme
Our favorite ways of cooking!
Alex and I have made this steamed cauliflower several times. Our son Larson especially loves to swallow it. Here are some ways we served and enjoyed it:
- In company. It’s a great side dish with salmon, sautéed shrimp, or pasta.
- As a snack. The leftovers became a snack for us, right out of the dish! Serve with Homemade Ranch as a dip.
- With sauce. It might sound strange, but this is a great low-carb version of mashed potatoes and gravy. (We had a little leftover of our easy vegan sauce and accidentally discovered that it was delicious!)
- In a meal bowl. This steamed cauliflower is perfect in a cereal bowl! Prepare a large pot of brown rice, quinoa or farro and top with chickpeas or lentils, baby sprouts and our best tahini sauce.
- Like mac and cheese. Top with your favorite macaroni and cheese sauce for a cheesy version of your favorite pasta. Make a double cauliflower recipe and try our Pesto Mac and Cheese or our Best Gouda Mac and Cheese.
Another favorite way to cook cauliflower? Grilled cauliflower on the grill. It’s fantastic on the grill, with a charred, smoky flavor.
This sautéed cauliflower recipe is…
Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based and dairy-free.
The description
This is the easiest way to cook cauliflower! This Lemon Herb Steamed Cauliflower cooks up in minutes and is so flavorful it’s life-changing.
- 1 small-headed cauliflower (1 1/2 at 2 Pound Sterling)
- ½ cup the water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian spice
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Lemon peel (zests from 1/2 Lemon)
- Cut the cauliflower into florets.
- Pour 1 ½ cups of water into a saucepan or saucepan. If you are using a steamer basket without a handle, place it in the pot now: the water surface should be just below the basket. Boil the water.
- Once the cauliflower is cooking, add it (into the steamer basket if it has a handle). Steam, covered, until tender, 10-12 minutes, testing with a fork to see if done.
- Carefully place the cauliflower in a bowl and drain excess liquid. Mix with the remaining ingredients and serve. (Keep leftovers in the fridge.)
- Category: garnish
- Method: subdued
- Kitchen: Mediterranean Sea
Keywords: Steamed Cauliflower
