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Get It NowSteaming is not usually my favorite way to make vegetables — I much prefer roasting them — but for some recipes (like cauliflower potato salad), it’s the most convenient method. This tutorial for how to steam cauliflower was intended for me to use in recipes. (Why else would I choose steaming over other cooking methods?!) But after I added the butter and seasonings, I was surprised at how delicious this steamed cauliflower was… all on its own! Since then, it’s been another quick and easy side dish I prep on busy days. And you should, too.
Why You’ll Love This Steamed Cauliflower
- Perfectly tender florets, done to your liking
- Just a few ingredients
- On the table in 10 minutes
- Simple, healthy, and light
- Faster than roasted cauliflower recipes
- Versatile for use in recipes or as a simple side any night of the week
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for steaming cauliflower what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Basic Steamed Cauliflower:
- Cauliflower – You’ll need a whole head of cauliflower. Remove the leaves and cut into florets. You can also use bagged florets to save time, but make sure to cut any larger pieces to match the smaller ones.
- Butter – You can use olive oil or avocado oil, but I think butter gives the best flavor in this steamed cauliflower recipe. You do you!
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
- Water
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- Garlic Powder – If you prefer, you can substitute it with 4 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – My fave topping for steamed cauliflower! I recommend it for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Lemon Wedges – For a bright and zesty finish. You could also zest your lemon and stir into the dish if you like.
- Fresh Parsley – You can omit, or use other fresh herbs, like cilantro, chives, or dill. You can also add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a combination of herbs.
How To Steam Cauliflower
This section shows how to make steamed cauliflower, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Boil. Fill a large pot or Dutch oven with about 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil.
- Prep. Place the cauliflower in a steamer basket and place the steamer basket into the pot.
TIP: Don’t submerge the steamer basket.
The water should be just below the basket, not submerging it, to prevent overcooking and nutrient loss.
- Steam. Cover with a lid, and steam cauliflower until fork tender.
- Season. Transfer the cauliflower to a bowl, then add the butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat.
- Garnish. Sprinkle steamed cauliflower with grated parmesan, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and/or fresh parsley.
How Long To Steam Cauliflower?
Steam cauliflower for 5-8 minutes, or until fork tender. The time will vary depending on the size of your cauliflower florets and how soft you want them. (I think 6 minutes is perfect!)
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep steamed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Meal prep: Cut the cauliflower into florets and store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to cook. You can also just steam cauliflower ahead and store for later!
- Reheat: Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, until warm.
- Freeze: Steamed cauliflower freezes very well! Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Leftover idea!
Leftover steamed cauliflower is perfect for making mashed cauliflower, crisp tender cauliflower gnocchi, cauliflower soup, or a cauliflower casserole.
What To Serve With Steamed Cauliflower
You can serve this 10-minute side dish with almost any of my healthy dinner recipes, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Chicken – Try Cornish hen for a gourmet meal, or for a casual pairing, tender Crock Pot chicken thighs or even a whole chicken in the Crock Pot.
- Seafood – I recently made a flounder recipe to pair with steamed cauliflower for an easy weeknight meal, and it was everything I imagined… in record time for a dinner meal. But if you want to get fancy, crab legs with lemon butter sauce taste amazing with this dish!
- Roast – For a comforting meal, pair this easy side with a rump roast or a tri tip roast.
- Pork – Make Crock Pot pork chops in a savory onion gravy, perfectly stuffed pork chops, or whip up some quick and easy air fryer pork chops.
More Easy Cauliflower Recipes
I have tons of cauliflower recipes, because this veggie is so tasty and versatile! Here are a few of my favorites:
Tools I Use To Steam Cauliflower
- Large Pot – I just used a pot large enough to fit all my cauliflower, but you could also use a Dutch oven if you prefer.
- Steamer Basket – This one is expandable and collapsible, so I can fit it into any pot I want to use.
Steamed Cauliflower
Make perfectly steamed cauliflower, seasoned with butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. Ready in 10 minutes!
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them.
Basic Ingredients
Optional Add-Ins
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Fill a large pot or dutch oven with about 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil.
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Place the cauliflower in the steamer basket and place the steamer basket into the pot. (The water should be just below the basket, not submerging it.)
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Cover with a lid. Steam for 5-8 minutes, until fork tender. Time will vary depending on the size of your cauliflower florets and how soft you want it.
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Transfer the cauliflower to a bowl. Add the butter or olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garlic powder if desired. Toss to coat.
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If desired, sprinkle with grated parmesan, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and/or fresh parsley.
Did You Like It?
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition info does not include optional ingredients.
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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4 Comments
Jeannette
0Very delicious! Nice change for a new flavor.
Kristyn
0I could eat this with every meal!! Simple, but so tasty!! Love the sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top!
Jessica
0This is such a hit when I make it. I do parmesan cheese and lemon wedges and it’s the perfect combo!
Sarah
0Simple and delicious. We added the optional garnishes which made all the difference for my picky kids…no more whining over cauliflower! 🙂