How to Cook Cauliflower in the Microwave

If you are looking for a simple way to add more vegetables to your life, check out our microwaved cauliflower recipe that uses steam to create the tastiest, fastest side dish for your next dinner.

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Growing up, I wouldn’t touch cauliflower. It may have been because it was always served to me raw with a side of ranch dressing. Today, it’s one of my favorite veggies, raw (skip the ranch) or cooked; however, I think the best ways to enjoy it are roasted and steamed. Both yield different results, and in this recipe, we’ll discuss how to steam it.

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to enjoy vegetables since the steam gently cooks without destroying nutrients. Did you know that the microwave is a great way to steam things? A steaming basket and pot work well, but for quick results, the microwave is the way to go. One thing I love about cauliflower is its mild taste. It’s not a bold vegetable, which means it takes on the flavors you add to it easily and never overpowers anything. Try cauliflower as a healthy choice to add to a stir-fry or fried rice or enjoy it on its own. In this recipe, the simplicity of salt, pepper, and lemon juice delivers a refreshing, light flavor that pairs well with all kinds of other dishes.

Is Cauliflower Healthy?

When Mom told you to eat your veggies, she was right. Like many vegetables, cauliflower is loaded with vitamins C and K and has other good stuff, such as folate for healthy cell growth. Go ahead and enjoy cauliflower daily since it is a no-fat snack or meal. Our microwavable cauliflower is suitable for every type of diet since it contains all vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free ingredients. If you prefer no oil, it can easily be left out. Also, some lime juice rather than lemon would be a nice twist, or create garlic cauliflower by adding crushed garlic in the bowl as the cauliflower steams.

Why Microwaving Vegetables is a Healthy Choice

While it’s true that you should eat vegetables often and any way you can, cooking them quickly is the best way to retain the good stuff (vitamins), and microwaves are the king of quick cooking. Not only do they cook vegetables like cauliflower in a short amount of time, but microwaves can steam vegetables as well.

When you boil vegetables rather than steaming them, you end up losing vitamins that you don’t have to give up. The microwave steams, saves time, and brings extra nutrition to your plate. If you are new to steaming, the microwave is a great place to start since it isn’t as intimidating as a steaming basket.

INGREDIENTS

1 Head Cauliflower
½ cup Water
2 Tbsp Olive oil
¼ tsp Salt
½ tsp ground black Pepper
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut

Dice the cauliflower into florets, place in a bowl along with water, and cover with plastic wrap.

Microwave

Cook on high for about 8 to 10 minutes until tender.

Finish off

Beware of the heat! Next, drain and season with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

If you’d like to make a large batch of microwaved cauliflower, simply cook as directed, then place the cauliflower in an airtight container (after it cools), and store it in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat in the microwave for a minute or two. You can also skip the lemon juice, oil, and other seasonings and just cook the cauliflower with water. Then after reheating, add the seasoning.

Do I Have To Use Plastic Wrap?

Plastic is great for trapping steam and helping create it. So, yes, it’s an excellent choice when steaming vegetables in the microwave. Still, a plastic lid works well too.

Can I Add Different Seasonings?

Of course! Salt and pepper are always a great start to any dish. After that, feel free to season in any way you like.

Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower if you don’t have fresh cauliflower. However, expect the frozen cauliflower to take a little longer to cook. It will also have a different texture than fresh cauliflower after it is steamed. Frozen veggies can quickly turn mushy if cooked too long.

Serving Suggestions

Microwaved cauliflower makes a great meal, especially for lunch, or enjoy it as a side dish at dinnertime. I think it is fantastic alongside a juicy steak. Add a baked potato and it’s a date worthy meal.

Steamed cauliflower is also a healthy side dish when eaten with baked cod or baked salmon. A great benefit of microwaving veggies is how quickly you can throw a meal together. Think outside the box and toss cauliflower with some honey garlic noodles or pasta, steam or make some ginger rice as you steam the cauliflower, and enjoy a healthy dish of rice and seasoned cauliflower. You could add other veggies as well.