How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave for a quick and simple side or to use in recipes that call for cooked cauliflower.  

So, you guys know I love a good kitchen hack. And try and tell me that “hacks” are so 2015 and I’ll shove my fingers in my ears whilst (simultaneously) typing a 500-word post about how you should whip your egg whites for the fluffiest pancakes or how to use two simple ingredients to make a killer 30-second Chocolate Sauce.

Or in today’s case, why you should absolutely try steaming your cauliflower in your microwave.

That’s right, I’m here today bringing you a super quick kitchen hack/tips & tricks post on cooking cauliflower in your microwave. You can also use this method to steam broccoli, or check out the post How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave.

Why steam cauliflower in the microwave?

• It’s faster than doing it on the stove.
• You don’t need any special equipment like a steamer basket.
• Best of all, there’s no pot or pan to wash. You just need a bowl, a plate, and a vegetable.

When you want a super simple vegetable side or are making a recipe that calls for steamed cauliflower, this method is going to save you so much time.

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave

Wash your head of cauliflower well, and use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized florets. If you don’t usually cut cauliflower, here’s a great tutorial on how to cut cauliflower. 

Place pieces in a microwave-safe bowl, and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl, 2 to 3 tablespoons. Place a plate over the bowl and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on how much bite you like in your cauliflower, how large the pieces are, and how powerful your microwave is.

You may have to do a little experimenting to find your perfect cooking time.

Let the cauliflower sit in the microwave for 1 minute before removing from the microwave. Be careful, the steam trapped under the plate will be hot!

Your steamed cauliflower is now ready to be enjoyed as a simple side, maybe tossed with a little butter or olive oil and salt, or dipped in ranch or cheese sauce (<–this, do this!), or mashed and turned into something yummy. The possibilities are endless.

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave for a quick and simple side or to use in recipes that call for cooked cauliflower.  

5 from 9 votes

Print Pin

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 1 minute minute

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings (Hover or Click to Change Yield): 4

Calories: 37kcal

Author: Tracy

Ingredients

Cauliflower

• ▢ 1 head cauliflower
• ▢ 2 to 3 tablespoons water

Optional Toppings

• ▢ Melted butter
• ▢ Olive oil
• ▢ Salt and pepper
• ▢ Cheese sauce

Instructions

• Wash your head of cauliflower well, and use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized florets.
• Place pieces in a microwave-safe bowl and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl, 2 to 3 tablespoons.
• Place a plate over the bowl and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on how much bite you like in your cauliflower and how powerful your microwave is.
• Let the cauliflower sit in the microwave for 1 minute before removing from the microwave. Be careful, the steam trapped under the plate will be hot.
• Toss with butter and salt and pepper or serve alongside ranch or cheese sauce as a simple side and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag @BakingMischief or hashtag it #BakingMischief.