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You are here: Home / Recipes / How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave

04/26/18 | Healthy, Recipes, Tips & Tricks, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Photo of chopped cauliflower with text: How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave.

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. 

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave step one photo of chopped 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.

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave step two photo of chopped cauliflower in bowl ready to be steamed.

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!

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave step three photo of steamed cauliflower.

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.

Photo of chopped cauliflower ready to be steamed in the microwave.

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.
How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave for a quick and easy side dish.

Comments | 12 comments

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Comments

  1. Stacey says

    March 15, 2021 at 2:21 pm

    5 stars
    So glad I saw this recipe . Cauliflower in the micro is terrific & so much easier !

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      April 1, 2021 at 5:51 am

      Thanks, Stacey!

      Reply
  2. phil says

    June 17, 2019 at 1:26 pm

    5 stars
    works for broccoli too…thx

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      June 17, 2019 at 1:30 pm

      Glad it worked out for you, Phil!

      Reply
  3. Deborah Loran says

    July 14, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    Thanks so much Tracy for the great cooking hack! I am eager to try it!

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      July 16, 2018 at 8:15 am

      Hope you find it useful!

      Reply
  4. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    April 30, 2018 at 8:35 am

    5 stars
    The only time I’ve ever steamed cauliflower in the microwave was for cauliflower rice. Cauliflower is one of my favourite veggies and I like it any kinda way! Nice and healthy way to kick off the week 😉

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      May 1, 2018 at 9:36 am

      Thanks, Dawn!

      Reply
  5. Neha says

    April 29, 2018 at 11:18 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for the fantastic and super easy process to steam cauliflower. This is the only way I will steam mine now on! 🙂

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      May 1, 2018 at 9:52 am

      Thanks, Neha! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Christina says

    April 27, 2018 at 10:42 am

    Darn it, I don’t have a microwave yet but the moment I get one, I’m steaming up some cauliflower!

    Reply
    • Tracy says

      May 1, 2018 at 10:20 am

      Yay! Steam that cauliflower! 😉

      Reply
5 from 9 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Welcome!


Hi, I'm Tracy! Welcome to Baking Mischief, where we realize that not everyone is cooking every night for a family of four. We have delicious sweet and savory recipes, mostly scaled for one or two, and we love our pop culture around here, so keep an eye out for film, book, and TV-inspired treats as well! Read more»
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