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How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave

Fresh, Creamy and Perfectly Cooked, Microwave Steamed Cauliflower is the fastest, tastiest way to preserve all the good for you stuff and be ready for a meal in minutes! Learn How To Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave in just minutes!

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You can also make a cauliflower rice by starting with this boiled cauliflower!

Microwave Cauliflower

Microwave cauliflower is a time saving BEAST and terrific way to preserve nutrients in your beautiful creamy cauliflower or to have it quickly ready for a yummy recipe like Cauliflower Cheese!

You’ll find everything you need to know about steaming cauliflower in the microwave here and a few ways to do it too!

The beauty is that you save nutrients with steaming much better than boiling cauliflower.

How To Microwave Cauliflower

There are several ways to accomplish steamed cauliflower in the microwave, but basically, they all involve capturing the water vapor with the cauliflower to cook it. You can…

  1. Steam it in a Bowl
  2. Steam it in a resealable plastic bag or
  3. Cover it with plastic wrap and steam the cauliflower that way.

How Long to Microwave Cauliflower

How long you cook cauliflower in the microwave will depend entirely on how powerful your microwave, however, usually about 3-5 minutes will do it.

3-5 minutes is usually long enough to steam cauliflower in the microwave for it to be soft enough to chew but still maintain some firmness.

A Basic Overview

  • Prepare the cauliflower.
  • Add seasoning
  • Place in container and seal (allow a small place for steam to escape).
  • Microwave for 3-5 minutes.

Here’s What You’ll Need

ingredients on table
  • Fresh Cauliflower
  • Container that seals – This can be a resealable plastic bag, a plate or bowl with either plastic wrap or a plate to put on top.
  • Seasoning and a Fat – I like to use salt, pepper, butter and a bit of pepper flakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Do I Use Whole Cauliflower or Just the Crowns?

Either is fine, it depends on what you prefer. The crowns alone are usually preferred, but if you choose to include some of the stalks, cut them thin.

Can I Freeze This Cauliflower?

Yes, you can. Simply place into a freezer safe container, remove as much air as possible and freeze. That said, the cauliflower will change in texture some as it thaws.

How Long Is It Good For?

This cauliflower will last for 5 days if covered and refrigerated.

How To Steam Cauliflower in Microwave in a Plastic Bag

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave in a Plastic Bag from Wendi on Vimeo.

Fresh, Creamy and Perfectly Cooked, Microwave Steamed Cauliflower is the fastest, tastiest way to preserve all the good for you stuff and be ready for a meal in minutes! Learn How To Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave in just minutes!

  • Trim and cut cauliflower.
  • Place into bag with 2 Tbs of water.
  • Add any seasoning or fats desired.
  • Seal but leave a small gap for steam to escape.
  • Place bag on a microwave safe plate.
  • Microwave for 3-5 minutes.
  • Use care removing from microwave as the bag and contents will be very hot.

How to Steam Cauliflower in Microwave with a Plastic Wrap Cover

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave using Plastic Wrap from Wendi on Vimeo.

  • Trim and Cut Cauliflower.
  • Place into a bowl or on a plate with 2 Tbs of water.
  • Cover and seal with plastic wrap, allowing a small gap for steam to escape.
  • Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.
  • Use hot pads or oven mitts to remove from microwave as the container and the contents will be HOT.

What Do I Serve with Steamed Cauliflower?

Microwave steamed cauliflower is a great side dish for all kinds of things. We love it with pot roast or creamy mushrooms especially!

Tips and Tricks

  • Always start with fresh cauliflower. Look for cream colored florets and cut edges that haven’t gone brown yet. If you notice some brown, cut it off. If there are discolored areas on the florets, cut that off as well.
  • Cut your larger florets in half or in quarters before steaming.
  • Be careful when removing the cauliflower from the microwave, steam is very hot and I don’t want you to be burned. It’s best to use oven mitts to protect your hands.
  • Don’t go overboard adding water, we don’t want to boil the cauliflower, we just want to steam it.
  • If, like me, you are starting to think the world has gone cauliflower mad, you aren’t alone. Here’s someone who agrees.

Interested in How to Steam Other Vegetables?

I’d love for you to check out some of my other articles on steaming vegetables, such as How to Steam Broccoli!

Watch Me Steam Cauliflower 3 Ways In the Microwave Here!

Can You Help Me Out a Little?

Please leave a 5 STAR COMMENT in the comment section below. This helps others to find the recipes at Loaves and Dishes.

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How to Steam Cauliflower In the Microwave

Fresh, Creamy and Perfectly CookedMicrowave Steamed Cauliflower is the fastest, tastiest way to preserve all the good for you stuff and be ready for a meal in minutes! Learn How To Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave in just minutes
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to steam cauliflower in the microwave
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 25kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Cauliflower trimmed and cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 Tbs water

Instructions

  • Trim any brown places off of Cauliflower and cut into bite sized pieces.
  • Place Cauliflower into bowl. Add 2 Tbs of water. Cover with saucer.
  • Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove carefully using hot pads or oven mitts. Remove top from saucer. Use as you desire.

Notes

  • The Cauliflower will be very hot when you remove it from the microwave. Use great care and protect your hands when removing it. 
  • Cauliflower cooked this way can be eaten plain, with seasonings or used as a topping for baked potatoes or other dishes. Can also be used as precooked Cauliflower for something like a casserole. 
  • If you are using a plastic bag, then instead of placing in a bowl, place the Cauliflower in the bag, add the water, seal the bag but leave a small gap for steam to escape. 
  • If you are using the bowl with plastic wrap, place the Cauliflower in the bowl, seal with plastic wrap and leave a small gap for the steam to escape. 
PRO TIP: For great flavor, especially when using the Cauliflower as a side or to top a baked potato, add a pat of butter (about a Tbs), a pinch of salt, pinch of pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes and 1/4 tsp garlic powder before microwaving. This adds tremendous flavor!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How to Steam Cauliflower In the Microwave
Amount Per Serving
Calories 25 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 32mg1%
Potassium 299mg9%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin C 48mg58%
Calcium 23mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

A Verse To Share

I’m having one of those days where I feel like everything is going wrong. Ever have those days? I feel like I must have done something wrong to cause all of this, but I can’t think of a single thing.

Our struggles are meant as a way for God to display his works in us. I guess I should be more mindful of how I complain and act when struggles come my way.

John 9: 1-5

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

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Wendi J Spraker

Thursday 11th of March 2021

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