Perfect, tasty, and tender microwave cauliflower is the best way to steam your fresh cauliflower any night of the week! This no-fuss method takes just minutes to serve up delightfully tender-crisp cauliflower as a side to any family meal!

Wonderfully tender-crisp cauliflower is easy to make in your microwave!
I love cauliflower! It can be served after being steamed with this simple microwave method and it's just as tasty as can be!
Since cauliflower is a super versatile veggie, it's a great side dish to serve with practically any main dish or protein. Pair that versatility with this great no-fail steamed cauliflower and you can serve a satisfying family dinner in a flash!
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🥘 Ingredients
Grab a head of fresh cauliflower and a microwave-safe bowl to get this easy side dish cooking! You don't need much for this perfectly simple side!
- 1 large head of Cauliflower (washed and trimmed, about 1 pound of cauliflower after trimming)
- 3 tablespoon Water
- 1 tablespoon Butter (optional)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
- Wash and trim the cauliflower then cut into florets.
- Place the chopped cauliflower florets into a microwave-safe dish and add the water. Cover with a fitted lid, a plate that will seal the dish, or cling film (that does not touch the cauliflower).
- Cook on high for 8-10 minutes and check your cauliflower florets. Use a fork to see how tender the cauliflower is. Heat in additional 1 minute increments until the cauliflower is your desired level of tenderness. Be very careful of steam when removing the cauliflower from the microwave, or opening your dish!
- Let the steamed cauliflower sit for about one minute before draining off any excess water.
- Toss with butter, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes
- Your steamed cauliflower can also be tossed with olive oil, or a bit of olive oil and some lemon juice. My favorite combo is butter and a sprinkle of garlic salt.
- It's much easier to add cooking time than to fix over-cooked cauliflower. Start with less time and test your cauliflower as cooking times can vary between microwaves.
🥦 More Easy Vegetable Dishes
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📋 Recipe
Microwave Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower (washed and trimmed, about 1 pound of cauliflower after trimming)
- 3 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- each, salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Wash and trim the cauliflower then cut into florets.1 large cauliflower
- Place the chopped cauliflower florets into a microwave-safe dish and add the water. Cover with a fitted lid, a plate that will seal the dish, or cling film (that does not touch the cauliflower).3 tablespoon water
- Cook on high for 8-10 minutes and check your cauliflower florets. Use a fork to see how tender the cauliflower is. Heat in additional 1 minute increments until the cauliflower is your desired level of tenderness. Be very careful of steam when removing the cauliflower from the microwave, or opening your dish!
- Let the steamed cauliflower sit for about one minute before draining off any excess water. Toss with butter, season with salt and pepper, and serve.1 tablespoon butter, each, salt & pepper
Notes
- Your steamed cauliflower can also be tossed with olive oil, or a bit of olive oil and some lemon juice. My favorite combo is butter and a sprinkle of garlic salt.
- It's much easier to add cooking time than to fix over-cooked cauliflower. Start with less time and test your cauliflower as cooking times can vary between microwaves.
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
Dennis Dean says
I am eating alone ,so I only steam microwaved 1/4 of the cauliflower,and shortened the cooking time,is was perfect,just a bit of crispness and the butter,garlic ,and a touch of Spanish paprika for color.
I have used nutmeg on broccoli and cauliflower and find it to match well,you should try it. I imagine it would be good on brussel sprouts as well.