As someone who has little time on her hands, cooking fresh and healthy meals every day is not an option. Working a 12-hour shift and then standing in the kitchen every day, creating healthy food is not a combination I thought I could ever balance. Well, at least not until I discovered the secret of how to microwave cauliflower!
Most persons usually dismiss using a microwave when talking about cooking cauliflower. But if used correctly, a microwave is actually one of the quickest ways to prepare cauliflower.
In this article, I’ll share with you how to microwave cauliflower perfectly using a microwave.
Steaming Cauliflower in a Microwave
Using a microwave won’t be able to bring any vibrancy to your food. Additionally, this kitchen equipment cannot crisp or roast food; however, reheating, boiling, and steaming are possible.
I love how easy cooking veggies in a microwave is. You’ll need to cut up the veggies into smaller but equal-sized pieces, add some water, cover the dish, and turn it on for a few minutes.
This method works for our beloved vegetable too – the cauliflower. The end product is a delicious and perfectly cooked piece of cauliflower. In addition, it requires much less effort than doing the same on a stovetop and ends with lesser dishes to clean up.
What You’ll Need
The recipe I’ve come up with is easy, and I assure you, all of the ingredients included are already in your kitchen. That’s the beauty of cooking microwave cauliflower.
What you’ll need is:
- A Cauliflower – must be fresh if you want the tastiest product. It should be medium-sized and is recommended to be white, firm, and with no blemishes
- Olive Oil – it’ll give the best flavor, but if you have butter, that’ll work too
- Lemon Juice – use a fresh lemon, and squeeze some lemon juice out
- Black pepper – for a splash of flavor
- Kosher Salt – if you’re using fine salt, use lesser
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound Cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A quarter teaspoon of black pepper
- Half teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash your cauliflower. Make sure there is no dirt or residue on it.
- Cut the cauliflower into little florets.
- Place the pieces in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a quarter of a cup of water to the bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a plastic lid (don’t let the lid touch the cauliflower)
- Microwave it on high heat for 10 minutes, or until your cauliflower is tender-crisp.
- If you want some extra flavor on the cauliflower, add some lemon juice, black pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil.
Is Microwaving Cauliflower Safe?
Yes, it’s totally safe. It cooks the same way as it will on the stovetop. However, steaming cauliflower in a microwave might be the safest way to cook the veggie. There’s no open flame involved, nor is there a threat of spilling boiling water all over yourself.
But to ensure full safety, use oven mitts when removing the bowl from the microwave. Place it on the shelf and then carefully remove the lid. The bowl will be piping hot at that point, so avoid any contact with it. Take the broccoli out very quickly and avoid spilling the boiling water anywhere.
Why Microwave Cauliflower?
If you’re still on the fence about microwaving cauliflower, I’ll convince you to give it a proper chance. I know it sounds unappetizing, but microwaving cauliflower has many benefits, such as the following:
- It’s faster with barely 10 minutes of cook time.
- You don’t need any special equipment like a steamer basket.
- It dirties lesser dishes. You won’t have to clean any pots and pans. All you need is a bowl, a cauliflower, and a plate. That’s it.
- You can steam the cauliflower in advance and store it to eat later.
- Steamed cauliflower can be used to create other cauliflower dishes as well.
Can You Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can. If you want to take steamed cauliflower to work or just cook it to serve later, you can do that. You can later reheat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to get it warm again. You can also eat it cold, and it’ll taste nice.
Although reheating it later doesn’t make much sense as cooking it in the first place barely takes up any time. So why not microwave it and eat it fresh, right?
Ways to Eat Steamed Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of the most versatile veggies. It compliments many dishes and can be the perfect side dish for so many main courses.
You can season steamed cauliflower with olive oil, black pepper, lemon juice, and salt. You can even take it up a notch by tossing it in melted butter and covering it with garlic powder.
I recommend you to serve steamed cauliflower with the following dishes.
- Fried chicken breasts
- Grilled salmon steak
- Skin-on chicken breast
- Pork tenderloins
- Beefsteak
- Grilled mutton
A cauliflower perfectly compliments these dishes, but there are no restrictions. Have steamed cauliflower with whatever dish you prefer. It depends on your palette and preferences.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover steamed cauliflower, it can be stored in the fridge. Just put it in an airtight container, and it’ll hold well for 3-4 days. This is one of the foods that taste good both warm and cold, so if you don’t wanna reheat it, just add cold florets to your salads and you’re good to go!
Tips and Tricks
This list of tips and tricks will help you get the best result.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and a microwave-safe lid.
- To reheat steamed cauliflower, put the microwave on 50 percent power to avoid over-cooking.
- Always remember that when you’re unsure about the timings, undercook the cauliflower slightly, and then put it in for additional time to ensure the desired cook.
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-size pieces.
- Don’t let the lid touch the cauliflowers.
- Your cooking time may vary, as each microwave is different. You might need to do a little experimenting before settling on a fixed time.
Conclusion
Now that you know all this, you’re all set to steam your cauliflower. Whether you want to eat it right now, store it for later, or use it for another dish, microwaving cauliflower is the way to go. It’s less time-consuming, creates barely any mess, and is easy to execute.
Just follow the recipe mentioned above, step by step, and you’ll end up with the perfect steamed cauliflower. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also healthy. No more junk food when you can easily cook veggies in a microwave!
Hopefully, this article helped answer all your questions. And best of luck with steaming your cauliflower!
FAQ
How can I cook fresh cauliflower in the microwave?
To cook fresh cauliflower in the microwave, place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes until tender.
What is a good recipe for cooking cauliflower in the microwave?
A great recipe for cooking cauliflower in the microwave is to make steamed cauliflower. Place fresh or frozen cauliflower florets into a microwave-safe dish, add water, cover with plastic wrap and steam on high for 5-7 minutes.
Can I use frozen cauliflower to make rice in the microwave?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets to make rice in the microwave. Simply pulse them into small pieces using a food processor and then place them into a microwavable bowl covered with plastic wrap. Cook on high for 4-6 minutes until tender.
Is it safe to use plastic wrap when cooking vegetables in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to use plastic wrap when cooking vegetables like steamed or microwaved cauliflowers as long as you are using “microwave-safe” wraps that are labeled as such by their manufacturers.
What’s an easy way to cook pre-cut frozen cauliflowers without losing its nutrients?
The easiest way to cook pre-cut frozen cauliflowers without losing its nutrients is by placing them into a microwavable dish covered with plastic wrap and then microwaving on high heat for about 5-7 minutes until they’re cooked through but still firm enough not be mushy.
How can I make a delicious side dish using cauliflower recipes?
To make a delicious side dish using cauliflower recipes, you can try steaming vegetables until they are perfectly cooked. Then, add cheese sauce and parmesan cheese to the serving dish. Sprinkle garlic powder on top for added flavor.
What is the best way to cook cauliflower in the microwave?
The best way to cook cauliflower in the microwave is by cutting it into small pieces with a sharp knife and placing them in a microwave-safe dish. Add hot steam by covering the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and microwaving for 5-7 minutes until perfectly cooked.
How do I ensure my side dishes have good nutrition calories?
To ensure your side dishes have good nutrition calories, consider incorporating steamed vegetables like cauliflower into your meal plan. Use sharp knives when preparing ingredients and avoid overcooking them to preserve their nutritional value.
What type of cuisine pairs well with cheesy garlic parmesan cauliflower?
Cheesy garlic parmesan cauliflower is an excellent addition to any Italian-inspired dish cuisine as it complements pasta dishes nicely. It also makes for an excellent side dish cuisine alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
What’s an easy way to serve cheesy garlic parmesan cauliflower at dinner parties?
An easy way to serve cheesy garlic parmesan cauliflower at dinner parties is by transferring it from its cooking container onto a decorative serving dish before garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley leaves.