Steamed cauliflower – a simple yet versatile vegetable that can be elevated to new heights with just a few clever additions. From savory and comforting to bright and zesty, we’ve got 20 mouth-watering recipes to inspire your next meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish, these flavorful steamed cauliflower ideas are sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of steamed cauliflower, from classic pairings with garlic and butter to more adventurous combinations featuring sriracha, tahini, and even miso glaze. With a few clever tricks and techniques up your sleeve, you can take your steamed cauliflower game to the next level and experience the delightful diversity this humble vegetable has to offer.
Stay tuned for our 20 favorite recipes, each one showcasing the incredible versatility of steamed cauliflower!
Garlic Butter Steamed Cauliflower
Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that brings out the best in cauliflower. This Garlic Butter Steamed Cauliflower is a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and place a steamer basket over the boiling water.
3. Add cauliflower florets to the steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
5. Remove cauliflower from heat and toss with garlic butter mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Herb Steamed Cauliflower
This simple yet flavorful recipe brings out the natural sweetness of cauliflower while adding a burst of citrusy freshness. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, this Lemon Herb Steamed Cauliflower is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket, and place the basket over the boiling water.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender but still crisp.
4. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
5. Remove the cauliflower from the heat and toss with the lemon herb mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Steamed Cauliflower
Spicy Sriracha Steamed Cauliflower: A flavorful twist on a classic veggie dish!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket or a metal colander that fits over a pot.
2. In a bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, sriracha sauce, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Steam the cauliflower for 8-10 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Tips:
– Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less sriracha sauce.
– For an extra kick, add some chopped green onions on top before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cheesy Steamed Cauliflower with Cheddar
A creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe elevates the humble cauliflower to a new level of flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp work well)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the steam basket of your steamer or a large pot with a steaming insert. Add 2 inches of water to the bottom.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place cauliflower florets in the steamer or insert. Pour the cheesy sauce over the top, making sure they’re evenly coated.
6. Steam for 10-12 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender but still crisp.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Tahini Drizzle
A simple yet flavorful side dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a healthy snack. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the creamy richness of tahini.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or sumac for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower and remove any leaves or stem.
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place them in a steamer basket.
3. Steam the cauliflower over boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the tahini mixture over the cooked cauliflower and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Parmesan and Black Pepper Steamed Cauliflower
Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet flavorful recipe. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a healthy addition to your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and place a steamer basket over the boiling water.
3. Add cauliflower florets to the steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
5. Remove cauliflower from heat and drizzle with the Parmesan mixture. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Garlic and Olive Oil
A simple and flavorful side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of cauliflower. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a healthy addition to your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with about an inch of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and place a steamer basket over the boiling water.
3. Add the cauliflower florets to the steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
4. While the cauliflower is cooking, mix minced garlic with olive oil in a small bowl.
5. Once the cauliflower is done, remove from heat and drizzle with the garlic-olive oil mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Curry-Spiced Steamed Cauliflower
Elevate your steaming game with this simple and aromatic recipe that combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the warm, inviting flavors of curry. Perfect as a side dish or added to salads and wraps for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon of curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower florets and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large saucepan, combine butter, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Place over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is fragrant.
3. Add the garlic (if using) and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the cauliflower florets to the saucepan in a single layer.
5. Cover the saucepan with a lid and steam the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Lemon Zest and Parsley
Brighten up your plate with this simple yet flavorful steamed cauliflower recipe, infused with the zest of lemon and freshness of parsley.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. In a large steamer basket, place the cauliflower florets in a single layer.
3. Steam the cauliflower over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. While the cauliflower is steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
5. Add the lemon juice and zest to the melted butter, stirring to combine.
6. Remove the steamed cauliflower from the heat and toss with the lemon butter mixture, chopped parsley, and salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Smoked Paprika
Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the subtle sweetness of cauliflower with the smoky depth of smoked paprika.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket that fits over the boiling water.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower and sprinkle with smoked paprika.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender but still crisp.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Miso Glaze
This recipe transforms cauliflower into a sweet and savory side dish perfect for any meal. The combination of steaming and miso glaze creates a tender, caramelized delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon water
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place in a steamer basket.
3. Steam the cauliflower for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
4. In a small saucepan, whisk together miso paste, honey, soy sauce, and water.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Remove the glaze from heat and season with salt to taste.
7. Toss the steamed cauliflower with the warm miso glaze and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Toasted Almonds
This recipe brings together the simplicity of steaming cauliflower and the crunch of toasted almonds, creating a delicious and healthy side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a large pot with a steamer basket.
2. Place the cauliflower florets in the steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
3. While the cauliflower is steaming, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the cauliflower.
5. Serve the steamed cauliflower topped with toasted almonds.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Chili Lime Dressing
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with a bold and tangy dressing, perfect as a side dish or added to salads. The chili lime flavor adds a delightful kick without overpowering the delicate taste of the cauliflower.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower head and remove any leaves or stems.
2. Steam the cauliflower for 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lime juice, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Toss the steamed cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the chili lime dressing over the cauliflower and toss to coat.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Herb Yogurt Sauce
This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of cauliflower and the tanginess of yogurt, all infused with fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower and remove any leaves or stems. Cut it into florets.
2. Steam the cauliflower in a steamer basket over boiling water until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve the steamed cauliflower with the herb yogurt sauce spooned over the top. Offer lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Turmeric and Ginger
A flavorful and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the warm, spicy flavors of turmeric and ginger.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the cauliflower florets, grated ginger, and turmeric. Reduce heat to low, cover, and steam for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Balsamic Reduction
Elevate your meal with this easy-to-make side dish that combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the tanginess of balsamic glaze. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a large skillet or pot with a steamer basket.
2. Add cauliflower florets, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
3. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Remove steamed cauliflower from heat and drizzle with the balsamic reduction.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Sesame Seeds and Soy
This simple yet flavorful recipe brings out the best of cauliflower, combining its natural sweetness with nutty sesame seeds and savory soy sauce. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of water
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower and remove any leaves or stems.
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place them in a steamer basket.
3. Steam the cauliflower over boiling water for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together sesame seeds and soy sauce.
5. Remove the cauliflower from the heat and toss with the sesame-soy mixture.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Pesto Drizzle
A flavorful and healthy side dish that combines the simplicity of steaming cauliflower with the richness of a pesto drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3 tablespoons pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower florets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large pot, bring about 2 inches of water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
3. Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over the boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Remove the cauliflower from the pot and transfer it to a serving dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon pesto over the cauliflower, followed by Parmesan cheese if using.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Roasted Garlic Mash
A delicious and healthy side dish that combines the tender sweetness of steamed cauliflower with the rich, buttery flavor of roasted garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2-3 cloves of garlic
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place them in a steamer basket.
4. Steam the cauliflower for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, toss the garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
6. Roast the garlic in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until soft and mashed.
7. In a bowl, combine the roasted garlic with softened butter and mash together until smooth.
8. Serve the steamed cauliflower with the roasted garlic mash.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Steamed Cauliflower with Honey Mustard Glaze
This sweet and tangy glaze elevates the humble cauliflower to a whole new level, perfect as a side dish or snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously flavorful and healthy treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and place a steamer basket over the water.
3. Add cauliflower florets to the basket, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, and vinegar.
5. Remove cauliflower from heat and toss with glaze until well coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Discover a world of flavor with these 20 mouth-watering steamed cauliflower recipes! From classic garlic butter to spicy sriracha and cheesy cheddar, there’s something for every taste bud. Elevate your meals with a drizzle of tahini or parmesan, add some zest with lemon and parsley, or try unique combinations like curry-spiced or miso-glazed. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a tasty main course, these recipes are sure to impress.
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