10-Minute Steamed Cauliflower (Crisp Tender)

Steamed cauliflower florets tossed with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and fresh thyme in a brown speckled bowl on a concrete background.

5 from 1 vote

10-Minute Steamed Cauliflower (Crisp Tender)

With the proper time, technique, and, of course, seasonings, steaming cauliflower makes for a super-duper super simple side dish. It's also perfect for transforming cauliflower florets into an array of flavorful soups, mashes, and dips!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Amercian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 93kcal

Author Danielle Esposti

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower divided into florets (about 6 cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
water
2 tablespoon melted butter or extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice half a lemon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon ground pepper to taste
fresh thyme to taste, optional

Instructions

Stovetop

Fill a pot large enough to accommodate a steamer basket with 1.5-2” water. Position the steamer basket in the pot, then bring the water to a simmer over high heat.
Place the florets into the steamer basket, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Reduce the heat to medium low to maintain a steady simmer, then cover.
Steam 5-6 minutes for crisp tender florets or 8-9 minutes for soft, mashable florets.
Remove the steamer basket from the pot. Serve crisp tender florets immediately. Transfer to a bowl and toss with the melted butter or olive oil, lemon juice, remaining salt, Italian seasoning, ground pepper, and fresh thyme. Serve right away.

Microwave

Place the florets into a microwave safe bowl, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Add ¼ cup water, then cover the bowl with a plate.
Microwave 5 minutes for crisp tender or 6 minutes for soft, mashable florets.
Strain the cauliflower from the steaming water. Serve crisp tender florets immediately. Transfer to a bowl and toss with the melted butter or olive oil, lemon juice, remaining salt, Italian seasoning, ground pepper, and fresh thyme. Serve right away.

Instant Pot

Pour ½ cup water into the inner pot. Position a trivet or all metal steamer basket in the pot. Place the florets into the steamer basket, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
Secure the lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to Sealing. Program to HIGH pressure 3 minutes for crisp tender florets, or HIGH pressure 4 minutes for soft, mashable florets. It will take approximately 10 minutes for the pot to come to pressure.
Once the timer goes off, press the Cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot. Then perform a manual pressure release by turning the venting knob from Sealing to Venting. Once the float valve has dropped, open the lid away from your body to allow the steam to escape. Carefully remove the steamer basket with oven mitts, or remove the florets with a slotted spoon.
Serve crisp tender florets immediately. Transfer to a bowl and toss with the melted butter or olive oil, lemon juice, remaining salt, Italian seasoning, ground pepper, and fresh thyme. Serve right away.

Notes

Seasoning Variations

Mediterranean: Toss with 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, the zest and juice of one lemon, 1 teaspoon italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (basil, thyme, parsley), and finely grated parmesan cheese to taste.
Italian: tossed with toasted bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. See our recipe for Italian green beans, and simply substitute steamed cauliflower for the green beans.

Using Steamed Cauliflower

Nutrition