The leftovers keep well in the fridge for several days, so sometimes I double the recipe to ensure I have extra. A microwave is a wonderful tool. Granted, it can’t roast and crisp up food. But when it comes to reheating, boiling, and steaming, it’s so convenient.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty side dish. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need: The result is perfectly cooked, tender-crisp cauliflower, with much less effort and dishes to clean than boiling or steaming.
Fresh cauliflower: You’ll need one medium head. Look for a white, firm, and blemish-free cauliflower. Olive oil: Melted butter is also very good. Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed tastes best. Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use by half, or the dish could become too salty.
Variations
Microwave Cauliflower Instructions
The detailed instructions for making this recipe are listed in the recipe card below. Here’s an overview of the steps: A nice variation is to top it with melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder in addition to salt and pepper.
Your first step is to wash and trim the cauliflower. Then cut it into florets. Aim for large bite-size pieces. Not too big, not too small. Place the florets in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup of cold water. (Photo 1). Cover the bowl tightly. You can use plastic wrap (as long as it doesn’t touch the florets) or a microwave-safe plate. (Photo 2). Microwave on high until the cauliflower is tender-crisp. Start checking it after 5 minutes and add more microwave time if needed. (Photo 3). Use oven mitts when removing the bowl from the microwave. Place it on a trivet, and be careful when removing the plate or cling wrap. The bowl will be hot, and steam will escape. (Photo 4). Season and serve. (Photos 5,6).
Expert Tip
Serving Suggestions
Storing Leftovers
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. They are delicious when eaten cold - try adding the florets to a salad. Or gently reheat them in the microwave at 50% power. How long you’ll need to microwave the cauliflower depends on the size of the florets and how powerful your microwave is. I often serve it with one of the following main courses:
Skin-on chicken breast Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin Spicy shrimp Sole Meuniere Keto tuna casserole Pork shoulder steak Lamb shoulder chops
More Cauliflower Recipes
Recipe Card
