Instant Pot Cauliflower Recipe
Introduction
Instant Pot cauliflower is a quick and easy way to prepare tender, flavorful cauliflower florets with minimal effort. This simple recipe locks in natural flavors and creates a tasty side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. Place the trivet inside, then arrange the cauliflower florets on top of the trivet. Add the butter in the center of the cauliflower.
- Step 2: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
- Step 3: Select the manual pressure setting and set the cooking time to 0 minutes.
- Step 4: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release to release the pressure.
- Step 5: When the pressure pin drops, carefully remove the lid and take out the trivet with the cauliflower.
- Step 6: Season the cauliflower with salt to taste and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Try tossing the cooked cauliflower with garlic powder or herbs like parsley or thyme for a different taste.
- If you prefer softer cauliflower, increase the pressure cook time to 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overcook.
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen cauliflower in the Instant Pot?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be cooked in the Instant Pot. Increase the cooking time to 2 minutes at manual pressure for best results.
What does setting the Instant Pot to 0 minutes do?
Setting the Instant Pot to 0 minutes uses the time it takes to come to pressure to cook the cauliflower, resulting in a quick steam without overcooking the vegetable.
Print
Instant Pot Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Cauliflower recipe offers a quick and easy method for perfectly steamed cauliflower florets. Using the Instant Pot’s steam function with a trivet and minimal water, the cauliflower is cooked to tender perfection and enhanced with a touch of butter and salt for simple, delicious flavor. Ideal as a healthy side dish, this recipe requires minimal prep and cook time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup water
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. This water will generate the steam needed to cook the cauliflower.
- Set up the cauliflower: Place the trivet securely inside the Instant Pot over the water. Arrange the 4 cups of cauliflower florets on top of the trivet and place 1 tablespoon of butter in the center of the cauliflower.
- Secure the lid: Close the lid and turn the pressure valve to the sealing position to ensure proper pressure buildup.
- Pressure cook the cauliflower: Set the Instant Pot to manual pressure cook for 0 minutes. The 0-minute setting allows the pot to come up to pressure and steam the cauliflower without overcooking.
- Quick release pressure: Once the cooking cycle ends, perform a quick release by turning the valve to release the steam immediately. Wait until the pressure pin drops.
- Remove cooked cauliflower: Open the lid carefully, remove the trivet, and transfer the steamed cauliflower to a serving dish.
- Season and serve: Add salt to taste and serve the cauliflower immediately while warm and buttery.
Notes
- Using a 0-minute pressure cook setting in Instant Pot essentially steams the vegetable without overcooking it, preserving texture and flavor.
- You can substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.
- For additional flavor, sprinkle with freshly ground pepper, garlic powder, or herbs after cooking.
- Be cautious when performing the quick release as hot steam will escape from the valve.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled depending on your Instant Pot size, but avoid exceeding the max fill line.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot, cauliflower, steamed cauliflower, easy side dish, vegetable, healthy, quick recipe
