How To Steam Cauliflower (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Steam Cauliflower PDF download Download Article Co-authored by JoAnna Minneci

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved

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  • Preparing the Cauliflower
    • |
  • Steaming Cauliflower on the Stove
    • |
  • Steaming Cauliflower in the Microwave
    • |
  • Ingredients
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
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  • Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by JoAnna Minneci. JoAnna Minneci is a retired Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specialized in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 372,346 times.

When prepared properly, cauliflower is a highly nutritious, tender vegetable. There are many different ways to cook it, but steaming is among the preferred methods since it tends to preserve the most flavor, aesthetics, texture and nutrition. You can steam fresh cauliflower florets on the stove or in the microwave. Here's how to do it either way.

Ingredients

Makes about 4 servings

  • 1 fresh head of cauliflower, about 1 to 1.5 lb (450 to 675 g)
  • Water
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • Butter, to taste

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Cauliflower

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  1. Step 1 Choose a fresh cauliflower. 1 Choose a fresh cauliflower. A fresh cauliflower will be pure white and will be wrapped in crisp, bright green leaves.[1]
    • In particular, pay close attention to the base of the cauliflower. Regardless of how dirty or dingy the top looks, the base should be as white as possible. The color of the base is the best indication of how fresh the vegetable is.
    • The floret tops along the outside of the head should be fairly compact. If they are loose, or if there are wide gaps between the tops, this could be an indication that the cauliflower has already started to go bad. A less fresh cauliflower will be great for making cauliflower soup.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 2 Cut off the leaves. Use a sharp knife to cut off the green leaves surrounding the head of cauliflower. Cut the leaves off as close to the base of the stem as possible.
    • Note that the leaves can be cooked, too, as long as they are fresh. They are especially useful for vegetable stock, but they could be cooked down and used in stews, roasted, or eaten raw in salads.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 3 Trim down the central stem. To make removing florets easier, cut off the large stem just before the point at which it divides into individual florets.
    • The stem could also be saved and used for vegetable stock.
    • Technically, this step is only optional. You can remove individual florets from the cauliflower without first removing the excess stem, but doing so will be more difficult.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 4 Cut individual florets from the central stem. Turn the head upside down so that the cut stem end faces up. Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut off each individual branch or floret.
    • Slice the floret off at the point where the floret stem meets the central stem. Cut each floret from the central stem at a 45-degree angle.
    • Take the time to trim away any discolored parts of the cauliflower. Brown or otherwise off-color cauliflower parts will not taste as good and also lack many of the nutrients found in fresh cauliflower.
    • Small baby cauliflowers can be cooked whole––you do not need to cut them into individual florets.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 5 Trim large florets into smaller pieces. You can use large florets as they are now, but if they are still quite large, they might take longer to cook. Use your knife to trim the florets down into smaller pieces. Make sure that all florets used for steaming are about the same size as each other, to ensure even cooking.
    • Cooking cauliflower for a shorter amount of time means preserving more of its nutrients. This is why it is a good idea to make smaller florets.
  6. Step 6 Wash the cauliflower florets. 6 Wash the cauliflower florets. Place the cauliflower florets in a colander and rinse them under cool, running water. Pat dry with clean paper towels when done.
    • Dirt and debris can get caught in between the floret clusters and stems. If you spot any dirt, gently scrub it away with your fingers. Your fingers are usually sufficient; a vegetable brush would likely be too rough.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Steaming Cauliflower on the Stove

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 1 Bring a large stockpot of water to boil. Fill the stockpot with roughly 2 inches (5 cm) of water and boil it on the stove over high heat.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 2 Place a steamer basket in the stockpot. Make sure that the steamer basket does not dip into the boiling water.
    • If you do not have an actual steamer basket, you could use a metal or wire mesh colander instead. Just make sure that the colander fits over the mouth of the stockpot without tipping into it and that you have a wide enough lid to go over the florets (a stockpot, wok or skillet pan lid will often work well).
    • You can purchase a steamer saucepan with a pre-fitted steamer pan that fits snugly into the base saucepan and comes with a lid of the correct size.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 3 Add the cauliflower florets to the steamer basket or pan. Carefully dump the florets into the steamer basket or pan, spreading them out into an even layer.
    • Arrange the florets upright, with the clustered tops facing up and the stems facing down.
    • If possible, arrange the florets in a single layer. If this is not possible, at least make sure the florets are distributed across the basket or pan as evenly as possible.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 4 Cook for 5 to 13 minutes with the lid on. Cover the stockpot and let the gathering steam cook the cauliflower. For standard-size florets, check the cauliflower after the first 5 minutes. If they still seem too tough, cover the pot again and continue cooking. Usually, it will take 7 to 10 minutes for the cauliflower to cook through. When done, the florets should be tender enough to pierce with a fork but should not be mushy.
    • The stockpot and steamer basket or steamer pan must be covered. Placing the lid on is essential because it traps the steam inside, and the steam cooks the cauliflower florets.
    • Large florets can take up to 13 minutes.
    • If you decide to steam the entire head of cauliflower at once, it could take 20 minutes or longer to do so.
  5. Step 5 Serve warm. 5 Serve warm. Remove the cooked cauliflower florets from the steamer basket and place them immediately, either on single plates or in a serving dish. Season with salt, pepper, and butter, as desired.
    • There are other ways you can serve steamed cauliflower. You could drizzle soy sauce over the florets, sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese, or season with spices and herbs like paprika, lemon pepper, or parsley. How you enjoy this healthy treat is up to you, so get creative.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Steaming Cauliflower in the Microwave

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 1 Place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe dish. Spread the florets out as evenly as possible in a single layer.
    • If possible, arrange the florets in a single layer. If this is not possible, at least make sure the florets are distributed as evenly as possible.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 2 Add a little water. For a standard head of cauliflower broken down into florets, add about 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) of water.
    • Make sure there is only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water in the bottom of the dish. You want enough water to create steam, but not so much water that you end up boiling the cauliflower florets.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Steam Cauliflower 3 Cover the dish. Covering the dish traps steam, which cooks the cauliflower florets. If the dish you use has a microwave-safe lid, cover it with that. Otherwise, cover the dish with a layer of microwavable plastic wrap.
    • If you'd rather not use plastic, you can cover the bowl with a microwavable ceramic or stoneware plate. Make sure that the plate covers the mouth of the dish completely.[2]
  4. Step 4 Microwave the florets for 3 to 4 minutes on high power. 4 Microwave the florets for 3 to 4 minutes on high power. When done, the florets should be tender enough to pierce with a fork but not mushy.
    • Check the cauliflower florets after the first 2 1/2 minutes. Remove the dish and check with a fork. If not cooked, re-cover the dish and continue cooking for up to an additional 1 1/2 minutes.
    • Take care when removing the lid. Open the lid away from your face so the steam does not burn you as it escapes.
  5. Step 5 Serve warm. 5 Serve warm. Remove the cooked cauliflower florets from the microwavable dish and transfer them to individual plates or a serving dish. Season the florets with salt, pepper, and melted butter, as desired.
    • There are other ways you can serve steamed cauliflower. You could drizzle soy sauce over the florets, sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese, or season with spices and herbs like paprika, lemon pepper, or parsley. How you enjoy this healthy treat is up to you, so get creative.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question Can cauliflower be cooked without the lid on the bowl while in the microwave? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, the heat is still in there to cook the cauliflower. The only difference is the lid, that circulates the heat. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
  • Question Can I add the stem to my soup? HumanBeing HumanBeing Top Answerer Great idea! If you are going to liquidize your soup, stalks add great flavor. You can also finely dice or slice cauliflower stems to add to soup. Just make sure it's cooked to tender when you are ready to eat the soup. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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Video

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Tips

  • Use fresh cauliflower within five to seven days. Keep it wrapped and in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

To Prepare Fresh Cauliflower

  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander
  • Sink
  • Paper towels

Steaming Cauliflower on the Stove

  • Stove
  • Large stockpot with lid
  • Steamer basket or wire colander
  • Fork
  • Serving spoon
  • Serving dish

Steaming Cauliflower in the Microwave

  • Microwave
  • Microwave-safe dish
  • Plastic wrap, lid, or microwave-safe plate
  • Fork
  • Serving spoon
  • Serving dish

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References

  1. ↑ http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/cauliflower
  2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-steam-broccoli-in-the-m-47176

About This Article

JoAnna Minneci Co-authored by: JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef This article was co-authored by JoAnna Minneci. JoAnna Minneci is a retired Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specialized in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control. This article has been viewed 372,346 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 372,346 Categories: Featured Articles | Steaming Food Article SummaryX

To steam cauliflower, start by cutting off the leaves and stem and separating the individual florets. Then, bring a large pot with 2 inches of water in it to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, rest a steamer basket in the pot so that the bottom isn't touching the water. Next, add the cauliflower florets to the basket and let them cook, covered, for 5-13 minutes. Once the florets are tender but not mushy, they're finished. To learn how to steam cauliflower in a microwave, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. JoAnna Minneci Co-authored by: JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef Co-authors: 9 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 372,346 100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Charles Baker

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"The pictures with a detailed explanation is excellent. Your format and method of delivering is outstanding. For..." more Gloria Harrison

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"The info about what to season cauliflower with. Also how to cook fresh cauliflower without a steamer basket. The..." more Kawshiki Nasser

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