How to Steam a Whole Head of Cauliflower
A whole head of steamed cauliflower is great for serving whole, slicing into cauliflower steaks, or chopping and using in other recipes. It’s easy and just takes a few minutes on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Keyword: cauliflower recipe, easy side dish, instant pot, steamed vegetable, vegetarian
Servings: 4
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $4.75
- 1 head Cauliflower (1.5-2 pounds total)
- Water
Rinse the cauliflower and peel off the outer leaves from the head of cauliflower. (Note: This is optional. If you want to leave a few or all of the leaves intact, you can, just make sure to peel them back and rinse well since dirt can hide behind the leaves.)
For the stovetop:
Place a steamer basket in a large pot (use one that has a lid). Fill the pot with water until it reaches just below the bottom of the steamer. Put the pot on the stove and bring it to a simmer with a few bubbles constantly rising from the bottom.
Put the head of cauliflower, stem-side down in the steamer basket and cover with the lid. Steam for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, start checking the cauliflower for doneness every 3 minutes. Remove it from the pot as soon as it is tender (easily pierced with a knife).
Let the cauliflower cool slightly and then season it with salt and pepper and serve it however you'd like.
For the Instant Pot:
Put the trivet that came with Instant Pot inside the machine. Add water to the pot until it reaches just below the base of the trivet.
Put the head of cauliflower, stem-side down on the trivet and close and lock the lid. Use the “Steam” button on the Instant Pot set for 1 minute.
When done, immediately quick release the pressure. (Be careful as steam and possibly hot water will come out of the pressure spout.)
Let the cauliflower cool slightly and then season it with salt and pepper and serve it however you'd like.
Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 49mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg