How to Steam a Whole Head of Cauliflower in the Instant Pot

4.32 from 19 votes

How to Steam a Whole Head of Cauliflower in the Instant Pot

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 to steam it in the Instant Pot / pressure cooker.

Prep Time5

Cook Time1

Total Time6

Course: Side Dish

Keyword: cauliflower recipe, easy side dish, instant pot, steamed vegetable, vegetarian

Servings:

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $2.75

Equipment

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
Pressure Cooker Trivet

Ingredients

1 head Cauliflower (16 to 22 oz)
2 cups Water

Instructions

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.)
Pour 2 cups water in the bowl of the Instant Pot.
Place head of cauliflower on the trivet that came with the Instant Pot (or a steamer basket) stem-side down. Lower it into the Instant Pot. Close and lock the lid.
Use the “Steam” button on the Instant Pot set for 1 minute to cook the cauliflower.
When done, immediately quick release the pressure.
Remove the head of cauliflower and let it cool slightly.
Serve the cauliflower however you’d like. Keep it whole, slice into “steaks” or remove the florets. If you want to use the florets individually, you can just use your hands or a small knife to remove them, leaving the core in place.

Nutrition