Meatless Monday Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Cauliflower
If you are a regular on Recipe This then you will know that each Monday in 2018 we are dedicating it to meatless Monday and the idea that Mondays are just about vegetables.
We are working our way through all of our favourite fruits, vegetables and pulses every fortnight on a Monday to show you how easy they are to cook in the Instant Pot. You no longer have the excuse that it takes too long to cook and that it is easier to phone for a takeaway.
We have already featured the following this year:
And today is the turn of Instant Pot Cauliflower!
Cauliflower in the Instant Pot is just like steaming it and steams it in just 2 minutes. Then you can use it as you want it.
Plus given the fact that 2018 on RecipeThis.com is all about saving money, its fantastic when I think 1 fresh cauliflower costs us just 60 cents.
How To Steam A Whole Head Of Cauliflower In The Instant Pot
Published: · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · · This post may contain affiliate links.
A whole head of steamed cauliflower is great for slicing into cauliflower steaks, chopping into florets, or drizzling with sauce for a beautiful vegetarian dish. Its easy and just takes a few minutes to steam it in the Instant Pot / pressure cooker.
Cauliflower is really having its 15 minutes of fame. Cauliflower rice, cauliflower gnocchithis vegetable is being transformed into all sorts of things. Frank and I were served a whole head of cauliflower in a rich butter sauce two years ago in Paris that inspired this Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Butter Caper Sauce.
How To Cook Cauliflower In The Instant Pot
1. Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into large florets, keeping them about the same size so they cook evenly. Try to leave the floret head intact so it does not crumble.
2. Add ingredients to Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the stainless steel insert of the Instant Pot before placing the steamer basket inside. Then, carefully arrange the cauliflower florets on the steamer basket.
3. Pressure cook: Cook on High Pressure for 0 minutes.
4. Quick-release Steam: Once the pressure cooker reaches pressure, carefully quick release the pressure. Pro-Tip: It’s extremely important to release pressure immediately , otherwise you’ll end up with mushy cauliflower.
5. Remove cauliflower: Once the cauliflower has cooled down and the steamer basket is safe to handle, remove it from the Instant Pot.
6. Season : In a separate bowl, drizzle cooked cauliflower florets with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
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Pro Tips To Get Perfectly Cooked Cauliflower
I have heard lots of comments that vegetables can get mushed in the instant pot. So here are some tips to get perfectly cooked cauliflower:
Cut the cauliflower florets in almost equal size so they all cook consistently.
Pressure cook for zero minutes at high pressure. For an even crunchier cauliflower, try zero minutes at low pressure.
Dont forget to quick release, else the cauliflower will get overcooked.
Place the steamer basket with the cooked cauliflower under cold water or in an ice bath to stop additional cooking.
Season well, and Enjoy!
I would love to hear how you like this steamed cauliflower. And if you love vegetables, dont forget to check out my Instant Pot Basics Series for Steamed Carrots, Baby Potatoes, Pumpkin Puree and more!
How Do You Steam In Instant Pot
Then to actually steam you would: Place the cup of water in the bottom of your Instant Pot inner pot. Place your steamer basket into the Instant Pot. Add the ingredients you wish to steam into the basket. Place the lid on your Instant Pot and set to sealing. Click on the steam button and cook for your planned time.
Also Check: Can You Put Foil In An Instant Pot
Learning To Use An Instant Pot
I started my Instant Pot journey by texting my friend Ann the Instant Pot expert.
Ann tests Instant Pot recipes for work she knows her stuff!
She walked me through each step, and in just a few minutes, I was digging into a delicious spoonful of mashed cauliflower.
Did you just buy your Instant Pot? Check out this Instant Pot Beginners Guidefrom Kristines Kitchen
Steam Cauliflower In Instant Pot
Add around one cup of water to the inner pot and place the steamer.
Add the cauliflower florets to the steamer basket. Close the lid and turn the venting knob to the sealing position.
Turn on the instantpot to steam mode and set the time for 1 minute and do a QR. You can do a natural release after 5 minutes if you want little mushy cauliflower in the instantpot.
If you want crunchy stir fry kind of cauliflower do it in steam mode for 1 minute and do a QR immediately after the steam completes.
After doing QR takes off the cauliflower instantpot immediately and leave it on for few minutes before you make any cauliflower curry or cauliflower instantpot recipes.
You can even wash the cauliflower florets in running water after taking them out from the pressure cooker to stop the further cooking process.
Today I did this recipe for my toddler so I did 1 minute and QR after 5 minutes to get a little mushy and I chopped the cauliflower into small pieces and seasoned it in my cast iron with some salt, turmeric, and black pepper powder.
PRO Tip: Do you know adding turmeric powder and black pepper powder will boost kids immunity and is one of the best ways to introduce spices to toddlers.
Enjoy your instant pot steamed cauliflower with your family and friends.
Some FAQs
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How To Steam Cauliflower
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Cauliflower has really stepped into its own as a front and center vegetable!
Loaded with fiber and antioxidants, cauliflower is a family favorite veggie around here! This steamed cauliflower recipe is made on the stove in only a few minutes!
Alon Shaya’s Whole Roasted Cauliflower And Whipped Goat Cheese
Not to mention you don’t have to deal with the mess that comes with floreting the beast, i.e. spraying it all over your kitchen counter . It goes without saying, but: Cooked cauliflower cuts significantly neater than raw.
There are a few routes you could go here. You could steam it or boil it or bake it.
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What To Serve With This Recipe
Rice: Brown or white rice soaks up this sauce nicely. Consider using pre-cooked frozen rice to make this dinner really easy
Naan or Pita bread: Fluffy, warm bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce. If you’re feeling ambitious, make homemade yogurt flatbread.
Pasta: Serve the cauliflower and sauce on a bed of orzo, egg noodles or fettuccine. Add a can of briefly sauteed chickpeas and wilted baby spinach to make the pasta even yummier.
Chicken Thighs: Grilled or roasted, chicken thighs are so good with this meal .
Cut The Cauliflower Into Florets
*See below if you want to steam the whole head
Thats it really!
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Can You Steam Vegetables In An Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot and arrange a steamer basket on the bottom. Place the vegetables in the steamer basket, making sure the vegetables arent touching the water. Secure the lid and move the steam release valve to Sealing. Select Manual/Pressure Cook to cook on high pressure for 0 minutes.
Do You Need A Steamer Basket For Instant Pot
Can I use any steamer basket in instant pot? You can make Instant Pot broccoli with or without a steamer basket, and any steamer basket that is all metal or silicone will work in a pressure cooker. Check the label on any product to ensure it is compatible.
Also Check: Proofing Bread In Instant Pot Without Yogurt Button
How Do You Make Cauliflower Rice
You can either make cauliflower rice in food processor, box grater or in instant pot. Cut open a cauliflower head and cut small florets. Process in a food processor for 1 minute or more till the mixture looks like rice grains. Squeeze out excess moisture and use the riced cauliflower as it is, cook or steam or use it in different recipes.
Chop The Cauliflower Into Florets
Use a large chefs knife to cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Here we used 1 small head of cauliflower, which is enough for 4 servings. Feel free double if youd like: its still the same cook time!
Wondering the best way to cut cauliflower? Alex and I use a genius method that doesnt end up with crumbles all over the counter! Go to How to Cut Cauliflower or see the video below.
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Can You Freeze Cooked Cauliflower
You can freeze this cauliflower after it is cooked. It will last for up to 3 months in a freezer bag or container with a lid.
Let the florets cool completely then put them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Try not to let any of the pieces touch. After an hour, you can put them in a freezer safe container. This will keep the pieces from sticking together in the freezer.
To reheat the cauliflower from frozen, put the florets on a prepared baking sheet and cook at 350°F. To keep them from drying out, cover the sheet with foil for a few minutes.
Or, you can let them thaw in the fridge during the day, then reheat in the microwave just before serving.
Whole Cauliflower Instant Pot
- Total354
Whole Cauliflower Instant Pot is real and it would take only 5 mins! Smother the Cauliflower head with our secret marinade and roast it whole for a delicious side dish. Instant Pot Whole roasted cauliflower will give you tender juicy cauliflower florets with an amazing savory flavor. This recipe is absolutely beginner friendly.
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To Steam In A Microwave
No steam basket or colander? No problem! Easily steam cauliflower by placing it in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap, or a silicone cover.
- Add enough water to cover the bottom.
- Microwave on high for 10 minutes, checking every 4 minutes for doneness.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and uncover it. Be careful of steam escaping.
Store steamed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep about 4 days.
How To Cook Cauliflower In Instant Pot
Now on to how to steam cauliflower in the instant pot. Just like broccoli in the Instant Pot, cauliflower cooks perfectly in zero minutes.
If you are new to the instant pot, check out this quick setup guide.
The best way to steam cauliflower in the Pressure Cooker is by using a Steamer Basket. I just found a steamer basket in my kitchen which fit perfectly in the instant pot, so I did not purchase one. However if you are looking to purchase a steamer rack, here is a recommended one on .
Add a cup of water to the instant pot insert and place the steamer basket with the cauliflower florets in the insert.
Pressure cook for 0 minutes at high pressure. Yes, zero minutes is a thing with the instant pot ? The cauliflower is cooking in the time the pressure cooker takes to come to pressure and then we will release the pressure manually , so it does not get overcooked. Basically the time to cook cauliflower is the time it takes to come to pressure, which is less than 10 minutes.
Remove the steamer basket carefully as it is hot. You can place this basket under cold water for 2-3 minute to stop the cooking , give a ice bath or just eat the cauliflower right away.
Season with salt, pepper and enjoy.
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Whole Head Steamed Cauliflower
If desired, spritz with olive oil, salt, and pepper and place it under the broiler for 30 seconds to a minute to give it that charred taste and texture.
- Category:healthy, instant pot, keto friendly, vegetarian
- Cuisine:healthy, keto friendly, vegetarian
Grab your favorite pressure cooker and whip up healthy and delicious steamed cauliflower in just one minute under pressure! Enjoy this low carb healthy vegetable made in no time!
- 1 whole head of cauliflower, leaves removed and cut into florets
- 1 cup of water
Instant Pot Steamed Cauliflower
We love steamed cauliflower, it’s our 2nd favorite way to enjoy it in this house. The first way is oven roasting with chicken broth .
But this steamed cauliflower recipe is sooooo much faster than all of that! And it keeps the oven free for the main dish while it steams in the Instant Pot on the counter. Win-Win.
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A Perfect Fast And Healthy Side To Any Meal
So if youre looking for a healthy side for your entrée, then look no further than steamed cauliflower. In my opinion, it tastes delicious by itself, but you may want to add salt, pepper, garlic, butter, or whatever suits your fancy! Either way, its a perfect addition to any meal!
Most of the time we eat our cauliflower plain. Once in a while though, when we want to indulge, we make this amazing loaded mashed cauliflower. Its definitely a treat!
Cauliflower is a common side dish at our house, and now that we make it in the Instant Pot, its so much easier and faster to get it on the table.
Kitchen Prep Tools, Utensils & Appliances
Here is a list of the kitchen prep tools, utensils, and appliances I used to make this recipe.
Prep Tools & Utensils
These are the items youll need to prep and make this recipe:
- For this recipe, you wont need much. You will need a small liquid measuring cup and a good knife to cut the head of cauliflower into florets.
- You will also need a steamer basket and a pair of mitts when lifting the basket out of the hot pot.
Appliances & Cookware
This recipe will work in the 3-quart, 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pots.
Serving Platters & Dishes
Ill usually use a salad bowl similar to this beautiful salad bowl when serving my cauliflower.
Instant Pot Accessories
Make sure to check out my post on Must-Have Accessories for the Instant Pot. Youll find a complete list of all the top accessories that can be used with your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Beginner in Instant Pot cooking? Make this Instant pot cauliflower whole head Cajun flavored, its absolutely beginner friendly, no active cooking involved, doesnt taste bland & packed with incredible flavors! It might be your new favorite & the best way to include cauliflower in your diet.
If you are a beginner Instant pot cook than dont miss these Instant Pot steamed carrots, Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli, Instant Pot Beets and learn how to steam green beans in instant pot.
Read Also: How To Cook Pre Cooked Ribs In Instant Pot
How Long To Steam Cauliflower Instant Pot
| The total time for steaming cauliflower in an instant pot is very less compared to steaming instant pot baby potatoes, instant pot green beans, instant pot carrots, etc. |
| cooking cauliflower in a pressure cooker is very less time-consuming and has zero monitoring. You can even do the same with steamed cauliflower in the instant pot but today I steam fresh cauliflower. |
How To Make Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
Next, youve got two options.
To make mashed cauliflower, you can use a blender with a basin, or you can use an immersion blender.
In my opinion, using a blender with a basin will give you the best, most potato-like texture.
That said, using an immersion blender is a little quicker and involves less clean-up. And the mashed cauliflower will still taste delicious.
Use whichever blender you prefer .
Blender shopping? I use a Vitamix 750 and a Cuisinart immersion blender.
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Cauliflower Is A Very Nutrient Dense Food
One serving contains 77% of your daily Vitamin C requirement. We all know what Vitamin C does. It boosts our immunity. So including cauliflower in your diet makes you less susceptible to nasty colds.
Instant Pot Steamed Cauliflower is also rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous. Steaming the cauliflower preserves these minerals so that you get the full benefit.
Recipes Using Steamed Cauliflower
Steamed cauliflower can be eaten as is with just a little sea salt and maybe a drizzle of olive oil. But cooking this vegetable in this way is also ideal when adding a flavorful sauce or incorporating in recipes calling for cooked cauliflower. Consider adding a store-bought or homemade pesto to steamed cauliflower, or coating the tender white vegetable with a rich cheese sauce. Steaming cauliflower is the first step in recipes such as creamed cauliflower, cauliflower and cheese casserole, and cauliflower mashed “potatoes.”
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