Quick & Easy: How to Steam Cauliflower in Instant Pot

Steaming cauliflower in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious individual, or simply someone who loves to experiment with new cooking methods, learning how to steam cauliflower in Instant Pot can be a game-changer in your kitchen.

Instant Pots have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These fabulous appliances allow you to cook a variety of dishes in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to steam cauliflower in an Instant Pot. From selecting the right size and freshness of your cauliflower to adjusting the cooking time based on your preferences, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!

Jump to:

• How to Steam Cauliflower in an Instant Pot
• Step-by-Step Guide to Steaming Cauliflower in an Instant Pot
• Tips for Perfectly Steamed Cauliflower Every Time
• Delicious Steamed Cauliflower Recipe Ideas
• FAQ's
• Conclusion

How to Steam Cauliflower in an Instant Pot

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make Instant Pot steamed cauliflower, look no further than your trusty Instant Pot. Steaming cauliflower in the Instant Pot is a game-changer. You’ll get perfectly cooked, tender-crisp florets every time!

I’ve been steaming veggies in my Instant Pot for years now, and let me tell you, it’s the best way to cook cauliflower! No more mushy, overcooked florets. No more standing over a pot of boiling water. Just set it and forget it.

Ingredients needed

To steam cauliflower, you only need a few simple ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 cup of water
• Salt and pepper (optional).

That's it. I told you it was simple. You probably have everything you need in your kitchen already.

Tools required

In addition to your Instant Pot, you'll need a steamer basket to hold the cauliflower florets. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use the trivet that came with your Instant Pot. Just make sure the cauliflower isn't touching the water.

You'll also need a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower into florets. But that's pretty much it. See? I told you this was going to be easy!

Preparing the cauliflower

Before you can steam your cauliflower, you need to prep it. Start by removing the leaves and stem from the head of cauliflower. Then, cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets, about 1-2 inches each. Alternatively, you can steam a whole cauliflower, but breaking it up into florets ensures more even cooking.

I like to cut my florets on the smaller side, so they cook faster. But if you prefer larger florets, that’s totally fine. Just keep in mind that they may need an extra minute or two in the Instant Pot pressure cooker.

Once your florets are ready, give them a quick rinse under cold water or use an ice bath. This will remove any dirt or debris. Then, pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Step-by-Step Guide to Steaming Cauliflower in an Instant Pot

Now that your cauliflower is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to get steaming. Here is my steam and pressure-cook cauliflower, Instant Pot guide:

1. Placing the cauliflower in the Instant Pot

First things first, place your steamer basket or trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Then, add 1 cup of water to the pot. This will create the steam that cooks your head of cauliflower.

Next, add your cauliflower florets to the steamer basket. Make sure they're in an even layer, so they cook evenly. If you have a lot of cauliflower, you may need to cook it in batches.

2. Adding water and setting the pressure

Once your cauliflower is in the pot, it’s time to set the pressure. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “sealing”. Use the cook mode to set the cooking time and pressure level for your recipe.

Then, select the “steam” function on your Instant Pot. Set the cook time for 0-3 minutes, depending on how tender you like your cauliflower. Using cook mode: Prevent the screen from going dark while the Instant Pot is in use. I usually do 1-2 minutes for tender-crisp florets.

If you like your cauliflower on the softer side, you can set the cook time for 3 minutes. But keep in mind that the cauliflower will continue to cook a bit after you release the pressure.

Related: Should Instant Pot Steam When Cooking? Here's the Truth

3. Releasing the pressure and checking doneness

When the cook time is up, it's time to release the pressure. Carefully do a quick release by turning the valve to "venting". Be careful, as the steam will be hot.

Once the high pressure is fully released, open the lid and check your cauliflower for doneness. It should be tender but still have a bit of bite to it. If it's not quite done, you can always put the lid back on and cook for another minute or two.

If your cauliflower is done, use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer it to a bowl. You can give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process or serve it right away.

4. Seasoning and serving suggestions

Now that your cauliflower is cooked to perfection, it's time to season it. I like to keep things simple with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper. But you can get creative with your seasonings if you want.

Try tossing your steamed cauliflower with some olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired side dish. Or sprinkle on some cumin, chili powder, and lime juice for a Mexican twist.

You can also use your steamed cauliflower as a base for other recipes. Mash it up with some butter and cream for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. Or blend it into a creamy soup with some broth and your favorite spices.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to steamed cauliflower. And with the Instant Pot pressure cooker, it's never been easier to cook this healthy vegetable to perfection. So go ahead and eat cauliflower to your heart's content - it's a great low-carb healthy vegetable that offers numerous nutritional benefits.

Tips for Perfectly Steamed Cauliflower Every Time

There’s something special about making Instant Pot Cauliflower - it’s a match made in heaven. Over time, I’ve figured out a few secrets to achieving perfectly cooked cauliflower every single time. These tips will have you steaming vegetables like a pro:

Choosing the right size and freshness of cauliflower

When it comes to selecting the perfect head of cauliflower for steaming, size matters. I always look for a medium-sized head that feels heavy for its size, as this indicates freshness and density. Avoid any cauliflower with brown spots or soft areas, as these are signs of age and deterioration.

Another important factor is the tightness of the florets. Choose a head with compact, tightly packed florets for the best texture and flavor. Loose or spreading florets may indicate that the cauliflower is past its prime.

Adjusting cooking time based on size

One of the keys to perfectly steamed cauliflower in the Instant Pot is getting the cooking time just right. The size of your florets will determine how long they need to cook under pressure.

• For small, bite-sized florets (around 1 inch), I've found that just 1 minute at high pressure is sufficient.
• Medium florets (1.5 inches) do well within 2 minutes.
• While larger florets (2 inches or more) may need up to 3 minutes to become tender.

Keep in mind that the Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure, during which the cauliflower is already cooking, so set time on the shorter side to avoid overcooking. When the instant pot beeps, quick release the pressure manually.

Storing leftover steamed cauliflower

If you find yourself with leftover steamed cauliflower, don't worry - it's easy to store for later enjoyment. Allow the cauliflower to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Need to breathe new life into leftover cauliflower? Reheat it using your trusty Instant Pot for a quick 0-1 minute steam. From there, the possibilities are endless - toss it into a simmering pot of soup, add it to a savory stir-fry, or blend it into a creamy mashed cauliflower masterpiece.

Delicious Steamed Cauliflower Recipe Ideas

With steamed cauliflower as your starting point, you can whip up a universe of mouthwatering Vitamin C-rich meals, from soupy comforts to show-stopping main dishes that take center stage.

Cauliflower mash

One of my favorite ways to enjoy a steamed head of cauliflower is by turning it into a creamy, comforting mash. To make this low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, simply steam a head of cauliflower florets in the Instant Pot pressure cooker as directed above. Don't leave the cauliflower to steam too long, as you wouldn't want mushy cauliflower.

Once tender, transfer the head of cauliflower to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth, adding butter, cream, garlic, and seasonings to taste.

Want a side dish for your grilled or roasted meats? Pair them with a side of creamy cauliflower mash. This tasty twosome is a guaranteed winner for family gatherings or special occasions. And the best part? You'll be getting your daily dose of veggies without even realizing it.

Cauliflower soup

Another delicious way to use Instant Pot steamed cauliflower is in a creamy, comforting soup. To make cauliflower soup, start by sauteing onion and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add your steamed cauliflower florets, broth, and desired spices.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, then stir in cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.

As the temperature drops, a steaming bowl of cauliflower soup hits the spot. But why settle for plain old cauliflower when you can spice things up with curry, cheddar, or roasted garlic?

Cauliflower stir-fry

Incorporate steamed cauliflower head florets into the mix. Saute them with some tasty veggies, add your favorite stir-fry sauce, and top it off with a protein source like shrimp or tofu. Then, serve it all over a bed of rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal that's ready in no time.

Cauliflower stir-fry is a great way to use up leftover steamed cauliflower and any other steamed vegetables (or even fresh vegetables) you have on hand. Plus, it's a dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Cauliflower steaks

For a show-stopping main dish, try making cauliflower "steaks" using your Instant Pot steamed cauliflower. Cut a head of cauliflower into thick, 1-inch slices, then steam them in the Instant Pot pressure cooker until just tender.

Brush the steaks with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then sear them in a hot skillet or on the grill until caramelized and crispy on the outside.

A vegetarian main course that's sure to wow? Look no further than cauliflower steaks. Try pairing them with a zesty romesco or a fresh, herby chimichurri sauce, and don't forget to add some delightful sides to round out the meal.

If you have run out of ideas, check these recipes out: Instant Pot Cauliflower Recipes

FAQ's

Conclusion

Steaming cauliflower in an Instant Pot is a simple and efficient way to enjoy this healthy vegetable. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can create perfectly cooked cauliflower every time, without the hassle of using a traditional steamer or boiling water on the stovetop.

The Instant Pot's pressure cooking function allows you to lock in the nutrients and flavors of your cauliflower, resulting in a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Whether you choose to enjoy your steamed cauliflower as a side dish or incorporate it into a variety of recipes, the possibilities are endless.

So, the next time you find yourself wanting to steam the delicious vegetable, remember the tips and techniques you've learned here, your family and friends will thank you for it!