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How to Microwave Cauliflower

Perfectly cooked cauliflower made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing a tender and versatile side dish. This method ensures evenly cooked cauliflower, reducing unwanted aromas, ideal for mashing or adding to various recipes.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

2-3 mins

Free Time

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How to Microwave Cauliflower

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Steaming cauliflower in the microwave is extremely time-efficient and requires practically zero hands-on effort making it the perfect veggie side dish for busy days. Thanks to Anyday’s vented lid, cooking cauliflower in the microwave is virtually mess-free, so steam can escape without any contents boiling over. Serve the cauliflower right out of the same Anyday dish you cooked it in, or store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to reheat and eat it. Plus, clean-up is a breeze thanks to Anyday’s dishwasher-safe glass design. Once you master cooking cauliflower in the microwave, you’ll want to add this nutritious vegetable to a lot more of your meals.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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The Small Dish

This dish’s superpower is evenly heating leftovers and cooking small portions.

The Strainer

Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
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Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 cup of cauliflower
  • 1 cup of cauliflower
  • 2 cups of cauliflower
  • 4 cups of cauliflower
  • 6 cups of cauliflower
  • 8 cups of cauliflower
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

1100w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

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Dish

The Small Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (85g) cauliflower
  • 2 teaspoons water

Preparation

  1. Place the cauliflower in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water.
  2. After straining, cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until the florets are tender.

Suggestions

  • Curry lime: Toss with curry powder, chopped cilantro, and lime juice
  • Spice mix: Mix with Greek yogurt, coriander, cumin, garlic powder, and lemon zest
  • Yogurt dip: Blend cooked cauliflower with greek yogurt, capers, basil, and lemon juice
  • Brown butter crunch: Mix with toasted pumpkin seeds, brown butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley

Recipe Notes

  • You can use frozen cauliflower without thawing by cooking it at the same suggested times as fresh.
  • Check out cook times for Frozen Cauliflower here!
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Cauliflower

See for yourself— microwaving cauliflower is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 3-4 mins
Oven* 20-25 mins
Stovetop* 10-15 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 20 mins
*Includes preheat time
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All You Need to Know About Microwaving Cauliflower

How long does it take to cook cauliflower in the microwave?

Ingredient Water Cook Time 3 mins
1 cup cauliflower 2 teaspoons water 2-3 mins
2 cups cauliflower 2 teaspoons water 2-3 mins
4 cups cauliflower 1 tablespoon water 2-3 mins
6 cups cauliflower 2 tablespoons water 2-3 mins
8 cups cauliflower 3 tablespoons water 2-3 mins
Cook time calculated for 1100w microwave

It typically takes around 2-3 minutes per cup of cauliflower to cook in the microwave. To determine when the cauliflower is cooked through, look for fork-tender, bendy pieces, and some excess cooking liquid at the bottom of the dish. You can also test its doneness by tasting a piece of cauliflower; which should be neither rubbery nor soft, but rather hot and tender to the bite.

Is steaming a good option for cauliflower?

Steaming cauliflower is a fantastic cooking method. It retains nutrients, preserves natural flavor and texture, and is a low-calorie option. Cauliflower is quick and versatile, suitable for various dishes such as salads, soups, and added veggies to protein-packed meals, making it a top choice for both nutrition and convenience. The Anyday lid is designed to trap the right amount of steam inside the dishes creating the perfect environment for cauliflower to cook in minutes.

How to microwave frozen cauliflower?

Microwaving frozen cauliflower is easy and fast! Place the still-frozen florets in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until hot. Check out cook times for Frozen Cauliflower here!

How to freeze microwaved cauliflower?

After steaming and cooling the cauliflower, spoon it into the 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays, then cover with the lid and freeze until solid. This method ensures you have quick and easy access to steamed cauliflower when meals call for it.

What do I do if my cauliflower feels undercooked?

The cooking times depend on how big or small the cauliflower is cut, the power of the microwave, and the preference of whoever developed the recipe! If you like your cauliflower softer to the bite, just add more time in 1-2 minute intervals depending on how much cauliflower you had to start with.

Want more cauliflower recipes?

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