Simple Steamed Cauliflower with Herbs
Making this recipe for simple steamed cauliflower with herbs is so easy. All you have to do is chop the cauliflower and steam it. Then drizzle it with a bit of olive oil, herbs and salt and pepper. It’s a naturally low-calorie, low-carb side dish to round out your dinner.
This cauliflower recipe is so simple, it hardly warrants a long intro. Steam veg, season. Done!
The Best Ways To Cook Cauliflower
Roasting
This is one of the most popular ways to prepare cauliflower because roasting it makes it browned, sweet and nutty tasting. I like to add curry to my roast cauliflower and squeeze on a bit of lemon. I also make Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli with Cheese on top.
Steaming
This recipe here in this post will walk you through how to do that. It is so simple and one that I use for busy nights because it is the fastest way to cook cauliflower!
Casserole
For something a bit comforting or for a make-ahead side dish, you can also make cauliflower casserole. Here’s my recipe for Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole. It can be made ahead so I like it particularly for the holidays.
Sauté
I don’t sauté cauliflower on the stove top very often because it needs a bit of moisture to cook it through. One workaround is to sear it in oil to get some color, then add liquid (like broth) cover it and let it steam for a bit to soften it.
Mashed
If you’ve ever been on a low carb diet, then you’ll definitely know about the magic of mashed cauliflower. It is a great stand in for mashed potatoes. Here is a great version.
Now let’s get into this cauliflower recipe.
Steps To Make This Recipe For Simple Steamed Cauliflower with Herbs
- Remove the leaves from the outside of the cauliflower head.
- Cut the head in half and remove the core with a knife. I like to cut it out by making a triangular shaped cut.
- Cut the cauliflower into large florets. You want them to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Cut through the stems, and try to leave the head intact so they do not crumble.
- Set up your steamer basket by filling the bottom of the large pot with water. You don’t want the water to be any higher than the bottom of the basket, but you need to add enough water so it won’t boil away.
- Add the cauliflower to the steamer basket, cover and cook it until it is tender. To check if it is tender, try piercing the thickest part of the cauliflower stem with the tip of a pairing knife. It should go in and out without a ton of resistance. Keep in mind you do not want to go overboard and over cook the cauliflower. Overcooking it will make it sulfurous and watery.
- Once it is tender, take the basket out of the pot and set it aside for a second. Then get rid off the cooking water. Then dump the cauliflower back into the pot. This saves a dish! Yay!
- Drizzle on olive oil, salt pepper and herbs and toss until the oil and seasonings coat the cauliflower and get into the nooks and crannies.
- The key is using a higher ratio of tender herbs (those with stems such as dill, tarragon, chervil, cilantro and basil) to woody herbs (those with stick like stems such as thyme and rosemary) as generally woody herbs are stronger in flavor. Sage and oregano When in doubt- cut which ever herb you use 50% with parsley.
More Cauliflower Recipes
- This Cauliflower Rice is a great low-carb alternative to a grain-based side dish.
- This delicious Indian Cauliflower Curry is vegan, low calorie and packed full of flavor.
- Our Simple Air Fryer Cauliflower is a great side to try if you have an air fryer.
- This Bang Bang Cauliflower is made in the Air Fryer and has a light spicy yogurt sauce to make it healthier.
- These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are healthier than chicken wings, but crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!
- Want more ideas for cauliflower? Don’t miss this Ultimate Guide to Cauliflower!
Thanks so much for reading. If you make this recipe for Steamed Cauliflower, please come back and leave a star rating and review.
Happy Cooking!
~Katie
PrintSimple Steamed Cauliflower with Herbs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 7
- Category: side dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
Making this recipe for simple steamed cauliflower with herbs is so easy. All you have to do is chop the cauliflower and steam it. Then drizzle it with a bit of olive oil, herbs and salt and pepper. It’s a naturally low-calorie, low-carb side dish to round out your dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh herbs, see note*
Instructions
- Bring one to two inches of water to a boil in a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket over high heat. Add cauliflower to the steamer basket, cover the saucepan, and steam until the cauliflower is tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the steamer basket from the saucepan, and pour out the water. Empty the cauliflower out of the steamer basket back into the pot. Drizzle on oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Add herbs and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
Note* Use a blend of herbs to your liking. Try 2 teaspoons chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon each dill and tarragon. Or 1 tablespoon chopped basil and 1 teaspoon chopped oregano.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Pretty easy to follow, thanks! I had a bunch of florets left over from cauliflower steaks with AIr FRYER chicken breasts … and here tonight with oven baked baby backs with HintsFromHomie BBQ sauce and Air Fryer french Fries. I needed a time to steam reference and there it was.. I have dried dill and a half fresh lemon to deal with the rest. Good Luck to you, VOTE IN NOVEMBER!!!!
★★★★★
Dont need life story. Just recipe. 0 Stars.
You are too kind. I really appreciate your support Amsahr. Love your neighbor.
Sounds delicious. Can’t wait until I try it
★★★★★
Let me know what you think!
This recipe is fabulous and elevates cauliflower to another level. The basil and oregano seasoning blend made a believer of my husband. Miracle!
I love hearing that! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know. I really appreciate it Linda. Have a great day.
Fast, easy & amazing — that’s my kind of dish!! Great recipe, thank you!
★★★★★
Thanks so much for coming back to let me know it went well! I appreciate it so much. Have a great week Teresa.
The Kitchen you worked on so hard, is prepared by now!
It is finished. In this post you can see a few shots. https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/greek-salad-cucumber-party-bites/ Also on instagram in my stories highlights there are photos chronicling the whole project.
Thank God this wasn’t a slide show. Glad I could skip to the recipe!
Love those jump buttons myself! Glad you’re finding it and the free recipe useful Bob. Have a great day and happy cooking.
Perfect simple side dish! I only like cauliflower when it is cooked so this quick preparation is right in my wheelhouse.
★★★★★
I don’t mind it raw, but I totally understand why some folks don’t love it. Glad you like this recipe.
Your studio looks like it’s going to be amazing!
Thanks Julie. I am so excited to watch it take shape.