Instant Pot cauliflower is a quick and easy 20 minute side dish that comes out perfect and tender (not mushy) each time. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice, or get creative with it!
While I love using the Instant Pot to cook up proteins like chicken breast or pulled pork, it's also surprisingly great when you need a quick and easy side dish.
Just like my Instant Pot broccoli, this cauliflower recipe can be on your table in under 20 minutes, and comes out perfect and tender (not mushy!).
Reasons you'll ♡ this recipe
- you can use fresh or frozen cauliflower
- you can have it on your table in under 20 minutes
- it has the perfect texture: tender but not mushy
Recipe video
Wondering exactly how to make Instant Pot cauliflower? Watch this 1-minute video for step by step instructions! You can find more recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
Ingredient notes
- cauliflower- you can use fresh or frozen cauliflower
- lemon- optional, but for added flavor, we squeeze fresh lemon over the steamed cauliflower
- parmesan- optional, but for added flavor, we sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the cauliflower before serving
Step by step directions
1- Prep the cauliflower- Start by washing the cauliflower, then chopping it up into even 1.5-2 inch florets. It’s important that they are even in size so that they cook through evenly.
2- Prepare the Instant Pot- Place 1 cup (6 quart) or 1.5 cups (8 quart) water in the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet over the water, and a steamer basket on the trivet.
3- Add cauliflower- Carefully arrange the cauliflower into the steamer basket. Pictured above is 4 cups; you can add as much as will fit in your Instant Pot without touching the lid.
4- Cook + quick pressure release- Set your Instant Pot to cook for 0 minutes on high pressure. When the Instant Pot comes to pressure, immediately release the pressure by performing a quick pressure release.
5- Serve it up- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the steamed cauliflower, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese (and parsley if desired). Enjoy!
FAQ
Yes you can, though it is slightly softer than fresh. Cook for 0 minutes with a quick pressure release.
I do highly recommend investing in a steamer basket as it keeps the cauliflower from sitting directly in the water, making it soggy. In a pinch, you can use the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot, but expect some of the florets to drop through and get soft.
I recommend this steamer basket.
This recipe was tested in both a 6 quart Instant Pot and an 8 quart Instant Pot. Unfortunately the steamer basket will not fit into the mini.
Getting creative with steamed cauliflower
We love our Instant Pot cauliflower served with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.
Here are some other ways you can add flavor to your cauliflower:
- swap the parmesan for feta cheese
- drizzle with this 2-ingredient balsamic reduction
- top with this miso butter
- drizzle with maple tahini sauce
- add a few cloves of garlic or some herbs to the steaming water
- sprinkle with one of these 7 spice blends
- turn it into cauliflower mash using this Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower recipe
Storage and reheating
Steamed cauliflower keeps well, and while it won't smell amazing, it does still taste good when reheated.
- fridge- cool completely, then store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- freezer- you can freeze steamed cauliflower, though you should expect it to soften and release water when thawed. Consider using it in smoothies! Cool completely, then store in an air tight container, freezer bag, or reusable silicone bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- reheating- heat in the microwave until steaming hot, or heat in a frying pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
Find my favorite freezer containers here!
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Hard and Soft Boiled Eggs
- Creamy Instant Pot Applesauce
- Perfect Instant Pot Black Beans
- Instant Pot Recipes You Need to Know
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Instant Pot Cauliflower (perfect + tender)
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets roughly half a head of cauliflower; see note 1
- ½ lemon cut into wedges
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Assemble Instant Pot- Place 1 cup (6 quart) or 1.5 cups (8 quart) water in the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet over the water, and a steamer basket on the trivet.
- Add cauliflower– Carefully arrange the cauliflower into the steamer basket.
- Cook– Place the lid on the Instant Pot, set the steam release handle to the ‘sealing’ position, then pressure cook for 0 minutes.
- Quick pressure release- When the cooking cycle has completed, the Instant Pot will beep and switch over to ‘keep warm’. Carefully transfer the steam release handle to the ‘venting’ position, performing a quick pressure release.
- Serve it up– Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the steamed cauliflower, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese (and parsley if desired). Enjoy!
Tips:
- fridge- cool completely, then store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- freezer- you can freeze steamed cauliflower, though you should expect it to soften and release water when thawed. Consider using it in smoothies! Cool completely, then store in an air tight container, freezer bag, or reusable silicone bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- swap the parmesan for feta cheese
- drizzle with this 2-ingredient balsamic reduction
- top with this miso butter
- drizzle with maple tahini sauce
- add a few cloves of garlic or some herbs to the steaming water
- sprinkle with one of these 7 spice blends
- turn it into cauliflower mash using this Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower recipe
Nutrition Information
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Kristin G. says
Great way to steam cauliflower and the house didn’t smell.
Denise Bustard says
Hi Kristin! I'm so happy to hear that, and I'm laughing at the comment about the house smell...a perk I hadn't thought of! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a review, I really appreciate it 🙂