Ready for the easiest steamed cauliflower ever? This Instant Pot cauliflower recipe is simple, quick, and reliably tender every time. No steamer basket required!
Steamed cauliflower makes a versatile side that pairs with almost any main. When it’s steamed until tender and finished with a little butter and salt, even picky eaters enjoy it.
The Instant Pot is my go-to for steaming vegetables because it’s fast and fuss-free. While the cauliflower steams, you can finish preparing the rest of your meal.
This method requires minimal prep and consistently delivers perfectly steamed cauliflower. It’s a great alternative to steaming on the stovetop or using a microwave.
Ingredients needed to make cauliflower in the Instant Pot
- One head of cauliflower: cut into similar-sized florets (about 4 cups)
- Water: 1 cup for steaming
- Butter: 1 tablespoon (or to taste)
- Salt: to taste
How to make Instant Pot steamed cauliflower
Step 1: Rinse and trim a medium to large head of cauliflower. Cut into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly; you should have roughly 4 cups.
Step 2: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot insert and set the trivet into the pot.
Step 3: Arrange the cauliflower florets on the trivet and place the pat of butter in the center so it melts over the florets as they steam.
Step 4: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select Manual/Pressure Cook and set the cook time to 0 minutes. The pot needs a few minutes to come to pressure before the short cycle completes.
When the cook cycle finishes, perform a quick release immediately to prevent overcooking. Wait for the pressure pin to drop and carefully remove the lid.
Use a spoon to lift out the trivet, then season the cauliflower with salt to taste. Serve right away while warm.
For extra flavor, serve with a simple cheese sauce or your favorite seasoning blend, although butter and salt are delicious on their own.
This recipe makes a buttery, tender cauliflower side that’s quick and satisfying. It’s great for weeknights or anytime you want a healthy vegetable with minimal effort.
Adjust seasoning as you like—try garlic powder, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs to change the flavor profile.
If you own an Instant Pot, this is a must-try steamed vegetable recipe—fast, easy, and reliably delicious.
Instant Pot Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup water
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot insert. Place the trivet in the pot, then arrange the cauliflower florets on the trivet and put the butter in the center.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Set to Manual/Pressure Cook for 0 minutes (the pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure).
- When the cycle ends, perform a quick release immediately.
- After the pin drops, remove the lid, lift out the trivet, season the cauliflower with salt, and serve right away.
Nutrition
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