Perfectly steamed cauliflower is a healthy side dish to add to any meal. It's low in saturated fat, naturally low calorie, and low-carb. One serving provides 100% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Do you want all of these benefits without compromising flavor?
Then we've got you covered with these delicious seasoning ideas to take your steamed cauliflower florets to another level of yum!
Contents
- How to Season Steamed Cauliflower
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Seasonings for Steamed Cauliflower
- 1. Lemon Herb Steamed Cauliflower in Minutes
- 2. Steamed Cauliflower Seasoned with Fresh Herbs
- 3. Tasty Breadcrumb Topping for Steamed Cauliflower
- 4. Lemon Butter and Dill Seasoning
- 5. Steamed Cauliflower with a Touch of Spice
- 6. Garlic, Paprika, and Vinegar Seasoned Cauliflower
- 7. Healthy Parmesan Steamed Cauliflower Salad
- 8. Buttery Steamed Cauliflower Mash with Fresh Herbs
- 9. Cheesy Loaded Steamed Cauliflower
- What to Serve with Steamed Cauliflower
First, you need to get your cauliflower steaming method right. Whether you prefer to use a steamer basket, rice cooker, or microwave to cook cauliflower, follow our how-to steam vegetables guide to get perfect results every time.
Pick the freshest head of cauliflower you can find at the grocery store, or stock up your freezer with frozen florets because you can steam frozen cauliflower too!
Once you know how to steam cauliflower, you can play around with flavors and seasonings from garlic and butter to Italian herbs that will make this simple side dish taste amazing and different every time you serve it.
Check out my delicious cheesy cauliflower casserole if you are in the mood of eating this amazing vegetable!
How to Season Steamed Cauliflower
Take your steamed cauliflower florets and decide where you want your dinner to go. You can stay classic with a little butter, garlic, and lemon zest, or try a cheesy option first drizzling your veg with olive oil, then lightly dusting your steamed cauliflower with grated parmesan.
Steamed cauliflower is an ideal base to soak up whatever flavorings you care to add to it, and here I have curated 9 delicious seasoning recipes for your cauliflower dish tonight.
Every single recipe is simple to follow, and most seasonings take just a few minutes to prepare. There's a good mix of healthy recipes and more indulgent ones for when you want all the comfort food.
I guarantee you will find a seasoning you can't wait to try out tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I steam cauliflower?
First, make sure you cut all of your florets to roughly the same size so they all steam in the same amount of time. You can steam fresh cauliflower florets in around 10 minutes, check them after 5 minutes and remove them from the steamer basket when they are soft but still have a good crunch.
Remember, you can steam frozen cauliflower in about the same time it takes to steam it from fresh.
Is it better to boil or steam cauliflower?
Since both methods take about the same amount of time and both require bringing water to a boil, I recommend that you steam cauliflower if you can because this preserves the bite of the veg and makes it more satisfying to eat.
Steamed cauliflower is the perfect base for delicious seasonings.
Seasonings for Steamed Cauliflower
Here are nine easy and delicious ways add flavor and life to steamed cauliflower.
1. Lemon Herb Steamed Cauliflower in Minutes
Keep it super simple and delicious by mixing up a flavorful lemon zest and Italian blend of dried herbs to toss your cauliflower straight from the steamer basket. The flavors of oregano, basil, and thyme, mixed with olive oil and lemon zest for brightness, will transport your healthy side dish to the shores of the Mediterranean.
You need 5 minutes of prep time to mix your blend, and you'll have a batch of tasty seasoning you can use on steamed cauliflower and other steamed veggies.
2. Steamed Cauliflower Seasoned with Fresh Herbs
When you have perfectly tender steamed cauliflower to serve alongside this creamy ranch pork chops recipe, you can ramp up the flavor by tossing it in butter and then add herbs. Use any combination of tender and woody chopped fresh herbs you have available to add a gourmet note to your healthy veggies.
If you have frozen cauliflower florets, some butter, and a few fresh herbs, you can create a satisfying and delicious side dish to complete any meal.
3. Tasty Breadcrumb Topping for Steamed Cauliflower
Want to enjoy the nutritious goodness of steamed cauliflower with a crunch of delicious buttery breadcrumbs? Then look no further than this recipe for a steamed cauliflower side dish with all the comfort food appeal of mashed potatoes.
Take your cauliflower florets, steam them according to your preferred method, and then sprinkle them with golden breadcrumbs fried in butter or olive oil. Your cauliflower will be transformed in just a few quick minutes, and everyone will ask for more.
4. Lemon Butter and Dill Seasoning
Sometimes simplicity is the key to making your steamed cauliflower the most delicious appetizer you could dream of. This oh-so-quick cauliflower recipe will stun your friends when you tell them it takes just 3 ingredients to make. Moreish butter, fresh tangy dill, and the citrus notes of lemon juice combine to create a lip-smackingly delicious seasoning.
The combination of butter with fresh herbs is what takes your cauliflower from standard to exceptional- give it a try tonight.
5. Steamed Cauliflower with a Touch of Spice
Take your cauliflower to exotic places with this spicy recipe full of Indian flavors. Steamed cauliflower is an excellent base for spicier notes and flavors that you'll fall in love with. This delicious recipe mixes ginger, turmeric, and fennel seeds to make an aromatic and warming dish that's tasty and interesting enough to be served as a main dish.
It only takes 10 minutes of cooking time to season your steamed cauliflower with this fragrant mix of herbs and spices that will impress all your friends. What are you waiting for?
6. Garlic, Paprika, and Vinegar Seasoned Cauliflower
Combine three pantry ingredients: garlic, paprika, and vinegar to make a delicious and mouth-watering, crunchy garlic topping to season your steamed cauliflower with.
This recipe calls for boiling your cauliflower florets first, but don't do that! Make sure you steam them using our method, then follow the recipe here to make a sautéed, hot seasoning for your cauliflower that you won't want to miss out on.
7. Healthy Parmesan Steamed Cauliflower Salad
In this yummy and colorful recipe, you take your steamed cauliflower florets and pulse them in a food processor to make cauliflower rice. This is combined with 1 cup of shaved parmesan cheese and 3 cups of fruit to create a gorgeous summer salad packed with flavor.
You have to try this recipe, it's a deliciously different way to use steamed cauliflower, and it makes an ideal base to showcase the tangy cheese and fruit pairing. It's seasoned to perfection with a simple lime and olive oil dressing.
8. Buttery Steamed Cauliflower Mash with Fresh Herbs
You've prepared your steamed cauliflower; why not try doing something different and mash it? You won't miss the potatoes in this healthier side dish mixed with tangy Greek yogurt, rich butter, and fresh chives. This recipe is easy to make, and it opens a new world of possibilities with mashed cauliflower. Check my cauliflower shepperd's pie that tastes fantastic!
Once you have mastered the basic mashed cauliflower technique, you can add all kinds of seasonings. Imagine savory grated parmesan cheese with garlic powder or fresh green onions sprinkled on top. Grab your steaming basket and start experimenting.
9. Cheesy Loaded Steamed Cauliflower
Take steamed cauliflower florets and make a low-carb family dinner that will please even the pickiest eaters. This delicious casserole can be prepared ahead of time and uses tasty ingredients like bacon, chives, and a rich cheese sauce mixed with your base of steamed cauliflower to create a comforting and hearty dish that's low on carbs but high in flavor.
This dish takes just 30 minutes to bake and is sure to become one of your go-to steamed cauliflower recipes.
What to Serve with Steamed Cauliflower
I typically recommend a nice protein like salmon, chicken, and beef. With steamed cauliflower seasoned perfectly, I like a nice bottom round roast recipe slow-cooked to perfection. Another fantastic option is my crockpot pot roast recipe.
Otherwise, creamy dishes pair well with lightly seasoned steamed cauliflower. I love this creamy ranch pork chop recipe, and the cream cheese sauce is out of this world.
Lastly, a fresh dish like my easy baked pesto chicken tastes fantastic and pairs perfectly with steamed cauliflower seasoned with lemon zest and Italian herbs.
For more vegetable alternatives as side dish, check how to cook spaguetti squash in four ways; in the oven, microwave, instant pot and airfryer!
Also check out my collection of easy ground beef and rice with few ingredients and easy ground chicken recipes with few ingredients.
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