Easy Microwave Cauliflower with Garlic Butter

This microwave cauliflower is cooked until tender then tossed with garlic, melted butter, and parmesan for a simple, flavorful side dish that goes with just about anything! Ready in 10 minutes.

Microwave Cauliflower

Not everyone loves cauliflower, but those of us who do, really LOVE it! As much as I love herb-roasted cauliflower or cheesy cauliflower steaks, this is hands-down the easiest way to prepare it!

Cooking cauliflower in the microwave takes less than 10 minutes and with this recipe, it comes out perfect every time. Tender, but never mushy!

This microwave cauliflower is tossed in a simple garlic butter with parmesan, oregano, and lemon for the perfect side dish!

If you love using your microwave for easy cooking, try my 10 minute microwave broccoli or maple butter carrots! The broccoli is very similar to this recipe, but adapted for broccoli instead.

Key Ingredients

• Cauliflower - I usually buy a whole head of cauliflower and break it into florets, though you can grab a bag of pre-cut florets if you prefer. If any florets are large, just cut them into smaller pieces. I don't recommend using frozen cauliflower for this recipe!
• Water - You need water to create steam and cook the cauliflower evenly!
• Unsalted butter - If you only have salted butter, that's fine too, just omit the salt from this recipe.
• Garlic - I used one small clove. If you're not a garlic fan, you can leave out the garlic.
• Lemon - I always keep fresh lemons on hand. Oftentimes a squeeze of lemon is all a recipe needs to take it from good to great!
• Parmesan - I used grated parmesan from a container. Shredded parm isn't as fine so it won't coat all the cauliflower like grated does.
• Spices - Oregano and kosher salt are all you need!

How to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave

Microwaving cauliflower is super simple and it still turns out just as flavorful. If you follow the directions, it won't be mushy.

• Cut the cauliflower into florets. Cut them into a reasonable size. They shouldn't be tiny or they'll overcook but you don't want them huge either!
• Add the cauliflower and the water to a large microwave-safe bowl (don't use metal!). Cover the bowl with a large microwave-safe plate. It should cover the entire top of the bowl.

• Microwave the cauliflower for 3 minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the cauliflower. Return the covered bowl to the microwave and microwave for 2 ½ more minutes. At this point, the cauliflower should be cooked but still have a bite to it.
• Melt the butter and garlic together. The garlic will cook slightly in the hot butter and mellow a bit. Make sure the butter doesn't overflow and make a mess of your microwave!

• Add the parmesan, lemon juice, and spices to the butter. Stir to combine.
• Drain any excess water in the cauliflower bowl.
• Add the melted butter mixture to the cauliflower. Stir to coat then top with a sprinkle of parmesan and kosher salt. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Make sure to use microwave-safe dishes! This is typically indicated on the bottom of the bowl or plate. Some materials aren’t designed for microwave use and can become extremely hot on the outside or even crack or chip during heating.
• Cover the bowl completely with a plate to trap the steam inside. This helps the cauliflower cook more evenly and speeds up the process.
• Check the cauliflower after 5 minutes. It should be tender but still have a slight firmness, not soft or soggy. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork slides in easily, but the florets still hold their shape. If it needs longer, add 30 more seconds!

Storage Tips

• We rarely have leftovers! But if you do, these taste great the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave until hot throughout.

Serving Suggestions

This low-carb side dish is delicious and versatile! You can go in multiple directions with it.

• Grilled meat - The simple flavor of the cauliflower pairs well with richer meats!
• Meatloaf - This is a great low-carb option in place of mashed potatoes!
• Vegetarian - If you're vegetarian, pair it with a protein-rich meal like lentil curry or chickpea curry!
• Leftovers - This is a great option if you have leftovers but you need a veggie side dish to go with it!

Easy Side Dishes

• Crispy Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli
• Crispy Tenderstem Broccoli