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Want to learn how to cook cauliflower? Had little to no experience and don’t know where to start? This post is exactly what you need! From how to prepare a cauliflower, to how to steam, roast, boil and more – this helpful How To guide will make you a cauliflower cooking expert in no time!

A whole cauliflower on a chopping board with a knife

How should cauliflower be prepared?

To prepare a cauliflower, you first need to remove the leaves. The easiest way to do this is to turn it upside down (stem side up) and chop the leaves off the central stem.

Once the leaves have been removed you can either cut each of the florets off, or slice flat pieces if you’re going to roast it.

What’s the best way to eat cauliflower?

The answer to this is that it’s entirely personal preference. There are 5 common ways to cook cauliflower, not to mention a endless combinations of additional flavours you can add.

You can steam it in a microwave, or in a steamer on the stove. You can boil it, oven roast it and even air fry it. There are pros and cons to each method. So let’s explore them in more detail…

Close up of roast cauliflower on a white plate with pots of peppercorns and salt on the side

How to steam cauliflower in a microwave

Want to know how to cook cauliflower in a microwave? This is one of the fastest methods! And it’s as easy as 1 2 3…

Place 2-3 tbsp of water in a microwavable bowl.
Add in your prepared cauliflower florets and cover with a plate or lid.
Microwave on high for 2-3 mins (add 2 mins if using frozen cauliflower) until fork tender.

Steaming cauliflower in the microwave is super quick and easy. You lose a few more nutrients steaming this way, rather than the traditional ‘steamer on a stove top’ method. But overall, it’s a great way to cook cauliflower.

Someone forking a floret of roast cauliflower from a bowl

How to cook cauliflower in a steamer

Cooking cauliflower in a steamer on the stove is the healthiest method. You lose very few nutrients, as it’s a gentle cooking method and the cauliflower doesn’t come into contact with the water. Here’s how to do it…

Fill a steamer pot with 1″ of boiling water. Bring it back to the boil, then reduce the heat so it’s simmering.
Place your cauliflower florets in a steamer basket on top of the pan of simmering water, and cover with a lid.
Steam for 5-6 minutes (add 2 mins more for frozen cauliflower) until fork tender.

Close up of prepared cauliflower in a steamer basket on a trivet

How to boil cauliflower

An important note about boiling cauliflower. Unless you are using the cooking liquid in your recipe, this is the worst way to cook it. Most of the nutrients transfer into the liquid during boiling. So if you drain it away, you’re draining all the goodness away too.

However, if you’re making something like a cauliflower soup, this is an ideal method! Here’s how to do it…

Bring a large pot of salted water (or stock) to the boil.
Add in your cauliflower florets and bring it back to the boil.
Simmer for 5-7 minutes until fork tender.
Then continue cooking as per your recipe – ideally using the cooking liquid.

A plate of oven roast cauliflower on a plate over a trivet

How to oven roast cauliflower

Oven roasting is one of the tastiest ways to cook cauliflower! Roasting caramelises vegetables, and aids the release of natural sugars. Which makes for some seriously tasty cauliflower! Here’s how to do it…

Preheat your oven to 220ºC and slice your cauliflower into equally sized flat pieces (rather than florets).
Place them onto a lined baking tray and drizzle with oil, salt and pepper (and any other flavourings). Toss to coat, then space them out again.
Roast for 8-12 minutes, then turn the cauliflower over.
Return to the oven for 4-6 minutes more. Until golden and fork tender.

A bowl of roast cauliflower with a napkin

How to air fry cauliflower

Air fryer cauliflower is just like oven roasting, but faster! It’s actually my favourite method, and it’s really really easy!

Cut your cauliflower into equally sized pieces with flat edges, and preheat your air fryer to 200ºC.
Put the cauliflower into your air fryer in a single layer, and air fry for 5 minutes.
Toss the cauliflower in a bowl and coat with oil, salt and pepper (and any other flavourings).
Air fry in a single layer for a further 4-6 minutes. Until golden and fork tender.

With this method in particular, I highly recommend checking your cauliflower every few minutes. Air fryers vary quite a lot, and cauliflower can burn easily if you don’t keep an eye on it.

Someone forking roast cauliflower on a plate

Helpful tips!

Here are some tips you’ll find helpful when cooking cauliflower…

Please be aware that all timings given in this post are a guide. All cooking equipment and cauliflower varies. So keep a close eye on your cauliflower during cooking for the best results/to avoid any mishaps.
When testing the different cooking methods, I used florets that were approximately 5cm in size. You may need to increase/decrease the cooking times if yours are smaller or larger.
Note that raw cauliflower is very fragile and crumbly. Once cooked, it holds together much better.
Whatever cooking method you’re using, try to cut your cauliflower into equal sized pieces/florets. This way, they will cook more evenly.
When oven roasting or air frying, don’t be tempted to lower the temperature. If you do, it will result in mushy, overcooked cauliflower. Cooking it a a high temperature ensures a glorious golden colour, with a perfect al dente texture.
The healthiest way to cook cauliflower is by steaming in a steamer on the stove. But steaming in a microwave and roasting aren’t far behind.

Prepared cauliflower in a steamer basket

How to flavour cauliflower

There are TONS of ways to add flavour to cauliflower! It’s not all about cauliflower cheese you know.

You can add dried herbs and spices. Such as onion powder, garlic powder, curry powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, nutmeg, turmeric and chilli flakes.

Try adding fresh ingredients to flavour cauliflower too. Minced garlic is wonderful, as are fresh bay leaves, and butter!

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A whole cauliflower on a chopping board with a knife. A text overlay says 'how to cook cauliflower'

If you like this how to article…

…you might also like:

Tasty ways to enjoy your cooked cauliflower

Serve it alongside stuffed courgettes with mince.
Use roast (air fried or oven roasted) cauliflower in this gorgeous roasted cauliflower salad.
Steam your cauliflower and add it to this wonderful cauliflower cake!
Serve it as a side with minced beef and onion pie.