Steaming cauliflower in an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker is a perfect way to cook crunchy, tender cauliflower in just a few minutes. This steamed cauliflower helps retain the vegetable's nutrients and achieve the right texture.
I love steaming veggies in my Instant Pot— steaming broccoli, boiling potatoes, steaming green beans, and more. Today, I’m sharing how to make perfect steamed cauliflower in the Instant Pot.
Steaming vegetables in an Instant Pot helps retain essential vitamins and minerals while requiring minimal monitoring—just set the exact cooking time for perfect results! Check out the complete guide on Instant pot steamed vegetables from my blog.
Cauliflower is an excellent low-carb and keto-friendly substitute, packed with antioxidants. If you're following a Keto or Low-Carb Diet, check out my Keto Indian Food Recipes collection for more ideas!
More Cauliflower Recipes, you may like
Why Steam Cauliflower in an Instant Pot?
- Cooks under 5 minutes
- It's hands-off and very fast
- It preserves both nutrients and flavor
- You can cook them fresh or frozen.
- Great for Make-ahead and meal planning
- Vegan, Keto, Paleo, Low-carb, Gluten-free.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: You need a head of cauliflower (medium-sized) in this recipe. You can also use store-bought pre-cut cauliflower florets or frozen ones.
- Water: It is necessary to bring the cooker to pressure for cooking the cauliflower florets.
- Seasoning: I prefer to season with salt and black pepper. You can serve it with any seasonings of your choice.
How to Perfectly Steam Cauliflower in Instant Pot
Using a sharp knife, cut 1 medium-head cauliflower into medium-sized florets.
Then, using a colander, rinse them under running water to remove dirt or any little hidden bugs.
Add 1 cup of water to the instant pot insert and place the trivet. Layer the florets on the steamer basket and place them in the instant pot insert.
Close the lid on the Instant Pot, and turn the pressure valve to the SEALING position. Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure).
0 minute for crunchier tender cauliflower OR
1 minute for softer cauliflower
When the instant pot beeps, Quick Release the pressure manually.
Open the lid. If you think they are perfectly cooked, to avoid overcooking, you can remove the steamer basket and place it under cold running water.
Sprinkle some salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve pressure cooker steamed cauliflower.
Frozen Cauliflower Florets
Most frozen cauliflower florets are partially cooked, so you don't need to change the time. Steam for 0 minute on high pressure, followed by quick release to get perfect tender cauliflower and season in the end. You do not have to thaw the frozen cauliflower.
Serving Suggestion
Serve your Instant Pot Steamed Cauliflower with a bit of salt and black pepper. Here are a few more ways to use them.
- Top it with butter, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
- You can use it to make cauliflower soup.
- Blend it with butter to make a delicious cauliflower mash substitute for mashed potatoes for anyone on a low-carb diet.
- Leftovers can be used to make cauliflower coconut curry
Storage Suggestions
- Store: Store the leftovers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cooked florets for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: You can reheat it on the microwave or stovetop until warm.
Tips on Perfectly Steamed Cauliflower
- You can easily double or triple this recipe, but cook on high pressure for 1 minute instead of zero minutes.
- Make sure to do a Quick Release as soon as the cooking time ends, to avoid over-cooked cauliflower florets.
- You can use frozen cauliflower in this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Steaming Frozen Cauliflower in an instant pot takes 0 minute under high pressure, followed by quick release to get perfect tender cauliflower.
A whole Head of Cauliflower in an instant pot takes 2 minutes under high pressure, and use the quick release to get perfect tender cauliflower.
You can steam cauliflower in an Instant Pot pressure cooker with or without a steamer basket. I have used a steel steamer basket that comes along with the Instant Pot packing.
But if you dont have a steamer basket, just put cauliflower florets in the inner pot and ½ cup of water and follow the steps. But I highly recommend using a steamer basket to get perfectly crunchy and tender cauliflower.
More Instant Pot Cooking Basics
Steamed Cauliflower - Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head
- 1 cup water
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets.Then using a colander, rinse them under running water to remove dirt or any little hidden bugs.
- Add water into the instant pot insert and place the trivet. Spread the florets in layers on the steamer basket and place them in the instant pot insert.
- Close the lid on the pot, and turn the pressure valve to the SEALING position. Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure).0 minute for crunchier tender cauliflower OR1 minute for softer cauliflower
- When the instant pot beeps, Quick Release the pressure manually.Open the lid. If you think they are perfectly cooked, to avoid overcooking, you can remove the steamer basket and place it under cold running water.
- Sprinkle some salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve pressure cooker steamed cauliflower.
Notes
Tips on perfectly Steamed Cauliflower
- You can easily double or triple this recipe, but cook on high pressure for 1 minute instead of zero minutes.
- Make sure to do a Quick Release as soon as the cooking time ends, to avoid over-cooked cauliflower florets.
- You can use frozen cauliflower in this recipe.
Nutrition
★ Like this recipe? FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube for more quick & easy recipes.
Leave a Reply