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GET IT NOWThis Instant Pot Cauliflower Recipe Changed My Mind
From air fryer cauliflower to cheesy casseroles, cauliflower recipes are kind of my thing. I usually roast cauliflower because I love the flavor, and honestly, steamed cauliflower never really wowed me… until now. A few weeks ago, my oven and air fryer were both full, so I grabbed the Instant Pot and gave it a try. The result? This Instant Pot cauliflower recipe that totally changed my mind. It’s fast, flavorful, and way easier than I expected. Here’s why I love it:
- Perfect crisp-tender texture – I tested a few different sizes and timings to get this just right. It turns out tender but not mushy, and soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
- Fast and hands-off – Once it’s in the Instant Pot, you don’t have to babysit anything. It cooks while you prep the rest of dinner.
- Pantry-friendly ingredients – You only need a handful of basics, like olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. I almost always have everything on hand, and you can totally change up the spices to make it your own.
If you’re looking for a quick, tasty way to cook cauliflower, this is it. Make it with me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my Instant Pot cauliflower recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Cauliflower – I use a whole head and cut it into medium florets. If you’re in a rush, pre-cut cauliflower works too.
- Olive Oil – Adds flavor and helps the spices coat the cauliflower better. Avocado oil or even melted ghee works if that’s what you have.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh is best, but I used bottled for convenience.
- Seasonings – I keep it simple with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can use smoked paprika instead for extra flavor, or add a pinch of cumin or onion powder if you want to mix things up.
- Fresh Parsley – Totally optional, but I like to add some at the end for a bit of color and freshness. Chopped chives or dill would also be a nice touch.
VARIATION: Season it anyway you like.
I kept the spices simple, but you can easily change them up. Try your favorite combo, or use about 2 teaspoons of one of these blends instead:
- Lemon pepper seasoning – Bright and zesty, with a little kick.
- Cajun seasoning – Adds a bold, spicy flavor that works really well with cauliflower.
- Italian seasoning – For a more herby vibe. Sometimes I mix this with a little garlic powder too.
- Taco seasoning – Gives it a smoky, Tex-Mex twist.
How To Cook Cauliflower In The Instant Pot
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Season. Add the cauliflower to a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil, lemon juice, and the spices. Toss everything together until it’s well coated.
- Transfer. Pour the water into your Instant Pot, pop in the steamer basket, and place the cauliflower on top.
- Cook. Close the lid, turn the valve to Sealing, and hit Pressure Cook. Set it to 0 minutes on high pressure. It will cook while coming to pressure.
- Quick Release. As soon as it beeps, quick release the steam by turning the valve to Venting. That keeps the Instant Pot cauliflower from getting mushy. I like to sprinkle it with parsley or parmesan cheese.
My Recipe Tips
- Go with medium or large florets for the best texture. I usually cut them to about 1.5 to 2 inches wide and around 2 inches long. Tiny pieces cook too fast and can turn mushy, which is better if you’re making mashed cauliflower, but not ideal for this recipe.
- Don’t forget to add the water at the bottom. I’ve forgotten it before and got that dreaded burn notice. The water creates the steam that cooks the cauliflower, so it’s a must.
- I recommend using a steamer basket for this because it keeps the cauliflower together and makes it easy to lift out. You can use the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot, but some of the smaller pieces might slip through. I use this one that fits perfectly in my 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Yes, 0 minutes is the correct time. The cauliflower cooks as the Instant Pot comes to pressure, and it turns out tender with a little bite. If you like it softer, just cut the florets smaller and they’ll cook more during that time.
Serving Ideas
Not sure what to serve cauliflower in the Instant Pot with? Here are some easy mains:
- Steak – I love serving this with something classic like filet mignon or sirloin steak, but ribeye works great too if you want something extra rich.
- Chicken – You can’t go wrong with pan seared chicken breasts or baked chicken legs. Sometimes I go fancy and make saucy chicken piccata.
- Pork – Instant Pot Cauliflower makes an easy side for seared pork chops or garlic pork tenderloin. And, if you want something impressive, try stuffed pork chops.
- Seafood – While the cauliflower cooks, I usually sear some quick tilapia or flaky cod. If it’s a special night, I’ll go all out with seared scallops or crab stuffed salmon.
Instant Pot Cauliflower (Fast & Easy)
My quick and easy Instant Pot cauliflower comes out perfectly tender every time. Just toss it with spices, steam, and serve.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Place cauliflower florets into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
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Pour the water into the Instant Pot. Place the steamer insert inside and arrange the cauliflower over it.
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Close the Instant Pot lid and switch the knob to the Sealing position. Press the Pressure Cook button and set it to 0 (zero) minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 10-12 minutes to come to pressure, and at that point the cauliflower will be done.
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Use quick release to release pressure by turning the valve to Venting. Wait until steam stops coming out before opening the lid.
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Serve Instant Pot cauliflower warm, with chopped parsley on top if desired.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get perfectly crisp-tender cauliflower every time.
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas for easy mains to pair with your Instant Pot cauliflower.
- Store: Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Meal prep: I like making Instant Pot cauliflower ahead of time so it’s ready to go for cauliflower mac and cheese, potato salad, or honestly, any of my cauliflower recipes.
- Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave for a minute or two, giving it a stir halfway so it heats evenly. Or use the oven at 350 degrees F. I skip the Instant Pot here, it turns mushy fast.
- Freeze: Just toss it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Note on nutrition info: The optional parsley isn’t included in the nutrition info.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Instant Pot Cauliflower
9 Comments
Kmak
0Do you (or anyone else) have experience making this recipe starting with frozen cauliflower?
Recently the quality of fresh cauliflower has been horrible, so I’ve been using frozen cauliflower and been very happy.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi, I have not tried that yet. Please let me know your results if you do.
Elena
0I love cauliflower and am always so happy to find a new way of preparing it. This one was delicious. Great spices combination. Thanks!
Roxie
0I never tried a cauliflower with lemon on it before and this recipe is super must try. Easy and delicious.
Dana
0Yum! I don’t think I’ve ever had cauliflower this full of flavor. The texture was perfect, not too soft. This is a great quick side dish that everyone in my family enjoyed.
Journa Liz Ramirez
0This instant pot cauliflower recipe is definitely a must-try! It is so simple and easy yet it makes a great side dish.
jo
0How to make without instant pot steamer. Recipe sounds yummy.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jo, If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you may be more interested in my air fryer cauliflower recipe.
jo
0Thanks, will try it. ??