Steaming Cauliflower Perfection With Your Instant Pot

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be roasted, stir-fried, or turned into soup or curry. It is also a great vegetable to cook in an instant pot. Here is a guide on how to cook cauliflower in an instant pot by steaming it.

First, cut the cauliflower into florets and rinse them. Then, add water to the instant pot, and place a steamer basket or trivet inside. Put the cauliflower florets in the basket/on the trivet, ensuring they are in even-sized pieces. Next, seal the pot and set it to high pressure for 0-1 minute. When the instant pot beeps, perform a quick pressure release. Finally, remove the cauliflower, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Cooking cauliflower in an instant pot is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare this tasty and nutritious vegetable.

How to prepare cauliflower for steaming

Preparing cauliflower for steaming is a simple process, and a great way to cook this tasty, healthy vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing cauliflower for steaming in an Instant Pot.

Step 1: Wash and Cut the Cauliflower

Firstly, you will need to wash the cauliflower head under running water to remove any dirt. Then, cut the cauliflower into equal-sized florets. You can do this by cutting the cauliflower in half, then into quarters, and then cutting out the core. The florets should then be easy to pull apart. Try to make the florets a similar size so that they cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot

Add water to the Instant Pot. You will need enough water to bring the pot to pressure, so use between 1 and 2 cups of water. Place the steamer basket or trivet into the Instant Pot.

Step 3: Add Cauliflower to the Instant Pot

Place the cauliflower florets into the steamer basket or onto the trivet. Try not to overcrowd the basket/trivet, as you want the steam to be able to circulate.

Step 4: Season the Cauliflower (Optional)

You can season the cauliflower with salt and pepper, or other dried herbs and spices, before steaming. This is an optional step, as you can also season the cauliflower after cooking.

Your cauliflower is now ready to be steamed! You can follow the instructions on your Instant Pot to begin the steaming process. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, healthy cauliflower!

How to set up the Instant Pot

To set up your Instant Pot, follow these steps:

Unboxing:

• Take the Instant Pot out of the box and remove the packaging.
• Take all the parts out of the pot and remove the plastic.
• Remove the little paper from under the pot by lifting it up.
• Pull the valve straight up to take it off, and remove the string/tag if there is one.
• Put the valve back on.
• Check the sealing ring for any cracks or issues by pulling it out of the lid.
• Put the ring back in – there is no "up" or "down" side.
• Slide the condensation collector on at the back of the Instant Pot.
• Peel the clear covering off the button panel.

Testing:

• Put the inner pot back in the machine and pour in 2 cups of water.
• Lock the lid by lining it up and twisting it clockwise. You'll hear a noise when it's right.
• Ensure the valve is closed (pointing to "Sealing").
• Press the "Manual" button and use the minus button to reduce the number to 2 minutes.
• Depending on your model, you may need to press "Start" to begin.
• After about 10 minutes, the Instant Pot will release steam out of the valve and pin area.
• When the pin stays up and the steam stops, the unit is up to pressure and the timer will begin counting down.
• When the timer is up, the IP will beep.
• You can then do a "quick release" by opening the valve, or let the pressure release naturally by letting it sit for about 15 minutes.
• You cannot open the lid until the pin is down and the pressure is released.
• When you open the lid, be cautious of the steam.

Your Instant Pot is now set up and ready to use!

How to cook the cauliflower

How to Cook Cauliflower in an Instant Pot

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water

Utensils

• Instant Pot
• Steamer basket or trivet
• Colander (optional)

Method

• Rinse the cauliflower and remove any leaves.
• Cut the cauliflower into equal-sized florets.
• Place the steamer basket or trivet into the Instant Pot.
• Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
• Place the cauliflower florets into the steamer basket or onto the trivet.
• Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to 'Manual', 'Pressure Cook' or 'Steam' for 0-1 minute on high pressure.
• When the Instant Pot beeps, perform a quick pressure release.
• Carefully remove the steamer basket or trivet and, if desired, place the cauliflower under cold running water or in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips

• For extra flavour, toss the cauliflower with melted butter and minced garlic, or olive oil.
• For a tasty salad, combine the cauliflower with white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic and parsley.
• For a treat, place the cauliflower in a baking dish, add sour cream and cheddar cheese, and bake until the cheese is bubbling.

How to serve the cauliflower

Now that you've cooked your cauliflower in the Instant Pot, it's time to serve it! Here are some ideas on how to do just that:

Seasoning

A simple way to serve cauliflower is to season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also get creative with other seasonings like curry powder, mixed herbs, or oregano.

With Butter and Garlic

For a tasty treat, toss your steamed cauliflower with melted butter and some minced garlic.

Salad

For a tangy salad, toss your cauliflower with white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, and parsley.

Casserole

Place the cauliflower florets in a baking dish, add a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bacon bits, and bake at 425° until the cheese is bubbly.

Loaded Mashed Cauliflower

Steam your cauliflower until it's soft, then mash it into a creamy consistency. You can find the complete instructions for this recipe online.

As a Side

Cauliflower makes a great side dish and can be served plain or with a sauce. Try a rich butter sauce, or a lemon butter caper sauce.

In a Smoothie

Blend your steamed cauliflower with ingredients like frozen fruit and peanut butter, and freeze for a healthy treat.

Freezing for Later

You can also freeze your cooked cauliflower florets for later use. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours before transferring to a zip-top bag. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to store the cauliflower

How to Store Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be stored, frozen, or pickled. Here are some tips to help you store cauliflower and prolong its freshness:

Storing Cauliflower in the Fridge

Cauliflower thrives in a dry, airy environment. If you've bought a whole, unwrapped cauliflower, store it loosely covered or in a perforated bag. This will allow airflow and prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to spoilage. Ensure the stem side faces upwards to prevent moisture from collecting on the florets. If you've purchased pre-cut cauliflower florets in a bag, poke a few small holes in the bag to allow airflow.

Removing Original Packaging

Most store-bought cauliflowers come in shrink-wrapped plastic. It is recommended to remove this packaging and place the cauliflower in a looser bag with openings or perforations to allow moisture escape. This will help extend the shelf life of your cauliflower.

Washing Cauliflower

Avoid washing cauliflower before storing it in the fridge, as moisture can cause it to spoil faster. Only wash the cauliflower right before you plan to use or cook it.

Freezing Cauliflower

If you want to store cauliflower for an extended period, you can freeze it. Here's how:

• Cut away any leaves and stems, and remove any brown spots.
• Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
• Blanch the florets by placing them in boiling water for about 3 minutes.
• Shock the cauliflower in ice water to stop the cooking process and extract moisture.
• Drain the florets and pat them dry.
• Place the dried florets on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid.
• Transfer the frozen florets to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.

By following these steps, you can effectively store cauliflower and maintain its freshness for a longer period.

Frequently asked questions