If you like using your Instant Pot for easy sides, try my Instant Pot broccoli, sweet & buttery Instant Pot corn on the cob, or baked potatoes next!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for cooking cauliflower in the Instant Pot, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Cauliflower – Find a whole head of cauliflower and cut into medium sized florets that are 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and 2 inches long.
Olive Oil – Adds flavor, and also helps the spices permeate the cauliflower. You can substitute avocado oil or any other oil you like. Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor and works well with this veggie’s naturally nutty taste. Seasonings – Including paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper for a touch of smoke and spice. Fresh Parsley – An optional garnish that brings out a bit more flavor in the cauliflower.
How To Cook Cauliflower In The Instant Pot
This section shows how to make Instant Pot cauliflower, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Medium to large cauliflower florets work best in the Instant Pot. Small ones will get too mushy (and are better for making mashed cauliflower).
How Long To Cook Cauliflower In The Instant Pot?
The best cooking time for cauliflower in the Instant Pot is 0 minutes for juicy and slightly crisp cauliflower. If you want a mushier cauliflower, simply cut the pieces smaller.
Storage Instructions
Store: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to four days. Meal prep: Make Instant Pot cauliflower ahead of time and use it for cauliflower mac and cheese, cauliflower potato salad, loaded cauliflower casserole, or any one of my cauliflower recipes. Reheat: Place cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warm. Stir cauliflower occasionally to prevent hot spots. You can also reheat in the oven if you like, at 350 degrees F. I don’t recommend reheating cauliflower in the Instant Pot, as it will get too mushy. Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With Instant Pot Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of the best vegetables to pair with easy mains:
Steak – For an elegant meal, you can’t go wrong with filet mignon, sirloin steak, ribeye steak, or even New York strip. Chicken – Try pan seared chicken breasts, baked buffalo chicken, chicken piccata, or simply crispy baked chicken legs. Pork – Pair cauliflower with pan seared pork chops, stuffed pork chops, or garlic pork tenderloin. Seafood – While you’re cooking cauliflower in the Instant Pot, make a quick seared tilapia filet, a flaky cod or halibut recipe for weeknights. You can also pair it with stuffed salmon with crab, pan seared scallops, or lobster tails for special occasions.
More Cauliflower Recipes
If you’re ready to go beyond plain cauliflower, I have dozens of easy cauliflower recipes with rich and savory flavor: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include the optional parsley. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle!
