Butter Cauliflower
This Butter Cauliflower recipe offers a quick, delicious, and nutritious vegetable side dish that infuses tender cauliflower florets with rich, creamy butter and aromatic garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, this buttery cauliflower becomes a flavorful staple for any meal.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Low Carb, Keto-Friendly
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head of fresh cauliflower, cut into uniform florets (about 4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Prepare the cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and chop it into uniform florets to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the garlic: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet and stir to coat them thoroughly with the garlic butter. Cover the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender yet slightly crisp.
- Season and finish: Season the cauliflower with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Just before serving, if desired, stir in freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Notes
- Choose fresh cauliflower with firm, creamy-white heads and no brown spots for best texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; give florets enough room to cook evenly and caramelize slightly.
- Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels.
- Adjust cooking time to achieve your preferred tenderness; test frequently to avoid mushiness.
- Add lemon juice only at the end to prevent bitterness and maintain fresh citrus zing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: butter cauliflower, quick vegetable side, garlic cauliflower, low carb side dish, easy cauliflower recipe, weeknight vegetable