Sauteed Cauliflower

This crunchy, tacky Sauteed Cauliflower has me over right here make the identical facet dish on repeat a number of instances a month these days. It’s jaw-droppingly simple to drag collectively, and my boys prefer it a lot they snag items proper out of the pan.

In the event you’ve been studying this weblog for some time, you already know that I’m a longtime fan of straightforward, satisfying, and simply downright tasty facet dishes that I can throw collectively on busy nights, and sides like sauteed broccoli and asparagus are sometimes seen on my meal plan.

And this cauliflower? It falls proper in keeping with that: hearty, tacky, and simply plain simple to make. From begin to end, all of the prep and cooking for the dish could be finished in lower than half-hour with a minimal of fuss.

I really like the distinction of textures on this dish, too. The tacky cauliflower and crunchy breadcrumbs pair collectively so nicely. Considered one of my boys, usually a fierce critic of any dish containing cauliflower, even got here again for seconds!

cheesy, crunchy cauliflower in stainless pan

Substances and Substitutions

Cauliflower – Cauliflower is a superb vegetable for making saucy, flavorful dishes. It absorbs a lot taste, and provides a satisfying crunch that I simply can’t get sufficient of.

Breadcrumbs – Panko is my go-to for this. However, I’m not tremendous model loyal on breadcrumbs.

The Cheese – You’ll love the nuttiness that Parmesan cheese brings with it.

The Butter – I solely use salted butter in my recipes, until in any other case specified.

Salt & Pepper – Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. At all times

Notes on Tools

Oven Safe Skillet – I take advantage of this heavy responsibility 12″ metal frying pan practically on daily basis. This factor is a complete champ, it doesn’t matter what I’m cooking. And it’s oven and broiler secure to 800°F.
Chef’s knife
Reducing board
Microplane or grater for the cheese

The way to Make Sauteed Cauliflower

Getting ready the Substances – Earlier than I begin cooking, I often shred the Parmesan cheese and set it apart within the fridge for later. I additionally chop the cauliflower at this stage.

Melting the Butter – I soften a tablespoon of butter over medium-high warmth in a big oven-safe skillet.

Including Breadcrumbs – As soon as the butter has melted, you’lll toss the bread crumbs into the butter and provides them a fast stir to coat them.

Sauteing – You’ll need to let the breadcrumbs cook dinner within the pan for about 2 minutes, till nicely toasted and golden.

Reserving the Breadcrumbs – As soon as the breadcrumbs have browned, switch them from the warmth to a plate to chill shortly, earlier than they get too brown, as they’ll carry over some warmth and proceed browning for a number of moments after they’re on the plate. Set that apart.

Simmering the Cauliflower – Return the pan to the range over medium-low warmth and add the cauliflower to the pan, together with 2 tablespoons of water. You’ll need to cowl the pan with a lid and let the cauliflower cook dinner for about 5 minutes. Then, uncover the pan, improve the warmth to medium, and proceed to cook dinner till any remaining water has evaporated.

adding splash of water to sauteeing cauliflower

Including Butter Once more – At this level, I add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and permit it to soften utterly.

Cooking – You’ll need to let the cauliflower cook dinner till browned, stirring often. It must be fork tender, however nonetheless a lot crisp. I discover that this often takes about 8-10 minutes.

Seasoning – I season the cauliflower generously with salt and pepper at this level.

Topping with Cheese – Now could be after I’ll sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower, cowl the skillet with a lid, and switch off the warmth. Let that sit till the cheese has melted.

Serving – As soon as the cheese has melted, high with the toasted breadcrumbs and serve instantly.

close up of breadcrumb and parmesan topped cauliflower

Knowledgeable Tip

After including the breadcrumbs to the melted butter within the skillet, it’s necessary to stir shortly to coat them with the butter. That mentioned, don’t rush toasting the breadcrumbs themselves. It may be simple to blacken the breadcrumbs, fairly than browning them; as soon as blackened, they are going to lose their nutty taste and style bitter. I sometimes sauté breadcrumbs for about two minutes, however relying on how shortly they brown in your pan it’s possible you’ll need to flip down the warmth a bit and cook dinner for barely longer.

Chopping the Cauliflower – Take the time to fastidiously chop your cauliflower into uniform, 1-1½ inch items if you’re prepping every thing. It will enable the parts to cook dinner and brown evenly.

Browning the Cauliflower – Equally, it often takes 8-10 minutes to cook dinner the cauliflower in my pan. However, your mileage might fluctuate. The purpose is for the cauliflower to be uniformly golden-brown and al dente.

When to Add Cheese – Associated to that purpose of al dente texture, I add the Parmesan cheese to the pan when the cauliflower is fork-tender however nonetheless crisp. After the warmth is turned off, it’ll proceed to steam briefly because the cheese melts.

Serving Ideas

This cauliflower would pair nicely with Skillet Pork Chops or Baked Italian Chicken, with some Rice Pilaf. And it could even be terrific with some Cajun Steak Bites and a Brussels Sprouts Salad.

Make Forward & Storage

Make Forward: I don’t suggest making this dish upfront. The crispiness of the breadcrumbs and cauliflower shall be misplaced with reheating.

The way to Retailer: You’ll need to retailer these leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge.

The way to Reheat: I often simply reheat the cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish within the microwave.

Sauteed cauliflower in skillet with serving spoon and blue napkin on table

Extra Cauliflower Recipes

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

How typically ought to I be stirring the cauliflower?

I like to recommend keeping track of the cauliflower, stirring each minute or two. As a basic guideline for cooking greens on the stovetop, you’ll need to flip as typically as wanted to attain a pleasant brown sear on as many sides as doable.

Why is my cauliflower sticking to the pan?

In case your cauliflower isn’t absolutely cooked but, however is sticking to the pan, you might have both not added sufficient butter to the skillet after uncovering or forgotten to cut back the range to medium-low warmth when simmering.

How can I test to see if the cauliflower is completed?

After I’m cooking greens within the skillet, I often test for doneness with a fork. The consistency must be al dente, barely tender however nonetheless agency sufficient for there to be a crunch.

In a big oven-safe skillet, soften 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high warmth. Add the bread crumbs and stir shortly to coat. Saute with stirring often for about 2 minutes, till toasted. Take away from the warmth, switch to a plate, and let cool.
Return the pan to the range over medium-low warmth. Add the cauliflower to the pan, together with 2 tablespoons of water. Cowl with lid and cook dinner for about 5 minutes on a low simmer. Uncover, improve the warmth to medium, and permit the water to evaporate.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and permit it to soften. Proceed cooking the cauliflower, stirring often, for about 8-10 minutes, till browned. Season generously with salt and pepper.
When the cauliflower is fork tender, however nonetheless crisp, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cowl with lid and switch off the warmth. When the cheese has melted, high with the toasted breadcrumbs. Serve heat.