Description
Garlic butter cauliflower delivers Mediterranean comfort on a plate, elevating this humble vegetable with rich, aromatic flavors. Crispy golden edges and creamy centers invite home cooks to savor a simple yet sophisticated side dish that promises memorable dining moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cauliflower head
Breadcrumbs and Seasonings:
- 30 g (⅓ cup) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Butter and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Craft toasted breadcrumb mixture by melting of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Incorporate breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and finely chopped parsley, stirring continuously until the mixture turns a delicate golden brown and develops a fragrant aroma.
- Carefully disassemble the entire cauliflower head into uniform, bite-sized florets ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
- Position florets in a steamer basket, allowing gentle steam to permeate for 7-10 minutes until vegetables become tender yet maintain a slight crispness when pierced with a fork.
- Select a spacious skillet and melt another tablespoon (15 milliliters) of butter, creating a golden cooking surface. Introduce steamed cauliflower florets, sprinkling with a pinch of kosher salt.
- Sauté the florets, rotating periodically to achieve an even, rich caramelized exterior on all sides, which will enhance the vegetable’s natural sweetness.
- During the final moments of cooking, introduce minced garlic, stirring vigorously to distribute the aromatic herb evenly across the cauliflower. Allow 30 seconds for flavors to meld and garlic to release its essential oils.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if required, then remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Just before serving, generously scatter the prepared toasted breadcrumb mixture over the cauliflower, ensuring maximum crunch and flavor retention.
Notes
- Toasting breadcrumbs beforehand adds a delightful crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy when sprinkled on the cauliflower.
- Steam cauliflower just until tender to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness, which keeps the vegetable’s nutritional value intact.
- Sautéing cauliflower in butter creates a golden-brown exterior that enhances flavor and provides a rich, caramelized texture.
- Timing is crucial when adding minced garlic to prevent burning and ensure a fresh, aromatic taste throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs immediately before serving to preserve their crispy texture and prevent them from becoming soft and soggy.
- Perfect as a quick side dish that transforms a simple vegetable into an elegant, restaurant-quality accompaniment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg