Transform your weeknight dinners with this flavorful sautéed cauliflower recipe, a quick and easy dish that showcases tender, golden-brown cauliflower infused with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish combines simple pantry staples like olive oil, fresh parsley, and a hint of spice for a light yet satisfying side dish or main course. Perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of cauliflower, this recipe uses a clever steaming technique to achieve a crisp-tender texture before finishing with a fragrant sauté. Garnished with fresh parsley and a bright squeeze of lemon juice, it’s a versatile, low-carb, and gluten-free option that will become a household favorite. Serve it alongside roasted proteins or enjoy on its own for a vibrant vegetarian delight!
Separate the cauliflower into small florets and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet in an even layer. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the cauliflower for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown slightly.
Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet, cover with a lid, and let the cauliflower steam for another 5 minutes over medium heat until tender but still slightly crisp.
Remove the lid and continue sautéing for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the water to evaporate completely and the cauliflower to develop some golden edges.
Drizzle with lemon juice and stir to coat evenly.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving warm as a side dish or light main course.
Calories |
559 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.1 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2100 mg | 91% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 171 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 2011 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.