This is one of those recipes that feels almost too simple to share, but it’s exactly the kind of comfort food I reach for after a long workday. My uncle has made some version of this brown butter cauliflower for as long as I can remember, usually alongside a roast or grilled chicken. It’s just three ingredients, totally low carb, and the brown butter gives the cauliflower this rich, nutty flavor that makes it taste way more indulgent than it actually is. The cauliflower turns tender and almost “melty,” and the browned bits of butter cling to every little floret—perfect for when you want something cozy without a lot of effort or cleanup.
Serve this brown butter cauliflower as a side with simple roasted chicken, seared pork chops, or a grilled steak. It also works well next to baked salmon or pan-fried white fish, since the nutty butter plays nicely with mild, flaky fish. For a lighter meal, I’ll pile it into a bowl with a handful of arugula or spinach and a squeeze of lemon. If you’re feeding a mixed crowd, you can set it on the table with mashed potatoes or rice for everyone else, while you enjoy the cauliflower as your low-carb comfort side.
3-Ingredient Brown Butter Cauliflower
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds), cut into bite-size florets
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt, plus more to taste
Directions
Prep the cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves and core from the cauliflower, then cut it into bite-size florets. Rinse and drain well so there isn’t excess water clinging to the pieces.
Steam the cauliflower: Place a steamer basket in a large pot with about 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat, then add the cauliflower florets to the basket. Cover with a lid and steam for 7 to 10 minutes, until the cauliflower is very tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart. Turn off the heat, remove the basket, and let the cauliflower sit to steam off any extra moisture.
Start the brown butter: While the cauliflower steams, add the butter to a medium skillet or small saucepan. Set over medium heat and let the butter melt completely, then continue cooking, stirring or swirling the pan often.
