This Easy Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet is a tasty dish that brings together fresh cauliflower and mushrooms with a hint of garlic. It’s quick to make and full of flavor!
You can whip this up in a pinch, and it’s a great way to sneak in more veggies. I love to serve it as a side or even over rice. It’s just so good! 🥦🍄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! Look for firm and fresh heads without dark spots. If you’re out of cauliflower, broccolini or even broccoli can work nicely as substitutes.
Mushrooms: I used cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but baby bella or even white button mushrooms are great choices too. If you’re looking for a different taste, try using shiitake mushrooms!
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the flavor. If you prefer, garlic powder can be a quick substitute—use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove, but it won’t pack the same punch.
Olive oil or Butter: Olive oil is a healthier choice, but butter gives a wonderful flavor. You could use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure the Cauliflower and Mushrooms Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting that perfect tenderness and nice browning takes some careful attention. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot skillet; this helps to sear the ingredients and brings out their natural flavors.
- When adding cauliflower, give it a few minutes on its own to brown slightly before adding the mushrooms. This helps both cook perfectly.
- Stir occasionally but not too often—let them sit long enough to brown slightly on the bottom.
- Keep an eye on the heat; if it’s cooking too fast and starting to burn, lower it a little.
This way, you’ll have a flavorful and beautifully cooked skillet dish to enjoy!
Easy Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 8 oz mushrooms (such as cremini or baby bella), halved or quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Estimate:
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, leading to a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Begin by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough that it shimmers but not so hot that it smokes.
2. Sauté Onions:
Add the diced onions to the skillet. Sauté them until they become translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much!
4. Cook Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet. Stir the florets well so they’re coated with the oil, garlic, and onions. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, allowing some edges to turn golden brown.
5. Mix in Mushrooms:
Now, add the mushrooms to the skillet. Season everything with some salt, pepper, and add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Stir to mix it all together.
6. Cook Until Tender:
Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their juices and both the cauliflower and mushrooms are tender and beautifully browned. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, easy dish as a delightful side or a light vegetarian main!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery while cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Creamier?
If you want a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking. This will give the dish a rich flavor and velvety consistency!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to revive the dish and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Skillet?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different vegetables may take longer or shorter to cook. Enjoy experimenting!
