Are you tired of boring, bland vegetable sides that make your dinner guests yawn? Prepare to revolutionize your culinary repertoire with this mind-blowing Cauliflower with Mustard Lemon Butter recipe! In just 30 minutes, you'll transform an ordinary cauliflower into a gourmet sensation that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This zesty, creamy, and utterly irresistible dish proves that vegetables can be the star of any meal, not just a forgettable afterthought.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower by washing it thoroughly under cold running water. Carefully cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size to promote uniform cooking.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should be well-seasoned with enough salt to taste like seawater.
- Gently add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still retain a slight crispness. Avoid overcooking to maintain the vegetable's texture and nutritional value.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the mustard lemon butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat until it becomes smooth and starts to foam slightly.
- Remove the butter from heat and whisk in the Dijon mustard, ensuring it is fully incorporated and creates a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the butter mixture, stirring to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain it thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess water to prevent diluting the sauce.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a serving dish and immediately drizzle the warm mustard lemon butter over the top, ensuring each floret is generously coated.
- Serve immediately while the cauliflower is hot and the butter sauce is warm, garnishing with additional fresh cracked pepper if desired.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your cauliflower florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Salt Your Water: Don't be shy with salt when boiling the cauliflower. A well-seasoned water bath is key to flavorful vegetables.
- Watch the Clock: Aim for that perfect 5-7 minute boiling window - you want tender cauliflower with a slight bite, not mushy disappointment.
- Butter Technique: Melt butter slowly over medium-low heat to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, silky sauce.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice just can't compare.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the butter sauce still warm and glossy. Timing is everything!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
