Butter Cauliflower is a creamy and flavorful dish that wraps cauliflower in a rich sauce, creating a comforting and indulgent meal. This Indian-inspired recipe captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option for dinner or a unique dish for entertaining guests, this Butter Cauliflower recipe will not disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Butter Cauliflower
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Butter Cauliflower recipe. First, it’s a rich and satisfying dish that delivers a burst of flavors in every bite. The combination of spices like garam masala and turmeric creates a depth that is irresistible. This creamy cauliflower can also be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet while keeping meals exciting and flavorful. Whether you choose to make a vegan Butter Cauliflower version or stick with the traditional, this dish is sure to please!

Ingredients for Butter Cauliflower
Gather these items:
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp. corn starch
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. ground turmeric (divided)
- 3 tsp. garam masala (divided)
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt (divided)
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil (divided)
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or canned coconut milk)
- Basmati rice for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Whole-milk Greek yogurt for garnish
How to Make Butter Cauliflower Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, corn starch, cumin, and 1/2 tsp each of turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower florets, tossing occasionally until browned, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer the cauliflower to the bowl with the corn starch mixture, toss to coat, then return to the skillet. Cook for another 7 to 8 minutes until charred and crisp-tender.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of olive oil and butter. Once melted, toss in chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes.
- Step 5: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in remaining spices and seasonings.
- Step 6: Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Step 7: Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and return crispy cauliflower to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over Basmati rice with Greek yogurt.
Pro Tips for the Best Butter Cauliflower
Keep these in mind:
- For a low-carb Butter Cauliflower, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chili powder.
- To enhance the texture, consider roasting the cauliflower florets instead of sautéing them.
- Make sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Butter Cauliflower
There are several delicious ways to enjoy your Butter Cauliflower. Serve it over fluffy Basmati rice for a complete meal or pair it with naan for a delightful experience. It also makes an excellent Cauliflower in Butter Sauce side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh salad.
How to Store and Reheat Butter Cauliflower
To store your Butter Cauliflower, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore its creamy texture. This dish is perfect for Butter Cauliflower for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Cauliflower
What’s the secret to perfect Butter Cauliflower?
The secret lies in the spices and the cooking technique. Sautéing the cauliflower until it’s charred brings out a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Using fresh spices also enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Can I make Butter Cauliflower ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rich Butter Cauliflower in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Butter Cauliflower?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure not to overcook the cauliflower to maintain its texture. Also, be mindful of the spice measurements, as too much can overpower the dish.
Variations of Butter Cauliflower You Can Try
If you want to experiment with flavors, consider making a Cauliflower Butter Curry by adding more spices and coconut milk. For a vegan version, simply replace the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives. You can also try different spices to create your unique Butter Cauliflower with spices.
For more information on the health benefits of cauliflower, you can visit Healthline.
Check out this homemade tomato sauce recipe to complement your Butter Cauliflower.
For a delicious side, consider making spaghetti with garlic and oil.
PrintRich Butter Cauliflower: A Creamy Delight for Dinner
A creamy and flavorful Butter Cauliflower dish enveloped in a rich sauce, making it a comforting and indulgent meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp. corn starch
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. ground turmeric (divided)
- 3 tsp. garam masala (divided)
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt (divided)
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil (divided)
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or canned coconut milk)
- Basmati rice for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Whole-milk Greek yogurt for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, corn starch, cumin, and 1/2 tsp each of turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Set aside.
- Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower florets, tossing occasionally until browned, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Transfer the cauliflower to the bowl with the corn starch mixture, toss to coat, then return to the skillet. Cook for another 7 to 8 minutes until charred and crisp-tender.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of olive oil and butter. Once melted, toss in chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in remaining spices and seasonings.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and return crispy cauliflower to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over Basmati rice with Greek yogurt.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg











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