Need to know how to cut a cauliflower perfectly? Here's the only guide you need! We'll go over how to wash cauliflower for cutting, how to remove the stems and leaves from cauliflower, and how to cut cauliflower into florets in just a handful of simple steps!
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Choosing Cauliflower at the Store
You will need a whole head of fresh cauliflower. When choosing cauliflower at the store, avoid any that are a creamy color or that have brown spots, but if you did buy some with spots, you can cut the spots off and simply discard those parts.
When storing fresh cauliflower before cutting it, keep it in the refrigerator in your vegetable drawer to reduce exposure to moisture and allow it a longer shelf life. A whole head of cauliflower can last anywhere from five days to two weeks in the refrigerator; it should be obvious when it starts to go bad.
Tools for Cutting Cauliflower
- Knife: Use a sturdy, sharp chef's knife to cut cauliflower. These knives generally have a curved edge and are long enough to cut through a head of cauliflower. Do not use a dull knife, as cutting with a dull knife can be dangerous.
- Cutting Board: Use a sturdy wood or plastic cutting board to cut cauliflower. Ensure it is not warped. You need a stable surface to cut safely.
How to Wash Cauliflower
- Wash the whole cauliflower head under cool water to ensure it's clean. If you can see any debris, be sure to gently scrub it away. It's always a good idea to wash your vegetables, even if they might have been washed at the store.
- Pat the cauliflower completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then place it on a stable cutting board. It needs to be dry for it to be safe to cut, so make sure you dry it off well.
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How to Cut Cauliflower
Step 1
Pull off the large leaves around the base of the cauliflower. You can do this using your hands or a small knife - whichever is easiest for you.
Step 2
With one hand, hold the cauliflower steady stem-side down. Using a large sharp chefs knife, slice in half through the middle of the stem of the cauliflower.
Step 3
Take one half of the cauliflower and cut it in half. Repeat with the other half so that you have four quarters of cauliflower.
Step 4
Look at the base of each quarter. You will see a thick white part called the core. Cut at an angle to remove the core from each quarter. Be very careful when cutting out the core!
Step 5
Use your hands to break the cauliflower into smaller pieces (cauliflower florets). Or, use a knife to cut larger pieces in half, so all florets are about the same size to ensure even cooking. According to your preference, you can cut it into smaller florets or larger florets. You can also cut cauliflower steaks this way.
Step 6
Enjoy your cut cauliflower in all of your favorite cauliflower recipes, like our air fryer roast cauliflower recipe! We recommend using it right away, as cutting vegetables lessens their shelf life.
Cauliflower Recipe Ideas
- Roast cauliflower in the oven or air fryer seasoned with your favorite taco seasoning, then use the roasted cauliflower to make cauliflower tacos!
- Shave the cauliflower down into fine crumbles to make cauliflower rice!
- Roast cauliflower, then blend it down with other soup ingredients into a creamy cauliflower soup.
- Roasted cauliflower curry is amazing. You can use roast cauliflower as a substitute for other proteins, like chicken.
Have any questions, or need more help? Leave a comment below and let us know!
How to Cut Cauliflower
Equipment
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
Instructions
- Pull off the large leaves around the base of the cauliflower. You can do this using your hands or a small knife; whichever is easiest for you.
- With one hand, hold the cauliflower steady stem-side down. Using a large sharp chefs knife, slice in half through the middle of the stem of the cauliflower.
- Take one half of the cauliflower and cut it in half. Repeat with the other half so that you have four quarters of cauliflower.
- Look at the base of each quarter. You will see a thick white part called the core. Cut at an angle to remove the core from each quarter. Be very careful when cutting out the core!
- Use your hands to break the cauliflower into smaller pieces (cauliflower florets). Or, use a knife to cut larger pieces in half, so all florets are about the same size to ensure even cooking. According to your preference, you can cut it into smaller florets or larger florets. You can also cut cauliflower steaks this way.
- Enjoy your cut cauliflower in all of your favorite cauliflower recipes, like our air fryer roast cauliflower recipe! We recommend using it right away, as cutting vegetables lessens their shelf life.
Notes
- When shopping for cauliflower, avoid any that are a creamy color or that have brown spots. If you bought some with spots, cut off those parts and discard them.
- When storing fresh cauliflower, keep it in the refrigerator in your vegetable drawer to reduce exposure to moisture. This will allow it to have a longer shelf life.
- Wash the whole head of cauliflower underneath cool water to ensure it's clean, and scrub away any debris. Even if you think the store washed the cauliflower, you should clean it.
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