Description
This Easy Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet is a flavorful and healthy one-pan dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Fresh cauliflower florets and sautéed mushrooms are cooked with fragrant garlic, seasoned with Italian herbs, and finished with a drizzle of lemon juice. Optional Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch, while fresh parsley brings brightness. This versatile recipe is simple to prepare, vegan-friendly when using coconut oil and vegan cheese, and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 head Fresh Cauliflower (Choose firm heads without brown spots, cut into florets)
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (Cremini or shiitake, sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Or coconut oil for vegan option)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Drizzle before serving)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (Optional, substitute with vegan cheese)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Rinse the cauliflower and cut into bite-sized florets. Clean the mushrooms and slice them evenly. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their full aroma when cooked.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil or coconut oil. Allow it to warm up until shimmering but not smoking, to ensure even cooking of the vegetables and to enhance their flavors.
- Sauté garlic and mushrooms: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden and tender.
- Cook the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir well to combine. Season with salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and Italian seasoning. Cover the skillet and let the cauliflower cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender but still slightly crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam and soften the cauliflower without burning.
- Add finishing touches: Once the cauliflower is cooked to your liking, remove the lid and drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture. If desired, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly and stir until just melted. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer the garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet to serving plates and enjoy it hot as a healthy side or a light main dish.
Notes
- Use fresh and firm cauliflower to ensure the best texture.
- The recipe is vegan-friendly when using coconut oil and vegan cheese as substitutes.
- Add a splash of water or vegetable broth during cooking if the mixture starts to stick to the skillet.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper levels.
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for non-vegetarian meals.
