This Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet is a simple, savory, and satisfying one-pan dish that brings out the best of earthy mushrooms and tender cauliflower. Sautéed with plenty of garlic and finished with herbs, it’s a perfect low-carb option for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish in under 30 minutes, using just one skillet and a handful of wholesome ingredients. It’s naturally low in carbs and gluten-free, making it a great fit for various diets. The garlicky flavor blends beautifully with the mushrooms’ umami and the cauliflower’s subtle sweetness. It also makes a versatile base—I can serve it as a vegetarian main, a side for grilled meats, or even top it with a fried egg.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cauliflower florets
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Mushrooms (cremini, white button, or a mix)
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Olive oil or butter
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Fresh thyme or parsley
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Directions
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I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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I add the mushrooms first, cooking them until they release their moisture and start to brown—about 5–7 minutes.
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I toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Next, I add the cauliflower florets and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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I cover the skillet and let everything cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower becomes tender and golden.
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I finish by sprinkling fresh thyme or parsley over the top before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main dish. It takes about 25 minutes in total: 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking.
Variations
I like to mix things up by adding a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness or grating some Parmesan cheese over the top. For a heartier dish, I sometimes toss in cooked chicken or crispy bacon. If I want to keep it vegan, I stick with olive oil and add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I just warm the skillet over medium heat until everything is hot, or I microwave it for a couple of minutes. If the dish feels a bit dry, I splash in a little water or broth while reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy?
I make sure to cook the mushrooms over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan so they can brown instead of steam.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, I can, but I prefer to thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid too much moisture in the skillet.
What kind of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
I usually use cremini or white button mushrooms, but shiitake or a wild mix adds extra depth and flavor.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and fits well into a ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare it a day ahead and just reheat it before serving. The flavors meld even more overnight.
Conclusion
This Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet is one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something fast, flavorful, and healthy. It’s easy to customize, stores well, and always delivers that rich garlicky comfort I crave. Whether I’m serving it as a side or enjoying it solo, it never disappoints.
Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet
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This Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet is a simple, savory one-pan dish featuring sautéed mushrooms and cauliflower with garlic and herbs. It’s a low-carb, gluten-free recipe perfect as a quick vegetarian main or a hearty side.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 as main, 4 as side
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups mushrooms (cremini, white button, or a mix), sliced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, until they release moisture and begin to brown.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cauliflower florets, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender and golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Top with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
- Can be enhanced with cooked chicken or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg