How to Easily Cut Cauliflower into Steaks, Florets, and Rice

Cauliflower used to be seen as a bland, mushy vegetable served as a side dish. No more! Not only is cauliflower a good low-carb option for many recipes, but it's also packed with healthy vitamins (B6, C, and K) and fiber. In fact, one cup of raw cauliflower will get you 77% of your recommended daily vitamin C intake.

Thanks to its versatility, you can eat this cruciferous vegetable as a healthy alternative to rice, pizza crust, and even as hummus. Here are our tips on how to cut your next head of cauliflower with ease.

To start, make sure you've correctly washed your cauliflower and torn off the outer leaves with your hands. Next, you'll need a large cutting board and a sharp chef's knife ($100, Crate & Barrel).

How to Cut Cauliflower into Florets

Whether making plant-based buffalo wings or cutting cauliflower to eat with your veggie dip, you can cut cauliflower florets easily and without a mess.

1. Turn the head of cauliflower onto its side and, gripping it firmly, cut off the stem.
2. Cut the cauliflower head in half through the widest part.
3. Remove the core by holding the cauliflower from the top and slicing firmly from the highest part of the core to the cutting board.
4. Break off florets with your hands. The pieces should give and break easily. You can break them down into smaller pieces with your knife or hands.

How to Cut Cauliflower into Steaks

Thick, roasted cauliflower steaks make for pretty presentation for a vegetarian dinner option.

1. With the stem facing upward, slice off the sides with your knife and save them for another use.
2. Leaving the core intact, cut 1-inch-thick slices from the center of the vegetable.

How to Make Cauliflower Rice

Once you learn how to rice cauliflower at home, you won't want to spend money on the pre-riced versions at the store. It's okay if some crumbly pieces get away since they're going to get chopped up in your food processor ($80, Bed Bath & Beyond).

1. Cut cauliflower into coarse pieces or florets.
2. Place cauliflower pieces in your food processor. You don't want to overcrowd them, so you might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your appliance.
3. Pulse the cauliflower until all the pieces are rice-size.

If you don't have a food processor, you can also use a box grater ($45, Crate and Barrel) to make cauliflower rice—just know it will take some extra time and muscle. Rather than cutting the cauliflower into small pieces, use larger florets or half of the cauliflower head to start.

Now that you know how to cut cauliflower in different ways, enjoy some florets in your next taco night. Give it flavorful char with our delicious skillet-roasted cauliflower steaks served with jalapeño creamed spinach. Or try tweaking your rice dishes with cauliflower as the low-carb swap.