I love how this garlic butter skillet brings together earthy mushrooms and tender cauliflower in a buttery garlic sauce—ready in about 25 minutes and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I find this dish irresistibly satisfying because:
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It doubles as a hearty vegetarian main or a delicious side.
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Everything cooks in a single pan—minimal cleanup.
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The mushrooms caramelize so well they almost taste meaty.
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It’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
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The flavors are bold, buttery, and garlicky—everything I want in comfort food.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ onion, chopped
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½ head cauliflower, cut into florets
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1 pound mushrooms, cleaned
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2 tablespoons low-sodium vegetable stock
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
Directions
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I melt the butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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I sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until softened.
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I add the mushrooms and cook them for 4–5 minutes per side until they’re browned and have released their moisture.
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Then I stir in the cauliflower florets and let them cook for about 8–10 minutes until golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
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I pour in the vegetable stock and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce.
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I add the thyme, half of the parsley, and the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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I season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with the remaining parsley, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Vegan option: I replace the butter with more olive oil or a plant-based margarine.
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Add protein: I like to toss in some cooked chickpeas or white beans for a heartier dish.
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Boost flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan at the end adds a tasty twist.
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Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Different herbs: I switch parsley and thyme with rosemary or basil for variety.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm the skillet on the stove with a splash of water or broth until heated through.
I avoid microwaving too long to keep the veggies from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, I’ve used frozen cauliflower before. I make sure to thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet so it doesn’t steam too much.
What kind of mushrooms work best?
I usually go with cremini or white button mushrooms, but shiitake or portobello also work great if I want a deeper flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the veggies earlier in the day and store them in the fridge. Then I just sauté everything when I’m ready to cook.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Absolutely. Since it’s low in carbs and high in fats from butter and olive oil, it fits perfectly into a keto meal plan.
What can I serve this with?
I like to pair it with grilled chicken, quinoa, or serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This garlic mushrooms cauliflower skillet is my go-to when I want something fast, flavorful, and comforting without a lot of fuss. It’s full of texture, savory flavors, and comes together in one pan—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy side dish.

Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory and satisfying vegetarian skillet dish featuring caramelized mushrooms and crispy cauliflower in a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 pound (500 g) mushrooms, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons low‑sodium vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, melt butter with olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook 4–5 minutes per side, letting them brown and release moisture.
- Stir in cauliflower florets and cook until golden and crispy at the edges, about 8–10 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable stock and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce.
- Add thyme, half the parsley, and garlic; cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with remaining parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use vegan butter or extra olive oil for a vegan option.
- Add cooked barley or chickpeas for more substance.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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