The moment your fork slides in, drain it immediately. Do not let it sit in that hot water, thinking about its life choices. Leftover heat will keep cooking it, turning your perfect florets into a passive-aggressive mess.
I like to give it a quick shake in the colander. It’s like telling the cauliflower, “Alright, show’s over.” Then dress it with butter, cheese sauce, or just a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of flaky salt. That’s when the magic happens.
So, how long does cauliflower take to boil? About as long as it takes to sing the chorus of your favorite 90s song twice. Not too long, not too short. Just right for a veggie that doesn’t ask for much—except a little attention and a whole lot of salt.