Steam Cooking Asparagus: A Healthy, Delicious Method

Steaming asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this tasty vegetable. It is a versatile method that can be used to create a range of dishes, from simple side dishes to mix-ins for pasta salads. Steaming is a gentle cooking technique that helps retain the asparagus's nutrients and natural flavour, resulting in a tender and tasty vegetable. There are several ways to steam asparagus, including using a steamer basket, a microwave, or a pot with a lid. The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the spears, but it generally takes between 3 to 10 minutes to achieve the perfect texture.

How to steam asparagus on the stove

Steaming asparagus is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable. It is also a healthy cooking method that helps retain the asparagus's nutrients and natural flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming asparagus on the stove.

Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus

Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus where they naturally break. You can do this by holding the spear with two hands – one at the midpoint and the other near the root end. Bend the asparagus until it snaps. Alternatively, you can cut off the ends with a knife. The bottom 1 to 1 1/2 inches of the asparagus can be dry and tough, so it is best to trim this part off.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer

You can steam asparagus with or without a steamer basket. If using a steamer basket, fill a large saucepan with about 1 inch of water and fit the basket inside. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket. If you don't have a steamer basket, simply add enough water to cover the bottom of a large skillet (about 3/4 cup for a 12-inch skillet).

Step 3: Steam the Asparagus

Place the asparagus in the steamer basket or skillet. Cover and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. If using a steamer basket, add the asparagus in an even layer and steam for 2 to 3 minutes. If steaming without a basket, steam the asparagus for 4 to 5 minutes. The asparagus is ready when it is tender and bright green.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Transfer the asparagus to a serving dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. You can also try other seasonings like lemon pepper, Italian or ranch seasonings. Enjoy!

How to steam asparagus in the microwave

Yes, you can steam asparagus in the microwave! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparing the Asparagus:

First, rinse and trim the asparagus. To trim the asparagus, simply snap off the woody ends where they naturally break. You can do this by holding the asparagus spear with two hands – one at the midpoint and the other near the root end. Bend the asparagus and it should snap off at the natural breakpoint. Alternatively, you can use a knife to cut off the ends.

Using a Microwave-Safe Container:

Find a microwave-safe container that fits the asparagus properly. Make sure the container is large enough so that the asparagus lays flat in a single layer without overlapping. If your asparagus is too long, you can chop them in half.

Adding Water:

Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the container, about 1 tablespoon. The water will help create steam and cook the asparagus evenly.

Covering the Container:

Cover the container with a lid or a larger microwave-safe plate. This will help trap the steam inside and ensure even cooking.

Microwaving the Asparagus:

Place the covered container with the asparagus in the microwave and cook on high heat. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears. For thin asparagus, cook for about 3 minutes. For thicker asparagus, start with 4-5 minutes and then adjust as needed. Check the asparagus for doneness and cook in additional 1-minute intervals if needed until it reaches your desired tenderness.

Removing from the Microwave:

Use oven mitts or tongs to carefully remove the container from the microwave, as it will be hot and steamy. Be cautious when removing the lid or plate, as there will be a lot of steam.

Seasoning and Serving:

Once the asparagus is cooked, you can season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favourite herbs and spices. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the flavour. Toss the asparagus gently to coat it with the seasonings. Serve the asparagus as a side dish or add it to your favourite recipes like pasta, salads, or crudités.

Storage:

Cooked asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Asparagus steaming time

Steaming asparagus is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable, and it can be done on the stove or in the microwave. The steaming time depends on the thickness of the asparagus spears.

To steam asparagus on the stove, first, trim the woody ends off the asparagus by snapping them off at the natural break point. Then, fill a wide skillet with a lid with about 0.5 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the asparagus in a steamer basket, then put the steamer basket in the skillet, opening the basket as wide as it can go. Cover the skillet with a tightly fitted lid and steam for about 3 minutes for thin spears and 5 minutes for thicker spears, or until the asparagus is tender but still a little firm.

To steam asparagus in the microwave, place the trimmed asparagus in a microwave-safe dish with 1 tablespoon of water, cover with a microwave-safe plate, and cook on high for approximately 3 minutes, or until the spears are tender but slightly firm.

Regardless of the cooking method, the key to perfectly steamed asparagus is to avoid overcooking it. It should be tender but still have a slight crunch.

Asparagus toppings

Steamed asparagus is a versatile dish that can be topped with various ingredients to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some ideas for asparagus toppings:

Lemon and Butter

A squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of melted butter is a classic combination that complements the delicate flavour of asparagus. The acidity of the lemon adds a bright, tangy note, while the butter provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel. You can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flavour.

Olive Oil and Vinaigrette

For a dairy-free option, olive oil is a great alternative to butter. A vinaigrette dressing, made with oil and vinegar, can also be drizzled over steamed asparagus for a tangy and refreshing taste. White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar are excellent choices for adding a unique twist.

Garlic and Parmesan

For a savoury and flavourful twist, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic over steamed asparagus. The sharpness of the garlic and the salty, nutty flavour of the Parmesan create a delicious combination.

Soy and Sesame

For an Asian-inspired flavour profile, drizzle steamed asparagus with soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil. This combination adds a savoury, umami taste and a unique aroma to the dish.

Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can be added to a mixture of white balsamic or white wine vinegar and olive oil for a fragrant and flavourful twist. Additionally, seasonings such as onion powder, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes can be sprinkled over the asparagus for an extra kick.

Asparagus serving suggestions

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be steamed, grilled, sautéed, boiled, roasted, or braised. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your asparagus dish:

• Lemon Pepper Asparagus: After steaming, toss the asparagus with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest. For an extra touch of flavour, add a drizzle of melted butter.
• Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic over steamed asparagus for a tasty and flavourful twist.
• Soy Sesame Asparagus: Drizzle steamed asparagus with soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavour profile.
• Balsamic Glazed Asparagus: Whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey, then drizzle over steamed asparagus for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Herb-Infused Asparagus: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to white balsamic or white wine vinegar and olive oil for a fragrant and flavourful touch.
• Asparagus in Pasta Salad: Cut steamed asparagus into 1-inch pieces and stir them into a pasta salad or rice noodle salad. Try it with a balsamic or Greek salad dressing.
• Asparagus in Green Salad: Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces and incorporate them into a green salad. Pair it with sliced hard-boiled eggs and a balsamic or Greek salad dressing.
• Asparagus Wrap Sandwich: Lay whole asparagus spears on top of your favourite wrap sandwich fillings. Try it with egg salad collard green wraps or edamame hummus veggie wraps.
• Cream of Asparagus Soup: Make a creamy and delicious asparagus soup with onions, peas, heavy cream, and asparagus. Enhance the flavour with herbs and spices like tarragon or thyme.
• Asparagus with Meat: Asparagus pairs well with chicken, beef, and seafood. Try it with BBQ baked chicken thighs, garlic herb tuna steak, or crab cakes.
• Asparagus and Eggs: Top asparagus with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast. You can also make an asparagus and egg scramble or an omelette.
• Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce: Roasted asparagus with hollandaise sauce makes for a delicious and light snack.
• Fried Asparagus: For a indulgent treat, dip asparagus in a classic beer batter and fry it. Serve it with a southern-style Outback Ranch dressing.
• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap asparagus with bacon or prosciutto for an easy and addictive appetiser.
• Asparagus with Cheese: Asparagus pairs well with various cheeses. Try baking asparagus wrapped in ham and sprinkled with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions