Steaming Asparagus: How Long For Perfect Spears?

Steaming asparagus is a fast and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable. It is a simple recipe that highlights the unique flavour and texture of asparagus. To steam asparagus, pour about 1 inch of water into a saucepan, trim the asparagus and place it in a steamer basket. Place the steamer basket in the saucepan, cover, and steam until the asparagus is tender, which can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the spears.

Trimming the ends

Firstly, it is important to wash the asparagus thoroughly as it can be quite dusty. Then, take each individual spear and bend it until it snaps. This will naturally break off the woody, dry end of the spear. The asparagus spear will snap at the point where it becomes too tough and fibrous to eat. This ensures that only the tender, edible part of the spear remains.

After snapping off the woody ends, use a sharp knife to trim the ends neatly. This will make the asparagus spears look more presentable and also ensure that they cook evenly. If you are using thicker asparagus spears, you may also need to lightly peel the ends with a vegetable peeler. This is because the thicker stalks can be tougher and more fibrous. However, if you are using thin asparagus spears, peeling is usually not necessary.

Once the ends have been trimmed and peeled (if needed), the asparagus is ready to be placed in the steamer. Remember to not overcook the asparagus, as this can affect its delicate flavour and texture. Aim for tender-crisp asparagus that is bright green in colour.

Steamer setup

To cook asparagus in a steamer, you will need a steamer pan set, or a steamer basket and a large pot, or a collapsible steamer and a large saucepan. You will also need a lid for your chosen setup. If you are using a steamer basket, you will need to trim the asparagus spears to fit into the basket.

For the steaming process itself, you will need to add water to the bottom half of your setup. The water level should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) high. If you are using a steamer pan set, you can also add butter and salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil.

Timing

The cooking time for asparagus in a steamer will depend on the thickness of the spears. The thicker the asparagus, the longer it will need to be steamed. For thin asparagus, steam for around 3 minutes. Medium-thickness asparagus should be steamed for around 5 minutes. Very thick asparagus can take up to 8 minutes. You will know the asparagus is done when it turns bright green and is tender but still crisp. If the asparagus is overcooked, it will become mushy and bland.

To prepare the asparagus for steaming, trim the dry ends off the spears. If the asparagus is thick, peel them lightly with a vegetable peeler. Place the spears in the steamer basket and set the basket in a saucepan with boiling water. Cover and steam until the asparagus is tender.

If you are cooking a large quantity of asparagus, you can pile them on top of each other in a steamer in a large saucepan. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the spears, but it may take slightly longer for the asparagus to cook through.

Seasoning

The seasoning you use on your asparagus will depend on your personal preference, but salt and pepper are the most commonly recommended seasonings. You can use kosher salt or regular table salt. Freshly ground black pepper is also a popular choice.

Other seasonings you could try include garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. You can also finish the asparagus with grated lemon zest, a small amount of butter, and some minced flat-leaf parsley.

If you want to get creative, you can also try using grated Parmesan cheese, vinaigrette, or a sauce like hollandaise, ranch, blue cheese, or tahini.

Serving suggestions

Steamed asparagus is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Hollandaise Sauce: For a classic and indulgent option, serve steamed asparagus with a generous drizzle of Hollandaise Sauce. This creamy, egg-yolk-based sauce adds a rich and tangy flavour to the dish.
• Melted Butter: A simple yet effective topping, melted butter enhances the natural flavour of the asparagus. For an extra touch of elegance, use unsalted butter and add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of flat-leaf parsley.
• Vinaigrette: For a lighter option, dress your steamed asparagus with a vinaigrette. This combination adds a tangy and refreshing twist to the dish. You can also serve it with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavour.
• Seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with seasonings. A generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper is always a good choice, but you can also try other seasonings like onion powder, dried thyme, or red pepper flakes to add an extra layer of flavour.
• Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over your steamed asparagus for a savoury and indulgent touch. You can also try wrapping the asparagus in prosciutto slices for an elegant and flavourful appetiser.
• Dips: Asparagus can be a perfect vehicle for dips such as cream cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. This option is especially appealing if you're serving the asparagus as a snack or appetiser.
• Main Course Pairings: Steamed asparagus goes well with a variety of main dishes. Try serving it alongside garlic Parmesan flounder, creamy Tuscan chicken, or gluten-free chicken tenders. It's a versatile side that can complement a range of flavours and cuisines.

Frequently asked questions