Steaming Asparagus: Quick Microwave Method

Cooking asparagus in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious vegetable. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the spears and your desired texture, but it generally takes between two and seven minutes. In this article, we will explore the best methods for microwave-steamed asparagus and provide tips for perfect results every time.

How to prepare asparagus for microwave steaming

Preparing asparagus for microwave steaming is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Wash the Asparagus:

Start by rinsing the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt, grit, or debris. Asparagus is typically grown in sandy soil, so a thorough rinse is important. You can also slowly bend the asparagus near the white, woody part, and it will naturally break off. Alternatively, if you are in a hurry, you can line up the asparagus and cut off the woody parts with a knife.

Trim the Asparagus:

Use a knife to trim about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) from the bottom of each spear. These ends tend to be woody and less appetizing. You can estimate the right breaking point by gently bending the spear near the bottom until you find a tender spot.

Prepare the Paper Towels (Optional):

If you plan to steam the asparagus using paper towels, dampen about four large paper towels with a quarter cup of water. Squeeze out any excess water so that the towels are damp but not soaking wet. Lay the damp paper towels on a counter, overlapping the edges slightly to form a continuous sheet.

Season the Asparagus (Optional):

At this point, you can season the asparagus with a sprinkle of salt or other desired seasonings. You can also add a tablespoon of water, orange juice, or white wine to enhance the flavour. However, if you plan to season the asparagus after cooking or want the natural flavour to shine through, you can skip this step.

Roll the Asparagus in the Paper Towels (For Steaming with Paper Towels):

Place the trimmed asparagus on the damp paper towels, keeping them in an even cluster. Carefully roll the paper towels around the asparagus to form a tightly packed bundle. Make sure the open seam side of the bundle is facing down to prevent the paper towels from unraveling during cooking.

Microwave the Asparagus:

Place the asparagus bundle or the asparagus in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave. For asparagus wrapped in paper towels, microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes. For asparagus in a dish, microwave on high for 3 minutes for thinner spears or 5 minutes for thicker spears. Check for doneness, and adjust cooking time as needed.

Serve the Asparagus:

After microwaving, use tongs or oven mitts to carefully remove the asparagus from the microwave, as it will be very hot. Unwrap the paper towels, being cautious of the steam, or remove the lid from the dish. Serve the asparagus immediately, and add a pat of butter, hollandaise sauce, olive oil, or your desired seasonings or dressings.

How long to microwave asparagus for

Microwaving asparagus is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable. The cooking time will depend on the texture you want to achieve and the thickness of the asparagus stalks.

Crisp Asparagus

For crisp asparagus, you should microwave the vegetable for 3-4 minutes. This will give you spears that are tender but still have a bit of crunch.

Tender Asparagus

For tender asparagus, you should microwave for 4-7 minutes. This will give you spears that are soft and easy to chew.

Super Thin Stalks

If you're cooking super thin stalks, around the thickness of a pencil, 3 minutes in the microwave should be enough.

Medium Thickness Stalks

For asparagus that is around half an inch thick, you should microwave for 4-5 minutes. This will give you al dente asparagus, with a bit of snap.

Thick Stalks

For thicker stalks, you may need to microwave for up to 6 minutes. Start with 4-5 minutes and then cook in 1-minute intervals until the desired texture is achieved.

Checking for Doneness

You can check if your microwaved asparagus is done by piercing it with a fork. If the asparagus is not tender enough, simply microwave it for another minute and check again.

Tips

• It's important not to overcook asparagus, as it can become stringy and mushy. Aim for tender but not limp spears.
• Make sure to use a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to lay the asparagus flat so that the stalks cook evenly.
• You can add a little water, orange juice, or white wine to the dish before microwaving to boost the flavour.

How to serve steamed asparagus

• Prepare the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus thoroughly to remove any dirt. Then, trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. You can do this by slowly bending the asparagus close to the white, woody part until it naturally breaks off. Alternatively, if you are in a rush, you can line them up and cut them where the woody parts end.
• Microwave the asparagus: Find a microwave-safe container or bowl that is large enough to fit the asparagus. Add a tablespoon of water to the container, and lay the asparagus flat so that the stalks cook evenly. Avoid crowding or placing them on top of each other. Cover the container with a lid or a larger plate. Microwave the asparagus for 3 minutes for al dente asparagus, or for 5 minutes if the asparagus is thicker than half an inch. If you desire a softer consistency, cook in additional 1-minute increments until you reach your desired softness.
• Remove from the microwave: Use oven mitts to carefully remove the asparagus from the microwave, as it will be super hot. Be cautious when removing the lid or plate, as there will be a lot of steam.
• Season the asparagus: You can dress the warm asparagus with a pat of butter, hollandaise sauce, olive oil, vinaigrette, or a simple sauce of melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, such as onion powder, dried thyme, or red pepper flakes.
• Serve: Steamed asparagus makes a great simple side dish for any meal. It is best served immediately while still warm and crispy. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

How to store cooked asparagus

Storing cooked asparagus correctly is essential to maintaining its quality and safety. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store cooked asparagus:

Refrigerate within two hours:

It is important to refrigerate cooked asparagus within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety and maintain its quality.

Use airtight containers:

Store the cooked asparagus in shallow airtight containers. You can also wrap the asparagus tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap to maximise shelf life.

Maintain optimal temperature:

Keep the cooked asparagus in the refrigerator, where it will last for 3 to 5 days. Cooked asparagus should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria can grow rapidly between 40 °F and 140 °F.

Check for spoilage:

Before consuming, always check if the cooked asparagus has gone bad. The best way to determine this is by smelling and looking at the asparagus. Discard the asparagus if it has an unpleasant odour or appearance.

Freeze for longer storage:

If you wish to store cooked asparagus for an extended period, consider freezing it. Place it in covered airtight containers, heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap it tightly in freezer wrap or aluminium foil. Frozen asparagus will maintain its best quality for 10 to 12 months but can be safely stored indefinitely at 0°F.

Consume thawed asparagus promptly:

Once you have thawed the frozen asparagus, make sure to consume it within 3 to 4 days if thawed in the refrigerator. If you thaw it in the microwave or cold water, it should be eaten immediately.

How to make garlic butter dressing for asparagus

To make garlic butter dressing for asparagus, you will need butter, garlic, and asparagus. The amount of butter and garlic you will need depends on how much asparagus you are cooking. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 cup of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic for every pound of asparagus.

Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus

Start by rinsing the asparagus thoroughly to remove any dirt. Then, trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears. You can do this by slowly bending the asparagus near the white, woody part, and it will naturally break off. Alternatively, you can line up the spears and cut them where the woody parts end.

Step 2: Cook the Asparagus

There are two main ways to cook asparagus in the microwave: using a microwave steamer or a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave Steamer Method:

• Soak four paper towels in water and squeeze out the excess water.
• Place the asparagus on the paper towels and wrap the towels around the asparagus to form a bundle.
• Microwave the bundle on high for 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears.
• Carefully remove the bundle from the microwave using tongs and unwrap the paper towels.

Microwave-Safe Bowl Method:

• Place the trimmed asparagus spears in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of water (about 1 tablespoon).
• Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or lid.
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
• Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts, and be careful when removing the lid, as hot steam will escape.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Dressing

• Allow the butter to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you plan to use it.
• Mince the garlic cloves.
• Use a fork to mix the softened butter and minced garlic until the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter.

Step 4: Dress the Asparagus

• Place the cooked asparagus on a serving plate.
• Add a dollop of garlic butter to the asparagus and toss gently to coat the spears.
• Serve immediately.

You can also add other seasonings to taste, such as salt, pepper, lemon juice, or olive oil. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions