Marianne Martinez
Steaming asparagus is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable, preserving its texture and bringing out its flavour. It can be done on the stove or in the microwave, and it's a healthy cooking method that helps to retain the asparagus's nutrients and natural flavour. Here's how to do it in an electric steamer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Asparagus preparation | Wash and cut the asparagus, removing the woody ends. |
| Water amount | 3 cups, 1 inch of water, or 1/2 inch of water |
| Additional ingredients | Butter, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder |
| Cooking time | 3-10 minutes, depending on thickness |
| Cooking method | Electric steamer, microwave, stove |
What You'll Learn
Trimming the ends
Firstly, wash the asparagus thoroughly, especially the ends, as dirt and grit tend to collect in these areas. Use a vegetable peeler to remove any scales on the spears.
Next, you can trim the ends of the asparagus in one of two ways:
The "bend and snap" method: Hold the asparagus spear with both hands, one at the midpoint and the other near the root end. Gently bend the asparagus until it snaps. It will naturally break at the point where the woody part ends and the tender part begins. Discard the hard, woody bottom piece.
Alternatively, use a knife to trim the ends: Cut off about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) from the bottom of the asparagus spear. If the spears are thick and woody, you can also lightly peel the bottom part of the spear with a vegetable peeler to ensure maximum tenderness.
Once you have trimmed the ends, your asparagus is ready to be placed in the steamer. Remember to spread the spears out in the steamer basket to ensure even cooking.
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Boiling water in the steamer
Fill the bottom half of your electric steamer with water. You will need enough water to produce steam for around 5-10 minutes, so check your steamer's instructions for guidance. Some recipes suggest that you only need around half an inch of water in the pan, while others recommend 3 cups of water.
Some recipes suggest adding butter and salt to the water before boiling. You could also add other seasonings such as garlic or pepper.
Place the steamer basket inside the pan and bring the water to a boil. Make sure the water level is below the steamer basket so that the boiling water doesn't touch the asparagus.
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Steaming time
The steaming time for asparagus depends on its thickness. For thin asparagus, steaming will take 3 to 5 minutes. For thicker asparagus, it will take 5 to 10 minutes. You can check if the asparagus is done by piercing it with a knife or fork. The asparagus should be slightly tender, but still have a slight crunch. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus, as it will become limp and mushy and lose its bright colour.
If you are steaming asparagus in the microwave, place it in for 2 to 4 minutes, checking after about 2 and a half minutes. The asparagus is done when it turns bright green.
If you are using an electric steamer, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the steaming time.
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Seasoning options
There are many ways to season steamed asparagus. A simple option is to sprinkle the vegetable with salt and pepper. You can also add some olive oil and lemon juice to the asparagus to enhance its flavour and texture.
For a more complex flavour profile, you can add various seasonings, including onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. You can also try lemon pepper, Italian, or ranch seasoning. Additionally, toppings such as bacon bits and grated Parmesan cheese pair well with asparagus.
If you're looking for a sauce to accompany your asparagus, a simple combination of butter, garlic, and lemon juice works well. For a more elaborate option, you could use hollandaise sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or tahini.
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Storing leftovers
Place any leftover asparagus in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, although it is best to use it within 24 hours. While it will still taste delicious, leftover asparagus is rarely as vibrant and crisp as freshly cooked asparagus. If you have a lot of leftovers, consider chopping the asparagus and adding it to a pasta dish or salad. You could also wrap the spears in prosciutto slices for an improvised cold version of prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
To store asparagus long-term, you can blanch the asparagus and then freeze it.
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