Steaming Fresh Asparagus: A Quick, Tasty Guide

Steamed asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be prepared in just a few simple steps. With a mild flavour and perfect crunch, asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be steamed, grilled, roasted, or sautéed. This recipe will guide you through the process of steaming asparagus, resulting in a tender and tasty dish that can be served hot or cold. By following these steps and adding your preferred seasonings, you can create a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

Trimming and preparing asparagus for steaming

Once trimmed, place the asparagus in a steamer basket, which should be set inside a large pan with a tight-fitting lid. The water level in the pan should be low enough that it doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, then place the steamer basket in the pan, cover, and steam until the asparagus is tender but still slightly firm. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the spears, but it should take between 3 and 10 minutes.

Steamer pan sets and alternatives

A steamer pan set is a great option for cooking asparagus, and there are several alternatives to choose from. Here are some options to consider:

• Traditional steamer pan set: This type of set typically includes a bottom pan for boiling water and a top pan with holes that fits on top, allowing the asparagus to steam.
• Always Pan: With its eye-catching colours and creative design, the Always Pan has become famous for its versatility and ability to replace up to eight pieces of cookware. However, it may be relatively expensive and may not have all the features you're looking for.
• Always Pan alternatives: There are several alternatives to the Always Pan that offer similar versatility but are generally larger, oven-safe, and capable of handling high-heat cooking. Some options include the Ninja Foodi NeverStick PossiblePan, the TIBORANG 7-in-1 Multipurpose Pan, the Tramontina All-in-One Plus Pan, and the Goodful All-in-One Pan. These options typically include accessories such as steamer baskets, lids, and spatulas.
• Stovetop steamers: If you don't want to invest in a full steamer pan set, you can opt for a stovetop steamer insert that fits into a pot you already own. These come in various materials, including stainless steel, silicone, and even bamboo.
• Electric steamers: For those who want a more convenient option, electric steamers are a great choice. They come in stackable, perforated trays or divided compartments for cooking different foods simultaneously. Some popular options include the Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer and the Bella Two Tier Food Steamer.

When choosing a steamer pan set or alternative, consider your specific needs, such as the desired capacity, oven-safety, heat tolerance, and included accessories.

How to steam asparagus

Ingredients

• Asparagus
• Butter
• Salt
• Lemon
• Olive oil
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Method

• First, prepare your asparagus by trimming the woody ends off the spears. You can do this by snapping them off at their natural break or cutting them with a knife. If you are using thicker asparagus, peel the ends lightly with a vegetable peeler.
• Next, fill a large saucepan or skillet with an inch or two of water and place it on the stove. You can also add some butter and salt to the water if you wish.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• While you are waiting for the water to boil, place the asparagus spears in the top half of a steamer pan set or in a steamer basket. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a steamer basket inserted into a large pot or a heat-proof plate resting on top of the water in the pot.
• Once the water is boiling, carefully place the steamer basket or pan set containing the asparagus into the saucepan. If you are using a plate, arrange the asparagus on top of it.
• Cover the saucepan and steam the asparagus for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears. The asparagus should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
• Remove the asparagus from the steamer and transfer it to a serving dish.
• To finish, drizzle the asparagus with melted butter, olive oil, and lemon juice, and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to serve steamed asparagus

Steamed asparagus is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to serve this tasty vegetable:

Preparation

Before serving, it is important to prepare the asparagus correctly. Start by trimming the dry, woody ends off the asparagus spears. You can snap them off at the natural breakpoint or cut them with a knife. If your spears are thick, lightly peel them with a vegetable peeler.

Steaming

The next step is to steam the asparagus. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave. For stove-top steaming, use a steamer pan set, a steamer basket inserted into a large pot, or a collapsible steamer inside a saucepan. Add water to the bottom of your chosen steamer and bring it to a boil. Place the asparagus in the steamer, cover, and steam until tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the spears, but it usually takes around 3-5 minutes for thinner spears and 5-10 minutes for thicker ones. You can also steam asparagus in the microwave by placing the spears in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water, covering them, and cooking for 3 minutes or until tender.

Seasoning

Once your asparagus is steamed, it's time to season it. You can keep it simple with a drizzle of olive oil, melted butter, or vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also get creative with seasonings and flavour additions. Some popular options include lemon juice, garlic, parmesan cheese, soy sauce, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs.

Serving Ideas

Steamed asparagus can be served as a side dish or incorporated into other recipes. Here are some ideas:

• Serve it as a simple side dish with a squeeze of lemon or your chosen seasoning.
• Toss it with butter, olive oil, or vinaigrette, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Create different flavour variations like garlic parmesan, soy sesame, balsamic glazed, or herb-infused asparagus.
• Cut the steamed asparagus into 1-inch pieces and add them to a pasta salad, rice noodle salad, or green salad.
• Lay the whole spears on top of your favourite wrap sandwich fillings.
• Pack cold, cooked asparagus for a picnic and dip them into your favourite dressing.
• Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven and serve them as a quick and easy side.

Storing and reheating steamed asparagus

Asparagus is notoriously difficult to reheat without it turning mushy. The best way to reheat steamed asparagus is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and heat the asparagus for 4-7 minutes, or 3-4 minutes in a toaster oven. You can cover it with foil if you want a ‘steamed’ effect.

If you're only reheating one portion, it may be excessive to heat up the whole oven. In that case, you can use a microwave or fry the asparagus in a skillet. To reheat in the microwave, lay the asparagus on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Alternatively, wrap the asparagus in the paper towel in a spiral shape. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds.

To reheat asparagus in a skillet, heat a small amount of oil or butter in a pan. Add the asparagus and heat for 2-3 minutes, rotating the spears so they heat evenly on all sides.

When storing raw asparagus, cut the woody stems off and store the spears upright in a jar, with the bottoms submerged in an inch of water. Then, put a plastic bag over the exposed tips to protect them. The asparagus tips will last for around 5 days submerged in water. If you don't have space in your fridge to store the asparagus upright, wrap the root end of the stalks in wet paper towels and place them in an open airtight container or plastic bag.

To store cooked asparagus, wait for it to cool to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container in the fridge. The asparagus will last for 4-5 days. If you know in advance that you want to store the asparagus, slightly undercook the spears to ensure they stay crunchy after reheating.

Frequently asked questions