Steaming Asparagus: A Quick, Healthy, Delicious Dish

Steamed asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this delicious springtime vegetable. It's a versatile side dish that goes well with a variety of meals and only takes a few minutes to prepare. By steaming asparagus, you can avoid using butter or oil, making it a lighter option. In this guide, we'll cover the simple steps to cook tender and tasty asparagus, as well as some serving suggestions and tips to avoid overcooking.

Trimming the asparagus

The best way to trim asparagus is by snapping off the ends. Hold the base of the asparagus spear between your thumb and index finger, and place your other hand about 2-3 inches higher up on the stem. Bend the asparagus until it snaps, then discard the tough end. Repeat this process for all the spears. This method ensures that you only remove the woody part and retain as much of the edible portion as possible.

If you are using thicker asparagus spears, you may also need to lightly peel them with a vegetable peeler. This removes the fibrous outer layer and ensures a more tender and palatable result.

Once you have trimmed and prepared your asparagus, it is ready to be steamed!

Steamer pan setup

To steam asparagus, you will need a steamer pan set, which consists of two parts: the bottom half for boiling water, and the top half for steaming the asparagus.

First, fill the bottom half of the steamer pan set with around 3 cups of water, or about 1 inch of water. You can also add some butter and salt to the water and bring it to a boil.

While the water is heating up, prepare the asparagus by trimming the dry ends off the spears. If the spears are thick, you can lightly peel them with a vegetable peeler.

Once the water is boiling, place the asparagus spears in the top half of the steamer pan set. Cover the pan and steam the asparagus until it is tender. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the spears, typically ranging from 3 to 10 minutes.

Alternatively, if you don't have a steamer pan set, you can use a steamer basket inserted into a large pot. Simply fill the pot with about an inch of water, place the steamer basket inside, and follow the same cooking instructions as above.

Steaming time

If you are using a steamer basket, place the asparagus in the basket and then put the basket in the pan. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a deep pot with a lid. Place the asparagus in the pot, cover with a lid, and steam.

Avoid overcooking your asparagus, as this will affect the taste and texture. If your asparagus is done before the rest of your meal, remove it from the steamer and cover it with foil to keep it warm. It's better to serve asparagus crisp at room temperature than overcooked.

Seasoning

Firstly, salt is a must-have seasoning for steamed asparagus. It is best to use a high-quality salt such as kosher salt or sea salt, as these salts have a better flavour and texture than regular table salt. Be generous with the salt, as it will help bring out the natural sweetness of the asparagus.

Another essential seasoning is freshly ground black pepper. Again, be generous with the pepper, as it will add a nice kick to the dish. You can also use other types of pepper, such as red pepper flakes, to add a bit of spice.

Garlic is also a popular seasoning for steamed asparagus. You can use fresh garlic, minced or crushed, and add it to the butter or olive oil that you drizzle over the asparagus. Alternatively, you can use garlic powder, which will give the dish a more subtle garlic flavour.

Lemon is another great way to season steamed asparagus. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the asparagus, or serve it with lemon wedges on the side. You can also use lemon zest to add a bit of extra flavour.

If you're looking for something a little different, you can experiment with other seasonings such as onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese. You can also try drizzling the asparagus with a vinaigrette or serving it with a dollop of mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce on the side.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and find the seasonings that you like best. Steamed asparagus is a simple dish, so you can really taste the impact of different seasonings. So, get creative and find the perfect combination of flavours that suits your taste!

Storing asparagus

If you plan to cook the asparagus within a day or two of buying it, wrap a damp paper towel or tea towel around the asparagus and place it inside a zip-top plastic bag in the refrigerator. The asparagus should stay fresh for up to five days, but it's best to use it within 24 hours.

To keep asparagus fresh for longer, store it like a bouquet of fresh flowers. First, trim about an inch off the asparagus bottoms and discard the ends. Then, add about an inch of water to a large jar or vase and place the asparagus spears inside. Cover the top of the jar with a loose-fitting plastic bag and store the asparagus in the refrigerator. Change the water when it becomes cloudy to keep the asparagus fresh and crisp. With this method, asparagus can stay fresh for three to five days, or even longer.

Tips for Storing Asparagus

• Keep asparagus away from cold spots in the refrigerator, such as the top shelf or areas near where cold air is pumped in.
• Don't overcrowd the jar or vase. If necessary, split a large bundle of asparagus into two jars.
• Avoid washing asparagus before storing it, as this can promote moulding.
• If you don't have space in the refrigerator, you can store asparagus at room temperature for the day, but it's best to place the stalks in a jar of water.
• To check if asparagus has gone bad, look for dark green, mushy tips and a sour smell.

Frequently asked questions