Asparagus (Generic)
Submitted by bushwild
The complete guide to cooking asparagus: boiled, steamed, and microwaved. Learn how to prep, peel, and cook fresh asparagus spears and pieces to crisp-tender every time.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
5 minCOOK
5 minREADY
10 minThink of this less as a recipe and more as your go-to reference for cooking asparagus right every single time.
Whether you’re boiling whole spears upright in a tall pot, steaming pieces in a basket, or zapping them in the microwave on a busy Tuesday, the techniques here will get you bright green, crisp-tender stalks instead of olive-colored mush.
The key is knowing when to stop. Asparagus goes from “just right” to “overcooked” in about 60 seconds, so stay close.
Kitchen Tips
- Snap the woody ends off by bending each stalk near the base; it’ll break naturally where the tender part begins
- For boiling spears, stand them upright so the tougher stems cook in the water while the delicate tips steam above
- Peel thicker stalks with a vegetable peeler for even cooking; thin stalks don’t need it
- After cooking, a squeeze of lemon juice and a pat of butter is all you really need
Ingredients
Directions
Asparagus is low-calorie and spiked with vitamins A and C.
To Prepare: Break off tough ends as far down as stalks snap easily.
For spears, tie with string. Or, cut each stalk into 1 inch pieces.
Cooking Spears: In deep, narrow pan or asparagus pot, heat 1” salted water to boiling.
Place asparagus upright in pot. Heat to boiling, reduce heat.
Boil uncovered for 5 minutes. Cover and boil 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Drain. Cooking pieces: Cook lower stalk pieces uncovered in 1” boiling water for 6 minutes.
Add tips, cover, and cook until tender, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Drain.
STEAMING:
Place steamer or basket in ½ inch water (water should not touch basket).
Place asparagus in basket. Cover tightly and heat to boiling.
Reduce heat and steam until tender, about 6 minutes.
MICROWAVE:
Cover and nuke asparagus spears or 1 inch pieces and ¼ cup water in 2 qt casserole on high 4 minutes.
Turn asparagus over.
Cover and nuke until tender crisp, about 3 minutes longer.
Let stand 1 minute and drain.
Comments
