Asparagus is a versatile spring vegetable packed with nutrients. Steaming it allows you to retain its beautiful green colour, crisp-tender texture, and delicate flavour.
This method is so simple, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick and healthy addition to any meal.
How To Steam Asparagus
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves asparagus's delicate flavour and beautiful colour, all while achieving a delightful crisp-tender texture. This fuss-free approach ensures you get the most out of this delicious spring vegetable.
Course Delicious and Easy Side Dish Recipes to Complement Any Meal
Cuisine New Zealand
Servings 3servings
Calories 30kcal
Equipment
1 Saucepan with lid
1 Steamer basket or colander that fits snugly on top of the saucepan
1 Vegetable peeler optional
1 Fork
Ingredients
500gramsasparagus spears
125ml½ cup water
Saltto taste
Knob of butter, lemon juice, olive oiloptional
Instructions
Prep the Asparagus:Wash the asparagus thoroughly. Snap off the woody ends by bending each spear until it breaks naturally.Peel the lower third of thicker stalks with a vegetable peeler for even cooking.
Steam Time: Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket over the pot, ensuring the asparagus spears won't touch the water. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer and season with a pinch of salt. Cover the pot and steam for 4-5 minutes for thin spears, and 5-7 minutes for thicker ones.
Tender-Crisp Perfection: Check for doneness by piercing a thick spear with a fork. It should give slightly with a gentle bite. Avoid overcooking, as asparagus becomes mushy and loses its vibrant colour.
Notes
Tips:
For extra flavour, add a knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to the steaming water.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice drizzled over cooked asparagus adds a delightful tang.
Steamed asparagus is a delicious partner to grilled fish, roasted chicken, or a simple lemon vinaigrette.
Conclusion:
With this simple steaming method, you can elevate your asparagus game in no time.
So ditch the boiling pot and embrace the ease and flavour perfection of steamed asparagus. Enjoy!
Shane Lowry is the author of Good Food To Eat, a website that provides recipes and cooking help.He is a home cook who enjoys sharing his passion for food with others. Lowry’s mother is a chef, and she taught him the basics of cooking and baking when he was young.He also has experience running a catering business with his wife, specializing in finger foods and full meals for people with dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb.Through his various cooking experiences, Lowry has learned what makes a great recipe: simple to follow, yet delicious and satisfying.
That’s why he focuses on creating step-by-step recipes that are easy for anyone to make, regardless of their cooking skills.
2 Comments
Corina Matthews
· 23/03/2024 at 1:33 pm
I love the idea of adding butter and lemon juice. Perfect for rolling up in buttered fresh bread.
Water Cress
· 24/03/2024 at 1:11 pm
I just discovered all your basic asparagus recipes. All good so far
2 Comments
Corina Matthews · 23/03/2024 at 1:33 pm
I love the idea of adding butter and lemon juice. Perfect for rolling up in buttered fresh bread.
Water Cress · 24/03/2024 at 1:11 pm
I just discovered all your basic asparagus recipes. All good so far