Steamed asparagus is an easy side dish or perfect prep for adding to pasta.
A Favorite Steamed Veggie
Asparagus is an elegant veggie that needs little more than some butter and salt.
Steaming is a favorite way to cook asparagus to tender-crisp. It keeps a bright green color, preserves nutrients, and is ready in minutes. Frozen asparagus can be cooked the same way by adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Serve hot with a drizzle of homemade hollandaise sauce, or chill and add to an Italian pasta salad.
How to Steam Asparagus
No Steamer Basket? No Problem!
If you have a small strainer that fits in the bottom of the pot, use that, or you can use just enough water to cover the bottom of a saucepan (adding more if needed).
Tips for Perfect Steamed Asparagus
Like most steamed vegetables, asparagus is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Choose asparagus spears of the same width to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the steaming basket and ensure the basket doesn’t touch the water. Asparagus can vary in thickness so cooking time can vary. Cook thinner spears for about 3-4 minutes and medium spears for about 4-6 minutes or until they reach desired doneness.
Serving Suggestions
Cooked spears can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled in salads.
Swap the butter or olive oil for garlic butter. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over top (or add some lemon zest) or sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Season the steamed asparagus and top with a runny poached egg. Break the egg over the asparagus as you serve it.
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