Asparagus is a springtime vegetable that can be eaten alone or used as the star of other dishes. It’s a healthy vegetable that is packed with nutrients and tastes delicious.
It is a good source of folate and is low in calories. Folate is known to prevent depression and improves mood and sleep.
Snapping
One of the easiest and most fun ways to cook asparagus is on the stove. This method is great for kids who are eager to help in the kitchen.
You will need a standard fish steamer or a pan with a lid that can accommodate long spears. The key is to get enough water in the bottom of the pan to cover all the stalks.
First, trim the tough ends of the asparagus stalks. This will allow the tender ends to remain intact for cooking.
Roszkowski says to hold an asparagus between your thumb and forefinger about a quarter of the way from each end of the spear. Bend the stem slightly until it snaps, removing the tough and woody ends.
If you don’t have a steamer, simply put the asparagus in a pot of boiling water. You may want to add salt, bay leaves or slivers of garlic, depending on your flavor preferences.
After about 7 minutes, remove the asparagus and with kitchen scissors snip a further 2 to 3 cm (about an inch) off their bottoms. Save these snipped bits for soups.
Trimming
If you’re going to cook asparagus on the stove, it’s important to trim the ends first. This will allow you to cook the tender part of the stalk without wasting any of it.
There are a few different ways to trim asparagus, including bending the stems to snap off the tough ends and cutting them off with a knife. But if you’re using fresh asparagus, the best way is to simply snap off each end with your hands.
To do this, hold the asparagus between your thumb and forefinger about a quarter of the way from each end. Gently bend the asparagus, releasing the bottom ends as you do so. This will snap off the ends in two.
Alternatively, you can cut the asparagus on an angle to expose more of the tender interior, making it easier to grab and eat. This is a great technique for preparing asparagus for stir-fry or pasta dishes.
When trimming asparagus, always use a sharp knife. A dull knife risks crushing the asparagus rather than cutting it, which can lead to bruising or uneven cuts.
Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and protect against harmful free radicals. It’s also high in B-complex vitamins, which are essential for cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions.
If you’re using large asparagus stalks, peel them with a vegetable peeler to make them more uniform and help them cook evenly. Some chefs claim that peeling them will help the flavor of the asparagus shine through.
Steaming
Steaming asparagus on the stove is one of the most healthy ways to prepare this vegetable. It preserves the highest level of nutrients compared to other cooking methods, and it is quick and easy.
Steamed asparagus is also a low-calorie and low-carb vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals, including fiber and vitamin A. Regular servings of this veggie can help improve digestion, boost brain function, and lower blood pressure.
To steam asparagus on the stove, simply place it in a pot with a little water and insert a steamer basket. The water should be about an inch deep, and the basket should be suspended above it. You can use a large saute pan, soup kettle, or even a wok, as long as it has a tight-fitting lid to hold in the steam.
If you’re short on time, try steaming the spears in a microwave. It will take a few minutes, but it will cook them through without losing their firm texture and flavor.
Sauteing
Cooking asparagus on the stove is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get tender, sweet spears. The key is to use asparagus that’s about 1/4 inch thick, which will help you to cook them quickly and retain their vibrant green color.
To sauté asparagus on the stove, start by preheat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Add in the sliced asparagus and cook until it’s tender, about three to five minutes for whole stems and about two minutes for smaller pieces.
For a tasty twist on this classic side dish, try adding garlic to the pan. This will give the asparagus a rich, savory flavor and it will also help to brown the butter, making it more appealing to the eye.
Before cooking, make sure to trim off the tough ends of the asparagus. If you do not remove these tough ends, they will get chewy during the cooking process and will not be tender.
Once the asparagus is ready, transfer it to a serving dish and top with lemon juice for extra flavor. Serve immediately or reheat on the stove with a little oil or butter, until warm through.
After you’re done eating, store the asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to eat again. It will keep fresh for a few days.
Grilling
Asparagus is a delicious vegetable that is easy to cook. It can be prepared in a variety of ways on the stove, including roasting, sautéing, and grilling.
To grill asparagus, you need to pre-heat your grill and prepare the stalks. Trim or break the tough ends off, rinse and season. Roll the spears in a little oil, then lay them on the grates of your grill and close the lid.
This method is one of the quickest ways to cook asparagus. It takes just a few minutes to get the grill hot, then a few more minutes to grill the asparagus until they are tender but still crisp.
If you want to add a little flavor to the asparagus, try using garlic powder or Italian seasonings in your coating mix. You can also sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top after grilling to make this recipe extra special!
Another cooking technique is blanching. This is a great way to retain the vibrant color of asparagus and keeps it fresher longer. It works best with green veg.
Once the water is boiling, plunge the asparagus into the water and cook it for just a minute or two. Then remove it with tongs and place it in a bowl of ice water.
It’s important to keep an eye on the asparagus during this time to prevent it from overcooking or burning. To do this, check it every couple of minutes and turn it over and around to ensure even cooking.
If you don’t have a grill, a shallow pan in the oven is another option for cooking asparagus. Coat the asparagus in olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Spread the coated asparagus evenly onto a foil covered pan and cook for approximately 20 minutes.