Cooking Asparagus? Count me in! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of asparagus, and I’ve got five fantastic methods to share with you. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or just starting out, these simple techniques will have you whipping up delicious dishes in no time. Let’s get those spears sizzling!
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Why You’ll Love Cooking Asparagus?
Whether you’re enjoying fresh asparagus or one of the more strongly flavored varieties, this delicious vegetable is sure to please your palate.
Asparagus can be steamed, roasted, grilled, or sauteed. There are many ways to prepare and enjoy this nutrient-rich veggie and the texture of cooked asparagus depends on the method of cooking.
Wondering which is the best way to cook asparagus? Well, the best way to cook asparagus really depends on your personal preference. Let’s look at the different cooking options.
How To Cook Asparagus: Five Methods
Whether you want the steamed, sauteed, oven-baked, air-fried, or grilled asparagus, these tasty options for cooking asparagus are sure to tickle your taste buds.
1. Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Asparagus is a delicious and healthy way to cook this tasty vegetable. Not only is air frying a great way to cook asparagus and other vegetables, but it’s also a quick and easy method that requires no oil or fat, making it a great option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet.
2. Steamed Asparagus
Another popular method of cooking asparagus is steaming, which is an excellent way to retain the nutrients in this healthy vegetable.
To Steam Asparagus place the spears in a steamer basket and pop into the Instant Pot on high pressure for 0 minutes. By the time the Instant Pot has come to pressure, the asparagus will be completely cooked.
3. Grilled Asparagus
Grilling or broiling asparagus is another popular method of cooking asparagus, and it’s particularly well-suited to thicker spears.
Preheat the grill to medium heat, then toss the asparagus in some olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place the spears on the grill and cook for around 10 minutes, or until they are nicely charred and tender. When you broil asparagus be sure to serve it with a delicious hollandaise sauce, lemon balm, or lemon-scented herbs.
4. Oven Roasted Asparagus
Another tasty way to cook asparagus is to roast it in the oven. This method is especially well-suited for thinner spears and only takes around 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 20 minutes or until crisp-tender and lightly golden.
You can make oven-roasted asparagus using this fab recipe. It’s even better wrapped with Turkey Bacon!
5. Sautee Asparagus
For a flavorful and quick way to cook asparagus, try sauteing it in a pan with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Simply heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add the asparagus spears and cook until they are tender but still crisp.
This is an excellent method for thick asparagus spears and takes only a few minutes to prepare.
You can stir-fry asparagus and add it to egg noodles or chicken skewers for a delicious and nutritious meal. Or try roasting it in the oven with some fresh herbs and lemon juice for a tasty side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
No matter how you like to prepare and enjoy asparagus, there’s no doubt that this versatile vegetable is one of the tastiest and most nutritious foods on earth.
How Long To Cook Asparagus?
The time for cooking asparagus really depends on the method of cooking. Grilled asparagus takes around 10 minutes, whereas Oven roasted asparagus is around 20 minutes.
You can air fry asparagus in as little as 5 minutes and steamed asparagus takes 0 minutes in the Instant Pot as the vegetable is softened and cooked as the pot comes to pressure. Either way the maximum time to cook asparagus is around 30 minutes.
What to Serve With Asparagus?
Some of my favorite dishes to make with asparagus can be found here on The Instant Pot Table, why not check them out?
Creamy Lemon Chicken Breast With Asparagus: This lemon chicken breast with asparagus dish is a delicious and healthy option for meal planning. It features juicy lemon chicken breast, tender asparagus spears, and an easy lemon garlic cream sauce.
Instant Pot Risotto With Asparagus: If you haven’t tried rice risotto with asparagus then you’re missing out. This rich and creamy dish is full of flavor thanks to the combination of asparagus, parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Steak Honey Garlic Bites With Asparagus: Asparagus pairs well with grilled meat and this steak garlic bites and asparagus recipe was a real hit when we made it at our house.
FAQ’S
Yes, asparagus can go bad. Over time, asparagus will start to lose its freshness and begin to wilt, which makes it less flavorful.
To keep your asparagus fresh for longer, be sure to store asparagus in a cool, dark place with adequate ventilation. Rotten asparagus will have a foul odor and have discolored, mushy stalks.
Yes, you can freeze asparagus. To freeze asparagus, simply wash and cut or break the spears into pieces that are approximately 1 inch long.
Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the asparagus until it is completely frozen, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen asparagus, simply defrost it and cook according to your desired method.
Whether sauteed, roasted, grilled, or steamed, the fresh flavor of frozen asparagus will be sure to delight and satisfy your taste buds. Whether it’s white asparagus spears or another of the asparagus varieties be sure to add a little melted butter or lemon balm.
Enjoy Cooking Asparagus!
Asparagus is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many delicious ways. Whether you prefer it air-fried, grilled, roasted, sautéed, or steamed, there’s a method for everyone.
It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients! So go ahead, try out these cooking methods, and enjoy this healthy veggie in all its flavorful forms.
