Ingredients
Whether you’re making steamed asparagus in a steamer or steaming asparagus in a pan doesn’t matter. You only need one simple ingredient to prepare this nutritious recipe: asparagus! Plus, of course, your favorite seasonings such as butter, a squeeze of lemon juice, and salt & pepper (we’ll cover the seasoning options in detail below.) You may choose any fresh asparagus for this recipe, including green, purple, and white asparagus. Keep in mind, too, that the steam time for asparagus directly correlates with the thickness of your stalks—not necessarily the type of asparagus. Therefore, your asparagus steam time may vary depending on the thickness of your spears. After selecting your asparagus, complete the following steps: Once prepped, you can cook the vegetable immediately or save it for future use. For more handy tips on storage instructions, check out my simple guide on storing asparagus.
How to Steam Asparagus?
This steamed asparagus recipe comes together with minimal effort and in no time, no matter which method you choose. Select any of these four foolproof cooking styles, and you’ll never have to scramble for side dish ideas again.
With a Steamer Basket
Want to steam fresh asparagus perfectly every time? Learn how to steam asparagus with a steamer basket, and your veggies will come out exquisitely tender without hassle.
On the Stove
Steaming asparagus on the stove is one of the most hassle-free methods of perfectly cooking your veggies. Using this method, you can still get similar results to steaming asparagus in a steamer without having to own yet another kitchen gadget.
In the Microwave
Curious about how to steam asparagus without a steamer? Follow this steamed asparagus recipe that I learned from the folks over at The Kitchn! The steps below will have you steaming asparagus in the microwave in no time.
In a Rice Cooker
If you love easy kitchen shortcuts, you’ll adore this foolproof method for fresh steamed asparagus. Put your rice cooker to work and get tender, nutritious spears every time.
How Long Does it Take to Steam Asparagus?
Wondering how much time it takes to steam asparagus? The quick answer is that this simple recipe usually takes 3-6 minutes to prepare. However, remember that these times are for one bunch of medium-thick spears (about ½-inch diameter). Below is a quick guide for steaming time for asparagus to an al dente tenderness. If your stalks are different thicknesses, use the following tips:
If you select thinner stalks, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. If you choose thicker stalks, add 1-2 minutes of cooking time to the recipe.
How to Check for Asparagus Doneness
There are two easy ways to check whether your asparagus is ready to eat:
Knife method: To check the doneness of your asparagus, insert a paring knife into a spear. If the blade enters without extra effort, your asparagus doesn’t need more time. You may also cook your asparagus to whatever tenderness level you prefer. Visual cues: You can also assess whether your asparagus needs more or less time by its color. Perfectly steamed asparagus should have beautiful, fresh green hues. If your spears come out in more of a green-olive color, they’re likely overcooked.
How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw?
Steaming fresh asparagus is the perfect dish for easy meal prep. Store it for simple lunch salads throughout the week, or freeze it for meals months in advance—the choice is yours!
Butter: Rich, decadent, and full-bodied, butter is just what you need to bring this easy dish to life. Drizzle your asparagus with two tablespoons of melted butter, or kick it up a notch with my robust and creamy Roasted Garlic Butter. Extra Virgin Olive oil: A small drizzle of olive oil is an easy way to give your delicious asparagus subtle yet mouthwatering complexity. Plus, olive oil makes it much easier to season steamed asparagus with other herbs and spices. Salt & pepper: Who can resist a classic? Always stocked in my spice cabinet, a pinch of sea or kosher salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper are my go-to seasonings for this steamed asparagus recipe. Garlic: Give this side dish bold, earthy notes by topping steamed asparagus with garlic. Along with a drizzle of olive oil, you can use freshly minced garlic, oven-roasted garlic, air-fried garlic, lightly sautéed garlic, or even garlic powder in this asparagus recipe. Parmesan cheese: Nothing complements steamed asparagus’s grassy, tender taste better than nutty, rich parmesan cheese. Sprinkle your freshly steamed asparagus with one tablespoon of olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, and a dash of black pepper, and voila! An elegant side perfect for any occasion. Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and basil are an iconic seasoning for steamed asparagus. Earthy, fragrant, and visually stunning, these herbs will give every bite a sumptuous flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon: Bring every bite of your vegetable to life with a light spritz of fresh lemon juice. Brilliant and bright, lemon wedges will also give your asparagus spears a gorgeous presentation. Your favorite salad dressings: To give your asparagus maximum flavor, salad dressing is the way to go. Yogurt Dressing and Ranch Yogurt Dressing are two easy recipes with creamy, tangy richness. Or, try a lighter flavor profile with my fan-favorite recipes for Lemon Salad Dressing and Lemon Mustard Dressing. Hollandaise sauce: You only need four ingredients and two minutes to make this buttery, luxurious topping. Serve this sophisticated asparagus dish at Easter brunch or on busy weeknights. You’ll be licking your plate clean, no matter the time of day.
Storage: Before storing, let your steamed asparagus cool completely. Once room temperature, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezing: I recommend flash-freezing asparagus to ensure it maintains its texture. First, let your steamed spears cool completely. Then, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking tray in the freezer until the asparagus hardens. Once frozen, transfer the stalks to an airtight container, such as a Ziploc bag, and remove as much air as possible. You may then store your asparagus in the freezer for up to a month. Thawing: To thaw your frozen asparagus, take it out of the freezer one to two hours before serving.
Expert Tips
It doesn’t matter whether you prefer preparing your asparagus in a steamer or making asparagus steamed in the microwave. Here are a few pro tips to help you get tasty and tender asparagus every time.
As a side dish: Light and healthy, steamed asparagus perfectly balance the hearty taste of chicken, beef, pork, and turkey recipes. You can even serve it with morning eggs to start your day with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Make it a part of a spring salad: What pairs better with spring-fresh salads than more delicious vegetables? Mix your steamed asparagus into irresistibly fresh recipes, like my Asparagus Salad or Boston Lettuce Salad, for a light lunch or a crisp vegetarian main course. As a topping: Steamed asparagus makes an ideal topping for dozens of nutritious, filling recipes. Add it to Savory Steel-Cut Oatmeal for a hint of grassy flavor, or layer it atop Asparagus Tart for an earthy, creamy side you’ll serve at every get-together.
Woody ends: Don’t skip trimming off the asparagus spears’ bottom 1-2 inches. These tough ends have a rigid, woody texture and don’t taste good. Cut or not: For any of my four cooking methods, you may steam your asparagus spears whole or cut them into smaller, 2-inch pieces. Using rice cooker and microwave: Please keep in mind that every rice cooker and microwave is different, so I’d encourage you to look at their user manuals before steaming asparagus. Take my recipe instructions as a place to start and adjust them as necessary, especially when it comes to steaming time. Ice water bath: If I am serving y steamed asparagus right away, there is no need to set up an ice water bath. However, if you are planning to serve it later, it is a good idea to fill a bowl with water and ice and place the freshly steamed asparagus stalks in there to stop the cooking. This way it will continue to maintain its bright green color and still be fork-tender when you are ready to serve.
There’s no secret to how to steam fresh asparagus. This handy guide will answer all your questions, from how long to steam asparagus to the difference between cooking methods.
Other Asparagus Recipes You Might Like
One bite of this perfectly steamed asparagus, and you’ll be longing for asparagus recipes every night of the week. Satisfy all your garden-fresh cravings with these easy side dishes.
Sautéed Asparagus and Mushrooms Asparagus Tart Cold Asparagus Salad Sesame Chicken and Noodles with Asparagus
