Steamed Asparagus

Spring is when fresh asparagus and other vegetables begin to appear, and it couldn’t be too soon. These slender spears cook so quickly and are so flavorful. It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish and looks so elegant on any holiday table.

A Favorite Steamed Veggie

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables and no matter how many times I have it, I always feel as though it’s a treat. It needs little more than some butter and salt and both looks an tastes elegant.

Steaming is a favorite way to cook asparagus to tender-crisp. It enhances the bright color, preserves the 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.
Prepare steamed asparagus and serve with a simple pat of butter or season with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese!
Serve hot with a drizzle of homemade hollandaise sauce, or chill and add to an Italian pasta salad.

How to Steam Asparagus

Place a steamer basket in the bottom of a large saucepan or pot with a lid.
Add a bit of water, ensure that the water doesn’t touch the basket.
Once the water is simmering over medium-high heat, use tongs to place the asparagus in the basket and cover. Steam per the recipe below.

No Steamer Basket? No Problem!

Place a small strainer in the bottom of the pot if you have one that fits or use just a small amount of water in the bottom of the pot (adding more if needed).

Serving Suggestions

Place asparagus in a serving bowl and top with one of the following.

Swap the butter or olive oil for garlic butter and kosher salt.
Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over top (or add some lemon zest) or sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Season it and then top with a runny poached egg. Break the egg over the asparagus as you serve it.
Allow the asparagus to cool and toss with feta, olive oil, red wine vinegar and sliced sweet onion for an easy asparagus salad.

Tips for Perfect Steamed Asparagus

Choose asparagus spears of the same width to ensure even cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the steamer basket and ensure the basket doesn’t touch the water (or the asparagus will boil instead of steam).
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.
Cooked spears can be served warm, room temperature or even chilled in salads.

Asparagus Favorites

Grilled Parmesan Asparagus
Creamy Asparagus Soup
Asparagus Salmon Foil Packets
Air Fryer Asparagus
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Creamy Asparagus (stovetop)

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