Learn how to cook asparagus that’s tender and crispjust like your favorite restaurant serves it.
And, yes, you could make this vegetable in the microwave.
Asparagus is one of the best vegetables it’s possible for you to make at home.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Look for firm, bright-green spears with compact, closed tips that aren’t mushy.
Spear size ranges from fat to pencil-thin, with thickness indicating the vegetable’s age.
Fortunately, there’s no wrong answerit’s all about personal preference.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Just confirm to select uniformly sized spears for even cooking.
Plan to cook asparagus the day you purchase it.
you’re free to also stand asparagus spears upright in a container filled with 1 inch of water.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Cover the asparagus and the container with a plastic bag.
Wondering how much asparagus to buy for your next meal?
One pound of asparagus equals 18 to 24 spears, about four servings.
Credit: Blaine Moats
This is usually around the bottom third of the stalk, where the woody part starts to turn tender.
Or simply line up the stem ends and trim off an inch or so.
If desired, scrape off the scales on the spears using a vegetable peeler.
Credit: Andy Lyons
This gives the veggie a smooth, clean look and improves the texture of tough or fat spears.
you’re free to also cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces for cooking.
How to Roast Asparagus
The key to roasting asparagus is a high oven temperature.
Toss lightly to coat.
If desired, season with salt and black pepper.
Roast, uncovered, about 15 minutes or until crisp-tender, lightly tossing twice during roasting.
If desired, season with herbs and lemon.
Test Kitchen Tip:Use tongs to grab asparagus spears for easier tossing during roasting.
How to Grill Asparagus
Cookingasparagus on the grillgives it a slightly smoky flavor.
All it takes is water, which makes this method one of our favorite ways to cook asparagus.
Place a steamer basket in a saucepan.
Add water to just below the bottom of the basket.
Bring water to a boil.
Add asparagus to the steamer basket, then cover and reduce heat.
Steam for 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
Place the spears in a large skillet and cover them with 1 inch of water.
Lightly salt the water and heat until simmering.
Cook, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
How to Saute Asparagus
Sauteing is one of the fastest ways to prepare asparagus in a flash.
Tosaute your spears, cut cleaned asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
Add cut-up asparagus and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
This method is also excellent for asparagus salads, appetizers, and sides.
If you want to skip the shocking, place asparagus in a single layer in a shallow baking dish.
Cover with about 2 cups of salted boiling water.
Let stand for 10 to 12 minutes or until bright green and crisp-tender.
Drain and serve warm.
How to Cook Asparagus in the Microwave
This is the easiestand quickestmethod for preparing asparagus.
Simply place asparagus in a microwave-safe dish or casserole with 2 tablespoons of water and a dash of salt.
Microwave, covered, for 2 to 4 minutes or until crisp-tender.
Then, add your favorite toppings like butter, Parmesan, or a garlic-butter mixture.
Air-fried asparagus is crunchy and golden but tender on the inside.
Now that you have all the techniques for cooking asparagus, it’s time to hit the kitchen!
Roast asparagus with garlic or roll your spears in panko breadcrumbs for easy side dishes.
Serve a creamy asparagus soup for a starter, or add asparagus to your one-panskillet supper.
No matter which method you choose, you could count on your asparagus being cooked to non-mushy perfection.
