HomeVegetablesAsparagus

Asparagus – The Ultimate Guide to Cooking By Steaming

Asparagus is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. But did you know that steaming is the best way to cook asparagus? Not only does it preserve the vegetable's vibrant green color and delicate flavor, but it also ensures that it retains its nutritional value. In this ultimate guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of steaming asparagus to perfection. From selecting the freshest spears at the grocery store to seasoning and serving them, we'll cover everything you need to know. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will help you master the art of cooking asparagus by steaming. So grab your apron and let's get started!

Health Benefits of Asparagus

Before we delve into the details of how to steam asparagus, let's first talk about the health benefits of this delicious vegetable. Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Some of the most significant health benefits of asparagus include:

1. Digestive Health

Asparagus is high in fiber, which is essential for maintaining good digestive health. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and keep your digestive system functioning properly.

2. Strong Bones

Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for strong bones. It helps to improve calcium absorption and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

3. Healthy Heart

Asparagus is a good source of folate, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Folate helps to lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

4. Improved Brain Function

Asparagus contains vitamin B6, which is essential for maintaining healthy brain function. Vitamin B6 helps to produce neurotransmitters that are important for mood regulation and cognitive function.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Asparagus contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.

Selecting the Best Asparagus

When it comes to cooking asparagus, selecting the freshest spears is crucial. Look for asparagus with firm, straight stalks and tight tips. The color of the stalks should be vibrant green or purple, depending on the variety. Avoid asparagus with wilted or slimy stalks, as this is a sign that they are past their prime.

When selecting asparagus, it's also important to consider the thickness of the stalks. Thicker stalks are better for grilling or roasting, while thinner stalks are better for steaming. Thicker stalks take longer to cook, and they can be tough and fibrous if not cooked properly.

How to Prepare Asparagus for Steaming

Once you have selected the freshest asparagus, it's time to prepare them for steaming. Start by rinsing the asparagus under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim off the woody ends of the stalks. The woody ends are tough and fibrous, and they are not pleasant to eat. To do this, hold the asparagus spear at each end and bend it until it snaps. The spear will naturally snap at the point where the woody part ends and the tender part begins.

Next, you can choose to peel the asparagus, although this step is optional. Peeling the asparagus can help to remove any tough outer layers, making it more tender and flavorful. To peel the asparagus, use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer of the stalk, starting from just below the tip and working your way down to the woody end. This step is not necessary for thin asparagus, but it can help improve the texture of thicker stalks.

Steaming Asparagus

Now that you have prepared the asparagus, it's time to steam it to perfection. Steaming is the best way to cook asparagus because it preserves the vegetable's delicate flavor and vibrant green color. It also ensures that the asparagus retains its nutritional value.

To steam asparagus, you will need a steaming basket or a pot with a fitted lid. Fill the pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place the asparagus in the steaming basket or directly into the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the asparagus for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stalks. Thicker stalks will take longer to cook, while thinner stalks will cook more quickly.

To check if the asparagus is done, use a fork to pierce the thickest part of the stalk. The fork should easily slide into the asparagus without any resistance. If the asparagus is still too firm, continue steaming for an additional minute or two, then check again.

Seasoning and Serving Asparagus

Steamed asparagus is delicious on its own, but you can also season it with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance its flavor. Some popular seasoning options include:

- Salt and pepper - Lemon juice and zest - Garlic and butter - Parmesan cheese

Once you have seasoned the asparagus, it's time to serve it. You can serve it hot or cold, depending on your preference. Asparagus makes a great side dish for a variety of meals, including grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It can also be used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, steaming asparagus is the best way to cook this delicious and nutritious vegetable. Steaming preserves its vibrant green color and delicate flavor, while also ensuring that it retains its nutritional value. By following the steps outlined in this ultimate guide, you can master the art of cooking asparagus by steaming. So the next time you're in the kitchen, grab some fresh asparagus, and give steaming a try. Your taste buds and your body will thank you.

Steamed Asparagus Meal Ideas
Corn and Asparagus Salad

Corn and Asparagus Salad requires around 20 minutes from start to finish. This recipe makes 4 servings with 282 calories, 10g of protein, and 2g of fat each. For $3.7 per serving, this recipe covers 24% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. Only a few people made this recipe, and 1 would say it hit the spot. This recipe from Foodnetwork requires asparagus, rice wine vinegar, ears corn, and sugar. It is a good option if you're following a gluten free, dairy free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and vegan diet. It works well as a pretty expensive hor d'oeuvre. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 67%. This score is solid. If you like this recipe, you might also like recipes such as Corn, Scallion and Cotija Dumplings in a Coconut Corn Broth, Corn Muffins With Fresh Corn, and Asparagus, Red Onion and Asiago Salad.

Valentine Candy Hearts

Valentine Candy Hearts is a side dish that serves 6. One portion of this dish contains about 0g of protein, 0g of fat, and a total of 75 calories. For 31 cents per serving, this recipe covers 1% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. Not a lot of people made this recipe, and 1 would say it hit the spot. It is a good option if you're following a dairy free diet. This recipe from Taste of Home requires confectioners' sugar, metal cookie cutter, watermelon-flavored candies, and meringue powder. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 20 minutes. With a spoonacular score of 0%, this dish is very bad (but still fixable). Users who liked this recipe also liked Valentine Hearts, Braised Chicken with Artichoke Hearts & Olives, and Spring Risotto with Shrimp, Asparagus and Artichoke Hearts.

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey Glazed Chicken might be just the side dish you are searching for. One portion of this dish contains around 13g of protein, 7g of fat, and a total of 181 calories. This gluten free and dairy free recipe serves 4 and costs 89 cents per serving. Not a lot of people made this recipe, and 2 would say it hit the spot. It is brought to you by Allrecipes. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 20 minutes. If you have honey, soy sauce, chicken breast halves, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. With a spoonacular score of 34%, this dish is rather bad. Asian Honey-Glazed Chicken, Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken, and Balsamic & Honey Glazed Salmon with Lemony Asparagus are very similar to this recipe.

Broccoli Risotto

Broccoli Risotto is a gluten free hor d'oeuvre. One portion of this dish contains roughly 6g of protein, 14g of fat, and a total of 346 calories. This recipe serves 6. For 99 cents per serving, this recipe covers 11% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. This recipe is typical of Mediterranean cuisine. A mixture of arborio rice, arborio rice, onion, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so flavorful. 1 person were impressed by this recipe. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes about 50 minutes. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 44%. This score is pretty good. Mushroom Risotto over Broccoli Rabe, Steamy Creamy Mushroom Risotto, and Asparagus Lemon Risotto are very similar to this recipe.

Roasted Asparagus With Thyme

Roasted Asparagus With Thyme is a side dish that serves 12. For $1.07 per serving, this recipe covers 9% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. One portion of this dish contains around 3g of protein, 4g of fat, and a total of 54 calories. Head to the store and pick up salt, thyme or, pepper, and a few other things to make it today. 1 person has tried and liked this recipe. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. Easter will be even more special with this recipe. It is a good option if you're following a gluten free, dairy free, paleolithic, and lacto ovo vegetarian diet. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes approximately 20 minutes. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 80%. This score is super. Similar recipes include Roasted Root Vegetable Galette with Chèvre and Thyme, Broad Beans With Lemon & Thyme Vinaigrette, and Cutlets with balsamic vinegar, thyme and Parmesan mashed potatoes.

Sorta Salisbury Steak

Sorta Salisbury Steak is a dairy free main course. One serving contains 397 calories, 27g of protein, and 23g of fat. For $2.92 per serving, this recipe covers 17% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. This recipe serves 6. This recipe from Allrecipes has 59 fans. Head to the store and pick up worcestershire sauce, vegetable oil, onion, and a few other things to make it today. It will be a hit at your valentin day event. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 68%. This score is solid. Similar recipes are French Onion Salisbury Steak, Entrecote Steak with Asparagus, and Flank Steak with Mushroom Sauce.

Mushroom & Asparagus Eggs Benedict

Mushroom & Asparagus Eggs Benedict is a lacto ovo vegetarian recipe with 4 servings. One serving contains 506 calories, 19g of protein, and 26g of fat. For $8.13 per serving, this recipe covers 29% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. Not a lot of people really liked this breakfast. 1 person were impressed by this recipe. Head to the store and pick up garlic clove, salt, basil, and a few other things to make it today. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 50 minutes. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. Overall, this recipe earns a pretty good spoonacular score of 67%. If you like this recipe, take a look at these similar recipes: Asparagus Eggs Benedict, Classic Eggs Benedict, and Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict.

Ham Wafflewiches

The recipe Ham Wafflewiches can be made in approximately 30 minutes. For $1.3 per serving, you get a side dish that serves 8. One portion of this dish contains around 13g of protein, 23g of fat, and a total of 387 calories. 1 person found this recipe to be delicious and satisfying. This recipe from Taste of Home requires onion, mushroom stems and pieces, cheddar cheese, and waffles. With a spoonacular score of 49%, this dish is solid. Users who liked this recipe also liked Black Eyed Peas With Ham Hocks, Asparagus & Ham Spirals, and Baked Scallops With Parma Ham.

Bertha's Big Bourbon Bundt Cake

If you want to add more lacto ovo vegetarian recipes to your recipe box, Bertha's Big Bourbon Bundt Cake might be a recipe you should try. This recipe serves 10 and costs 96 cents per serving. One serving contains 563 calories, 8g of protein, and 19g of fat. Only a few people really liked this dessert. This recipe from Allrecipes has 1 fans. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes. A mixture of sugar, cream cheese, flour, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so delicious. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 34%, which is not so spectacular. Try Lemon Bundt Cake, Bittersweet Chocolate-Walnut Bundt Cake, and Chocolate Asparagus Bundt Cake for similar recipes.

Pan Fried Sea Bass

Pan Fried Sea Bass might be a good recipe to expand your main course collection. One serving contains 660 calories, 61g of protein, and 37g of fat. This gluten free, primal, and pescatarian recipe serves 2 and costs $3.55 per serving. 2 people have made this recipe and would make it again. If you have blanched asparagus, butter, fillets sea bass, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. It is brought to you by Foodnetwork. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 30 minutes. With a spoonacular score of 52%, this dish is solid. Try Stuffed Giant Sea Shells Or Manicotti, Roasted Sea Bream With Anchoiade, and Sea Salted Caramels for similar recipes.

Videos for Making Different Steamed Asparagus Style Dishes
How To Cook Asparagus - Gordon RamsayGordon Ramsay asparagus can be served with king trumpet mushrooms. Asparagus is cooked for the most part by boiling or ...
How to Know When Asparagus is Done CookingGuide: MY COOKBOOK (affiliate): • Easy Culinary Science for Better ...
How to Make Steamed Asparagus | Vegetable Recipes | Allrecipes.comGet the recipe for Steamed Asparagus at In this video, we'll show ...
Why You Shouldn’t Snap the Ends Off Asparagus and Why You Should Overcook It | What's Eating Dan?Asparagus is such a widely popular vegetable, that even the oldest surviving cookbook features a recipe for it. Dan chats about ...
How to Make Roasted Asparagus | The Stay At Home ChefHow to Make Roasted Asparagus | The Stay At Home Chef More Amazing Dinner Recipes: ...
Tips and Tricks for Steamed Asparagus Meals
Additional Menu Ideas Related to Steamed Asparagus Food