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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
French Egg and Bacon Sandwich

French Egg and Bacon Sandwich is a dairy free recipe with 2 servings. For $3.05 per serving, this recipe covers 20% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. One portion of this dish contains around 17g of protein, 24g of fat, and a total of 617 calories. This recipe from Allrecipes has 27 fans. This recipe is typical of Mediterranean cuisine. It works well as a pretty expensive main course. Head to the store and pick up bacon, bread, maple syrup, and a few other things to make it today. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 20 minutes. Overall, this recipe earns a solid spoonacular score of 66%. Try Open-Face Egg Sandwich with Bacon, Asparagus, and Pesto, Good-Egg Salad Sandwich, and 3 Delicious Twists on an Egg Salad Sandwich for similar recipes.

Sunny Asparagus Tapenade

Need a dairy free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and vegan condiment? Sunny Asparagus Tapenade could be an amazing recipe to try. One portion of this dish contains approximately 3g of protein, 5g of fat, and a total of 79 calories. This recipe serves 8. For 81 cents per serving, this recipe covers 12% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. A couple people made this recipe, and 46 would say it hit the spot. A mixture of parsley sprigs, maple syrup, pepper flakes, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so yummy. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 30 minutes. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 97%, which is spectacular. If you like this recipe, take a look at these similar recipes: Easiest Breakfast Ever: Sunny Fruit Parfait, Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade, and Roasted Tomato Crostini with Olive Tapenade.

Asparagus Brie Soup

Asparagus Brie Soup takes approximately 30 minutes from beginning to end. This recipe serves 4 and costs $2.44 per serving. Watching your figure? This lacto ovo vegetarian recipe has 574 calories, 10g of protein, and 52g of fat per serving. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. 1 person were glad they tried this recipe. It works well as a rather inexpensive hor d'oeuvre. If you have vegetable broth, flour, butter, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. Winter will be even more special with this recipe. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 35%. This score is rather bad. Alouette Crème De Brie Shrimp Cups, Alouette® Cranberry Brie, and Alouette® Baby Brie® Caramelized Pepper and Onion Pizza are very similar to this recipe.

Chocolate Zabaglione Tiramisu

Chocolate Zabaglione Tiramisu is a Mediterranean dessert. This recipe serves 6. For $1.46 per serving, this recipe covers 14% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. One portion of this dish contains about 11g of protein, 41g of fat, and a total of 760 calories. This recipe from Foodnetwork requires mascarpone, egg yolks, sugar, and marsala wine. 31 person were glad they tried this recipe. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 45 minutes. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 0%, which is improvable. If you like this recipe, you might also like recipes such as Asparagus With Black Pepper-Pecorino Zabaglione, Zabaglione with Roasted Plums, and Tiramisu Bread Pudding.

Quick Creamy Asparagus Soup

Quick Creamy Asparagus Soup could be just the gluten free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and primal recipe you've been looking for. This recipe serves 6. One serving contains 184 calories, 7g of protein, and 12g of fat. For $2.64 per serving, this recipe covers 20% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. Only a few people really liked this hor d'oeuvre. This recipe from Taste of Home has 1 fans. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 30 minutes. Winter will be even more special with this recipe. If you have salt, pepper, chicken broth, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 60%, which is solid. If you like this recipe, you might also like recipes such as Creamy white asparagus soup, Creamy Asparagus Risotto Side Dish, and My Sister's Soup: Creamy Curried Squash and Cauliflower Soup.

Turkey Asparagus Stir-Fry

Turkey Asparagus Stir-Fry is a gluten free and dairy free main course. For $2.7 per serving, this recipe covers 30% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. One serving contains 294 calories, 27g of protein, and 3g of fat. This recipe serves 5. 15 people have tried and liked this recipe. This recipe from Taste of Home requires carrots, garlic cloves, brown rice, and water chestnuts. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 15 minutes. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 92%. This score is outstanding. Asparagus Stir-Fry With Black Bean Sauce, Karela Fry/bittergourd Fry, and Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry are very similar to this recipe.

Easy Pad Thai

Easy Pad Thai could be just the dairy free and lacto ovo vegetarian recipe you've been looking for. This main course has 745 calories, 26g of protein, and 41g of fat per serving. This recipe serves 4. For $1.08 per serving, this recipe covers 24% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. This recipe is liked by 1 foodies and cooks. Head to the store and pick up cilantro, spaghetti, sugar, and a few other things to make it today. It is a rather inexpensive recipe for fans of Asian food. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes approximately 10 minutes. It is brought to you by Allrecipes. With a spoonacular score of 61%, this dish is solid. Pad Se Ew Tofu With Vegetable Noodles, Easy Thai Fried Rice, and Asparagus Thai Style With Squids are very similar to this recipe.

Round Steak Sauerbraten

Round Steak Sauerbraten requires roughly 6 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish. For $1.23 per serving, you get a main course that serves 10. One portion of this dish contains around 34g of protein, 7g of fat, and a total of 406 calories. Plenty of people made this recipe, and 136 would say it hit the spot. If you have onion, brown gravy mix, water, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. It will be a hit at your valentin day event. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. It is a good option if you're following a dairy free diet. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 79%, which is solid. Similar recipes include Entrecote Steak with Asparagus, Flank Steak with Mushroom Sauce, and Asian Flank Steak.

Cheesy Vegetable Frittata

If you want to add more gluten free, primal, and ketogenic recipes to your collection, Cheesy Vegetable Frittata might be a recipe you should try. This recipe serves 2. One portion of this dish contains approximately 20g of protein, 15g of fat, and a total of 239 calories. For $1.11 per serving, this recipe covers 18% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. It works best as a main course, and is done in roughly 35 minutes. If you have broccoli, eggs, pepper, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. 1 person has made this recipe and would make it again. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. With a spoonacular score of 50%, this dish is good. Try Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa, Pittata - Pizza Frittata, and Asparagus and Asiago Frittata for similar recipes.

Mixed Greens and Citrus Salad

Mixed Greens and Citrus Salad is a gluten free, dairy free, and lacto ovo vegetarian hor d'oeuvre. This recipe serves 6. For $2.0 per serving, this recipe covers 12% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. One serving contains 240 calories, 3g of protein, and 17g of fat. This recipe is liked by 1 foodies and cooks. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 30 minutes. If you have lemon juice, canolan oil, dijon mustard, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 45%. This score is solid. Try Mixed Green Farro Salad And Fresh Figs, Beet and Blue Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing, and Citrus and Asparagus Salad for similar recipes.

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