Asparagus is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but it can be difficult to get it just right. Overcook it, and it becomes mushy and unappetizing. Undercook it, and it can be tough and fibrous. The key to cooking asparagus perfectly is to find a balance between these two extremes. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for cooking simple, not mushy asparagus that will make you the envy of your friends and family. We'll also recommend some delicious recipes that will help you get the most out of this springtime vegetable.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SIMPLY STEAMED ASPARAGUS
Makes even tough asparagus, tender and tasty! Try using vinaigrette dressing in place of the butter too.
Provided by KIMIRAEJ
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Asparagus
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place water in the bottom half of a steamer pan set. Add salt and butter, and bring to a boil.
- Trim the dry ends off of the asparagus. If the spears are thick, peel them lightly with a vegetable peeler. Place them in the top half of the steamer pan set. Steam for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus, or until asparagus is tender.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 31.7 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Cholesterol 2.7 mg, Fat 1.2 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 160.1 mg, Sugar 2.1 g
SIMPLE, NOT MUSHY, ASPARAGUS
I have tried a variety of asparagus recipes over the years--sauteed, grilled, baked--and I have always been disappointed in the results. This is a simple boiled recipe that always gives me a nicely textured and tasty asparagus.
Provided by cipherbabe
Categories Vegetable
Time 12m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Rinse and trim asparagus.
- Lay the spears, in the same direction, in a large frying pan.
- Add an inch or two of water and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
- Reduce temperature and simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove from pan and top with butter and salt.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 50.4, Fat 3.1, SaturatedFat 1.9, Cholesterol 7.6, Sodium 80, Carbohydrate 4.7, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 1.5, Protein 2.8
HOW TO COOK ASPARAGUS (ROASTED, GRILLED, OR BLANCHED!)
Got asparagus? (Lucky!) Here are three ways to make the magic happen: Roast it in the oven, char it on the grill, or blanch it on the stovetop. Whichever way you choose, it's easy and tasty as heck.
Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Place in a large bowl or clean sink filled with cold water. Drop in the asparagus and swish it around to remove any errant dirt. Discard the woody ends of the asparagus by grasping the end of the spear with one hand and just above the middle with the other hand, then bend until it snaps in half. Discard the woody end.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry asparagus by rolling around on a kitchen towel. Place asparagus in large a bowl and drizzle with olive oil - about 1 tablespoon per pound of asparagus. Add a couple of pinches of salt and toss until coated. Spread the asparagus on a large rimmed sheet pan - a single layer is best! Bake, rolling the asparagus once or twice, until golden brown and tender, 15-20 minutes (check after 10 minutes if your asparagus is very thin). Add additional salt to taste. Serve.
- Preheat grill on medium-high, about 450 degrees. Place asparagus in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil - about 1 tablespoon per 1 pound of asparagus. Add a pinch of salt and toss until coated. Lay spears on the grill. Close grill for a couple of minutes then open and turn asparagus with tongs. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, turning once or twice more, until the asparagus is tender and charred in spots. Remove from grill and serve, adding more salt if desired.
- Fill a large pot about halfway with water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and a few ice cubes, then set aside. Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the asparagus. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until just tender. Using tongs, transfer asparagus to the bowl of ice water. Dunk a few times then remove from water and finish however you like - marinate in , saute in butter or olive oil, add a pinch of salt ... your choice!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 4 ounces, Calories 54 kcal, Sugar 2 g, Sodium 2 mg, Fat 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Carbohydrate 4 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g
SO EASY ROASTED ASPARAGUS
Make and share this So Easy Roasted Asparagus recipe from Food.com.
Provided by LorenLou
Categories Vegetable
Time 9m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine sugar, salt, and pepper in small bowl.
- Set aside.
- Wash, and snap off tough ends of asparagus.
- Arrange asparagus spears in a 15x10" jellyroll pan.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Broil about 4 minutes, or until skin of asparagus begins to pucker.
- Sprinkle with the sugar/salt/pepper mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Choose the right asparagus: Look for spears that are firm and bright green, with tightly closed tips. Avoid spears that are limp, wilted, or have brown or yellow spots.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly: Rinse the asparagus spears under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Trim the asparagus: Cut off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus spears. You can also peel the asparagus spears if desired, but this is not necessary.
- Cook the asparagus properly: Asparagus can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting, and grilling. The best way to cook asparagus will depend on your personal preference, but some general tips include:
- Do not overcook the asparagus, as this will make it mushy.
- Cook the asparagus until it is tender-crisp, which should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the cooking method.
- Season the asparagus to taste: Asparagus can be seasoned with a variety of herbs, spices, and sauces. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and butter.
Conclusion:
Asparagus is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. By following these tips, you can cook asparagus that is tender-crisp, flavorful, and full of nutrients. So next time you're looking for a healthy and easy side dish, give asparagus a try!
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