How do you know when asparagus is done cooking?

Cover and cook until the asparagus begins to steam, shaking the skillet occasionally to prevent burning, about 3 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until the asparagus is tender but still crisp and bright green, 5–10 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Is it better to boil or steam asparagus?

Asparagus is usually steamed as whole stalks, but it can be steamed cut into bite-size pieces if you like. Whether you steam it whole or chopped, place asparagus in a steamer rack and set over boiling water. Cover and cook until asparagus is tender, 4 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks.

How do you steam asparagus on the stove?

In a large skillet over medium heat, add asparagus. Add enough water to just cover the bottom of the pan. Cover and let steam until asparagus is easily pierced with a knife, 3 to 5 minutes. Toss asparagus with butter and season with salt and pepper. 4 дня назад

How do I prepare asparagus for cooking?

Boiled Asparagus Bring water to a boil, and then add the asparagus. Cook asparagus until bright green and fork tender, about 1 to 3 minutes. If not eating right away, transfer asparagus to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Reheat when ready to use and season before serving.

Should you soak asparagus before cooking?

I soak all asparagus first in cold water. I trim the ends and then rinse the stalks and let them sit in cold water for five minutes. It hydrates the asparagus, and they cook more quickly, for they are already wet with some moisture within them. Do not soak them for 30 minutes, you are not trying to get them soggy.

What happens if you cook asparagus too long?

Aim to be the Goldilocks of spring veg: Search for one that’s juuuust right. The ultra thin “pencil” spears are way too easy to overcook, making them floppy and limp. But thick, wide asparagus is woody and fibrous in texture—it also has less flavor than medium-sized varieties.

What is the healthiest way to eat asparagus?

Try adding shredded, raw asparagus to pasta dishes and salads. Alternatively, enjoy the spears lightly steamed or sautéed in a frittata, or as a stand-alone side dish. Asparagus is a nutritious choice, regardless of whether it’s cooked or raw. Try eating a combination of the two for maximum health benefits.

How long should I Steam asparagus?

Bring the water to boil, lay the asparagus in the steamer, cover, and steam until crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer asparagus to a heated serving dish, drizzle with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with lemon and serve immediately.

What’s the benefits of eating asparagus?

The Health Benefits of Asparagus This giant veggie is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables — high in folic acid and a good source of potassium, fiber, thiamin, and vitamins A, B6, and C. A 5-ounce serving provides 60% of the RDA for folic acid and is low in calories.

How do you clean asparagus before cooking?

Rinse the spears under cool water to remove any grit. Snap off the bottom inch or so using your fingers; the stems will naturally break where the tough woody part ends and the tender stem begins. Dry the spears by rolling them between two kitchen towels.

What spice goes well with asparagus?

The Best Herbs for Seasoning Asparagus Chives. Snip fresh chives onto your sautéed asparagus spears just before serving. Lemon Balm. The fresh taste of lemon is fantastic when combined with asparagus. Dill. Tarragon. Tips for Harvesting Asparagus.

What else can you use an asparagus steamer for?

8 Uses for an Asparagus Steamer Here are 8 ways to put your asparagus steamer to good use: Steam asparagus. ( We ‘re not above stating the obvious.) Blanch vegetables. Boil eggs. Small batch canning. More: Not sure where to start? Dinner for one. And so much more.

What part of asparagus is poisonous?

Like the rhubarb, the part of the asparagus plant that we love – the young stems – are perfectly safe to eat. But the asparagus hides a deceptive, nasty secret: Its fruit, which are bright red berries, are toxic to humans.

Do you eat the tips of asparagus?

You can eat the whole spear except for the woody stem towards the bottom. Hold the asparagus spear on each end firmly. Gently bend the asparagus so that it bows out away from you. Discard that part and eat the top part with the head on it.

When should you not eat asparagus?

It’s quite easy to tell if asparagus has gone bad. Fresh asparagus has dark green tips and firm stalks. If the asparagus has turned abnormally soft or mushy, or black spots start developing all over the stalks, discard it right away. Discolored stems are also a sign that the asparagus is no longer safe to eat.