Steamed Asparagus Recipe

Steamed asparagus is a quick and healthy side dish. It’s bright green, tender, and tastes fresh. This easy recipe is ready in minutes and goes well with any meal!

Steamed asparagus makes a very elegant appetizer or side dish. It’s super healthy, bright green and so delicious!

Why You’ll Love Steamed Asparagus

• Quick and Easy: This recipe only takes a few minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Healthy and Fresh: Asparagus is packed with nutrients, and steaming keeps it fresh and crisp.
• Great Flavor: The light steaming brings out the natural taste of asparagus without overpowering it.
• Pairs with Any Dish: This simple side goes well with almost any main course, from meats to pasta.
• Beautiful Presentation: The bright green color adds a lovely pop to your plate, making it look extra appealing.

Ingredients For Steamed Asparagus

• Asparagus – Fresh asparagus is best for a tender, crisp bite and vibrant color.
• Water – Used for steaming; just enough to fill about an inch of the pot.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Steamed Asparagus

• Pot – A medium pot to hold water and the steamer basket.
• Steamer Basket – Fits into the pot to hold the asparagus above the water for steaming.
• Measuring Cup – To measure the water accurately for steaming.
• Knife – To trim the tough ends of the asparagus.
• Cutting Board – For a stable surface prepare the asparagus.

To steam the asparagus, you need a pot fitted with a steamer basket.  Put an inch of water in the pot and bring to a boil.  Meanwhile, wash the asparagus and cut off the bottom inch of the stems (discard that bottom inch, as the bottom parts of the asparagus are tough).

How To Make Steamed Asparagus

• Add about an inch of water to a medium pot and bring it to a boil.
• While the water heats, rinse the asparagus and cut off the tough bottom inch of each stem.
• Place the prepared asparagus in a steamer basket and set it over the boiling water.
• Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes, until the asparagus turns a bright green color.
• Carefully rinse the asparagus with cold water to stop the cooking, keeping it tender-crisp.
• Serve right away and enjoy your fresh, delicious steamed asparagus!

Put the asparagus in the steamer basket.  Steam for 2 to 3 minutes or until its bright green.  Rinse with cold water to stop cooking.  Don’t overcook the asparagus!  Overcooked asparagus turns mushy and limp.  Properly cooked asparagus should be crispy and bright.  Enjoy your steamed asparagus!  Also, check out how to steam asparagus in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
• Pair it with grilled chicken kabobs, flounder fish, or steak bites for a balanced meal.
• Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt or black pepper for extra flavor.
• Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
• Add it as a side to pasta dishes, risottos, or grain bowls for a pop of color and nutrition.

Tips For Success

• Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm stalks and closed tips for the best texture and flavor. Fresh asparagus will have a bright green color and shouldn’t feel limp.
• Trim the Ends Properly: The bottom inch of asparagus stalks is usually tough, so be sure to cut it off to ensure tender bites.
• Don’t Overcook: Steaming for just 2-3 minutes is perfect. Overcooking can make the asparagus mushy and dull its color.
• Use Cold Water After Steaming: Quickly rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and helps keep the asparagus tender-crisp.
• Flavor to Taste: While steamed asparagus is delicious on its own, try adding lemon, olive oil, or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for extra flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Lemon Zest: For a citrusy twist, sprinkle a little lemon zest over the steamed asparagus just before serving. It brightens the flavor and pairs well with the natural taste of asparagus.
• Top with Garlic Butter: Melted garlic butter drizzled over the asparagus adds a rich, savory touch that’s perfect for garlic lovers.
• Herb Seasoning: Try sprinkling fresh or dried herbs, like parsley, thyme, or basil, for an aromatic boost.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with a little chili oil for a hint of heat.
• Use a Different Cooking Method: If you don’t have a steamer, you can blanch asparagus by boiling it briefly and then cooling it in ice water.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover steamed asparagus in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid overcooking during reheating, as it may become mushy.
• Freezing: Although fresh steamed asparagus is best, you can freeze it. Just pat it dry, place in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently to retain its texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I steam asparagus without a steamer basket?

Yes, you can steam asparagus without a steamer basket by using a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Place the asparagus in the dish with a small amount of water, cover, and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until tender-crisp.

How do I know when asparagus is done steaming?

Asparagus is done when it turns a bright green color and has a tender-crisp texture. It should not be mushy or too soft, so keep an eye on it after 2 minutes of steaming.

Can I add other seasonings to steamed asparagus?

Absolutely! Steamed asparagus tastes great with a variety of seasonings, like lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. You can get creative based on your tastes.

Is steamed asparagus healthy?

Yes, steamed asparagus is very healthy! It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins like A, C, E, and K. Steaming is also a gentle cooking method that preserves its nutrients.

What can I serve with steamed asparagus?

Steamed asparagus pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with roasted meats, grilled fish, pasta, or as part of a vegetarian plate with grains and other veggies.

Other Easy Asparagus Recipes

Air Fryer Crispy Frozen Asparagus: This recipe makes perfectly crispy asparagus straight from frozen in the air fryer, ready in minutes and full of flavor.

Cooking Frozen Asparagus in the Air Fryer: An easy way to cook frozen asparagus in the air fryer for a quick, delicious, and healthy side dish.

Pan-Sauteed Asparagus Recipe on Stovetop: A simple stovetop recipe for sautéed asparagus that’s tender, vibrant, and lightly seasoned for a fresh, tasty side.

Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner: A one-pan meal with roasted shrimp and asparagus, perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus in the Air Fryer: This air fryer recipe wraps asparagus in crispy bacon for a savory, irresistible appetizer or side dish.

Air Fryer Asparagus with Roasted Flavor: Get that delicious roasted taste and perfect tenderness with this easy air fryer asparagus recipe.

Asparagus and Shrimp Quinoa Bowl: A healthy and filling quinoa bowl with shrimp and asparagus, perfect for a balanced meal that’s loaded with flavor.

 

More Steamed Recipes

• Quick Microwave Carrots Recipe
• Easy Microwave Spinach Steamed
• Instant Pot Sugar Snap Peas Steamed