How Long To Steam Asparagus
Steaming asparagus is a simple way to bring out its natural flavor while maintaining its crisp texture. The steaming time depends on the thickness of the spears. It takes between 2 and 5 minutes for tender, slightly crisp asparagus.
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler for thick asparagus
- Large Saucepan with Lid
- Steamer basket
- Paring knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
Instructions
- Trim the woody ends by cutting about an inch from the bottom. Rinse the spears under cold water.1 pound asparagus
- Fill a medium or large pot with about an inch of water and place a steamer basket inside. The water line should be right below the basket.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the asparagus to the steamer basket and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Reduce the heat to medium and steam for 2-5 minutes, adjusting based on the thickness of the spears.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Steaming Times:
Thin spears (pencil-sized): 2 to 3 minutes
Medium spears (standard thickness): 3 to 4 minutes
Thick spears (larger than a finger): 4 to 5 minutes
For thick stalks, peel the lower half with a vegetable peeler. They are very stringy and hard to chew.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftover steamed asparagus in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Reheat cooked asparagus in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter until warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 22.7kcalCarbohydrates: 4.4gProtein: 2.5gTotal Fat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 2.3mgPotassium: 229.1mgFiber: 2.4gSugar: 2.1g
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