Were you looking for some “easy to cook” side dishes? We suggest you try asparagus! It contains a lot of nutrients and is very easy to prepare. With just a few additions, you can enjoy your asparagus in many different ways.

 

6 Ways to Cook Asparagus

 

How to cook asparagus? In this Local NYC cooking guide we share with you 6 ways to cook Asparagus.

 

1. Boiled Asparagus

  • Add salt to water and place in a large pot.
  • Bring to boil.
  • Add the asparagus to the boiling water
  • Cook for 1-3 minutes until bright green and tender
  • If you are not eating it right away, place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

 

2. Steamed Asparagus

  • Place the asparagus in a steamer.
  • Cook in high heat
  • Once the steam forms, cook for 2 to 4 minutes until bright green and tender
  • If you are not eating it right away, place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

 

3. Roasted Asparagus

  • Use olive oil, salt and pepper to coat your asparagus
  • Cook and a sheet pan at 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Broil of 10 minutes.
  • Shake the pan halfway through.
  • Cook until the tops are brown and tender.

 

4. Sauteed Asparagus

  • Cut your asparagus into 2-inch pieces
  • Add oil and butter into the pan and set to high heat.
  • Saute the asparagus for 3 to 5 minutes until light brown or tender
  • Add salt and pepper
  • You can also use work to stir-fry the asparagus

 

5. Broiled Asparagus

  • Set your oven to broil setting.
  • Use oil, salt and pepper to coat your asparagus
  • Place in a sheet tray.
  • Cook the asparagus 6 inches away from the heating part of the oven
  • Broil for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly brown and tender.

 

6. Pan-Roasted Asparagus

  • Using medium-high heat, heat a pan and add olive oil and butter
  • Add the asparagus and coat in the cooking fat
  • Cover in the cook for 3 minutes until the asparagus are bright and crisp
  • Remove cover
  • Change heat setting to high
  • Add salt and pepper
  • Sear the asparagus using tongs for 3 to 5 minutes until brown.

See? It’s so easy to prepare your asparagus! It takes less than 10 minutes to add some flavor to this very healthy vegetable.

 

So, what is asparagus best paired with? Here are some suggestions:

  • Add in your frittata, quiche or your breakfast casserole
  • Add your homemade hollandaise sauce to your steamed asparagus
  • Wrap it on bacon and roast
  • Add in your pesto pasta
  • Add to chicken meal for a one-pot meal
  • Roll it with breading or bake to make asparagus fries
  • Add to a vegetable crudite

 

Health Benefits of Asparagus

 

Aside from being so easy to prepare, it’s also an excellent addition to your diet because it contains high levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, Vitamins A, B, C, K and E.

 

Asparagus also has strong antioxidant properties because it contains flavonoids and polyphenols. The soluble and insoluble fibres present in it is also suitable for your digestion.

 

How to Choose Asparagus

 

The best time to buy asparagus is between February to June, which is springtime. But worry not because it is available all year round. Asparagus comes in different colors like green, white and purple.

 

Its size is dependent on the time when it is harvested. Just adjust your cooking time for asparagus, which has a very thin or thick spear.

 

How to Store Asparagus?

 

It is best to store your asparagus in the crisper section of your fridge. If you are not planning to eat it within 2 days, then cut a half-inch off its bottoms and wrap in a damp towel. Please place it in a plastic bag before storing in your fridge. This can prolong your asparagus to 5 days.

 

You can also opt to place it in a tall jar or cup. Add 1-inch water and place it in the fridge. Loosely cover the top with a plastic bag. Check it now and then. If it’s already mushy, then it’s time to throw it out.

 

6 Ways to Cook Asparagus

 

If you love asparagus we hope you found some ideas in this post on 6 Ways to Cook Asparagus. Make asparagus a part of your meal. It’s a win-win situation for you given that you get a lot of nutrients in short cooking time. It’s also very versatile and can be included in different kinds of dishes. Enjoy your next meal with asparagus on the side!

Blogger
Author: Blogger