Asparagus is a favorite vegatable around our house, and although I love it grilled, roasted, sauteed, stirfried—you get the idea—it’s a quick and wonderfully healthy side dish when just simply steamed.
The picky 4 year old is even a fan… If served without an sauce I allow him to eat it with his fingers, which is always a plus in his book!
Follow the instructions outlined under each of the pictures below…
- 1 bunch – Feeds 2 adults and 1 child.
- Wash the asparagus.
- Hold close to the end and snap off the woody bottoms
- In a large pot, with some sort of steamer basket, bring an inch or so salted water to a boil.
- Place in steamer basket (rinse again to dampen) and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Steam for 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of your asparagus. Start checking early, stabbing with fork to test for doneness.
As soon as your asparagus can be easily pierced, remove from pot.
Very similar to steaming broccoli (which I do in a similar manner), the key to successful asparagus steaming is to find that perfect point of doneness, where it’s just reached tenderness. Remember to take into account that it will continue to cook after removal from the pan.
If you’re going to serve it cold (like for a brunch) go ahead and douse in a pot of ice water to stop the cooking process.
It can be served as is with maybe an extra sprinkle of kosher salt if necessary. Or, toss with lemon juice, olive oil, and pepper for another simple approach.