Learn how to cook asparagus like a pro with this beginner's guide. From selecting the perfect bunch to 7 different cooking techniques, we've got you covered from roasted asparagus to grilled to air fried and more.
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Spring veggie pros know how to cook asparagus to maximize its sweet, earthy flavor and crisp texture. You can learn to do it, too, with some simple tips and inspiration.
While you can generally find asparagus year-round, it's in season in spring making it perfect for so many fresh seasonal recipes.
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From roasting or steaming, to stir-fries or veggie noodles, asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable with so many cooking possibilities.
Types of Asparagus
Did you know there are several different types of asparagus? These are the most common ones.
- Green Asparagus — Green asparagus grows above ground and has a sweet, earthy, grass-like flavor with mild bitter undertones. It’s the variety we are most familiar with in the U.S. Green asparagus spears are bright green and may have some patches of purple on them.
- White Asparagus — White asparagus is actually green asparagus that is grown without sunlight to inhibit chlorophyll production. White asparagus has a milder flavor with the same slightly bitter undertones.
- Purple Asparagus — Purple asparagus is its own variety. Purple asparagus is white or pale green on the inside. It has more sugar in its spears than green or white asparagus. Because of that, purple asparagus has a sweeter, nutty flavor.
How To Choose Asparagus
Choose locally grown, in-season asparagus for the most delicious results in your favorite recipes. When buying fresh asparagus, there are key things to look for.
Firm and Straight — The spears should be firm and round, with tightly closed tips. The stalks should be relatively straight, not curved. Limp or floppy stalks haven’t been stored well.
Vibrant Color — The color should be vibrant whether you are buying green, white, or purple varieties. Faded color can indicate old produce.
Moisture — The bottom of the spears should be moist and plump. If you notice a woody texture or dried out appearance at the bottom of your asparagus spears they may be too old. Dryness can also mean the asparagus wasn’t stored properly.
Spear Diameter — Thin asparagus spears tend to be very tender and more sweet than thicker stalks. However, thicker stalks give you great flavor, and hold up better for longer cooking. Buy according to how and why you’re preparing it and what you’ll be serving it with.
Stored Properly — The best grocers will store fresh asparagus upright in a shallow container of water.
How To Store Asparagus
Wash — Wash the fresh asparagus spears in cold water and then dry them thoroughly.
Prep — The first thing you should do after washing your asparagus is to prep it for storage by following these tips.
Trim Ends — Begin by removing about one-half inch off the bottom of each spear.
You can use a knife to remove the woody ends. However, Gen LaRocca creator and recipe developer at Two Cloves Kitchen suggests, “Feel for the edge of the thick, woody portion of the asparagus stem by hand. It should easily snap when you’ve reached the tender part of the asparagus spear.”
Upright in Water — Stand your asparagus upright in a container with around one inch of water in the bottom. The water should just cover the ends of your spears. Don’t overfill it.
Store in Fridge — Place the container of cleaned asparagus spears in the fridge.
Change Water — If you have stored them for longer than two days, check the asparagus stalk ends again and then stand them in clean, fresh water, before returning them to the fridge.
Storing Cooked Asparagus
To store cooked asparagus, use airtight food containers and store in the fridge for a maximum of four days. Cooked asparagus becomes softer the longer it is stored.
How To Cook Asparagus
Cooking asparagus is very simple. Just make sure not to overcook it, or it might get limp or mushy.
Whatever cooking method you choose, cook asparagus just until it's tender when pierced with a fork. Green asparagus should still be bright green and have a tender-crisp bite.
White asparagus stays white after cooking. Because it is thicker and more fibrous, it requires a longer cooking time than purple or green asparagus.
Methods for Cooking Asparagus
- Air Fryer Asparagus — Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Toss asparagus spears with avocado or olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for six to eight minutes until the outside is crisp and the stalks are tender.
- Broiled Asparagus — Preheat the broiler to high. Toss stalks of asparagus with oil and your desired seasoning. Broil for three minutes. Turn. Broil an additional two to three minutes, until the asparagus is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Grilled Asparagus — Preheat the grill to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the asparagus that has been tossed in your recipe ingredients across the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for seven to nine minutes, until the asparagus is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Try them wrapped in prosciutto for even more flavor.
- Oven-Roasted Asparagus — Toss asparagus spears in oil and the seasonings you prefer. Add them to a baking sheet and place in a preheated 425°F oven. Roast for around 10 minutes. They're perfect to add to a sheet pan dinner.
- Steamed Asparagus — Use a steamer pan set. If you don't have one, you can place a heat-proof strainer or a rack over the pan. You want the asparagus to be above the water level and not touching it. Place about two inches of water in the bottom of the pan. Add the rack, steamer basket or strainer over the water. Bring the water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the basket or rack. Steam the asparagus for five to 10 minutes, until it is bright green and tender. Toss the asparagus in butter or ghee, salt, and pepper.
- Stir-Fried Asparagus — Cut asparagus spears into pieces about three inches long. Heat oil in a wok or skillet. Add the asparagus along with salt and pepper. Fry until asparagus is tender but still bright green. Add one half teaspoon each of grated ginger and minced garlic and a quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir fry for 30 more seconds and then serve.
- Smoked Asparagus — Preheat the smoker to 225°F. Toss asparagus spears with oil, salt, and pepper and place in a grill basket. Smoke for about one hour.
What To Serve With Asparagus
Asparagus is a show-stopping side dish when topped with this easy blender Hollandaise sauce. Or try it in asparagus avocado soup for a cozy lunch.
Serve it as a side with chicken, in salads, pasta recipes, or even with scrambled eggs. Serve asparagus alongside your favorite meat or fish main dish recipes, slow cooker meals or casseroles.
So grab a bundle the next time you’re at the market. Experiment with a new asparagus recipe and add this versatile veggie to your next dinner.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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