Perfectly Steamed Asparagus Tendercrisp Every Time

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a steamed asparagus recipe that’s quick, easy, and actually tastes banging? Honestly, is there anything worse than soggy, lifeless asparagus? This tender crisp asparagus recipe delivers perfect results every time, with a flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

Brief Overview

Asparagus has been a spring delicacy since Roman times. Perfectly steamed asparagus is a classic vegetable dish , ready in under 15 minutes.

This recipe yields 4 servings and is as easy as boiling water, making it a winner for busy weeknights.

Main Benefits

Asparagus is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this a healthy asparagus side . Serve this steamed asparagus side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.

What makes this easy asparagus recipe special? It's the vibrant color and fresh taste that elevate any plate.

Let's Talk Asparagus, Mate!

So, about this steamed asparagus recipe , yeah? Have you ever had that restaurant quality Asian asparagus recipes ? Well, get ready to make it at home.

It's so simple, even I can't mess it up. I mean, seriously, my attempts at baking are legendary disasters.

We're talking bright green, slightly crunchy tender crisp asparagus recipe – not that sad, grey stuff your nan used to make. This is how to cook asparagus properly!

You can have this steamed asparagus with lemon ready faster than you can say "Bob's your uncle". It will become your new favourite way to use this vegetable dish , especially with just a sprinkle of Maldon Sea Salt.

Trust me, once you try this perfectly steamed asparagus , you’ll ditch boiling for good. This healthy side is so delicious, you might even eat the whole bunch yourself.

I know I have. Don’t judge.

Ingredients & Equipment for Perfectly Steamed Asparagus

Alright, let's talk gear and goodies. This steamed asparagus recipe is super simple. You don't need a fancy kitchen, honestly! I remember trying to impress my mum with a complicated asparagus dish once, and she just looked at me and said, "Why bother? Just steam it!".

Turns out, she was right.

Main Ingredients List

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious and easy asparagus recipe :

• 1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus.
• 1 cup (240ml) water.
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) sea salt.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra virgin olive oil (or butter).
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Now, for the asparagus itself. The key to great asparagus recipes is quality! Look for firm, bright green spears. Avoid anything limp or yellowing.

Medium thickness is perfect because you do not want to use skinny asparagus.

Seasoning Notes for Amazing Flavor

A little seasoning goes a long way. For steamed asparagus with lemon , you're aiming for a bright, fresh flavour.

Salt brings out the natural sweetness. Pepper adds a bit of warmth. Lemon juice brightens everything up. Honestly, a squeeze of lemon at the end of the cooking will make the steamed asparagus side dish extra tasty.

If you're feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of garlic infused olive oil is fab.

Also, for an Asian asparagus recipes twist, consider a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a dash of soy sauce when serving this healthy asparagus side dish

Essential Equipment - Keep it Simple!

Here's what you really need to cook asparagus :

• A steamer basket or colander that fits inside a saucepan.
• A saucepan with a tight fitting lid.
• Tongs

Don't have a steamer basket? No worries! A metal colander works just fine. You just want to keep the asparagus above the water.

If you do not have colander or steamer, just cook asparagus in the oven, it is still great as one of asparagus recipes .

Perfectly Steamed Asparagus: Your Quick Guide to Deliciousness

Right, let's dive straight into this steamed asparagus recipe . Honestly, it's so simple, it's practically foolproof. We're aiming for that perfectly steamed asparagus bright green, tender, and with a little snap.

Forget that sad, soggy stuff you sometimes get. This is about a healthy side dish that even the most reluctant vegetable eaters might just enjoy.

Prep Steps: Making Life Easy

First things first. Asparagus recipes demand decent prep. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus. They naturally break where they become tender, usually near the bottom.

Think of it like giving your asparagus a little haircut! Then, grab your steamer basket or colander and your saucepan.

Make sure your basket fits nicely inside. Time is key, we want to prep in like 5 minutes ! This ensures they all cook evenly.

step-by-step to Tender Crisp Asparagus Recipe

1. Pour 1 cup of water into the saucepan.
2. Pop the steamer basket in, making sure the water doesn't touch it.
3. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer inside the basket.
4. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
5. Cover the pan. Steam over medium heat for 5- 8 minutes .
6. Test for doneness with a fork it should pierce easily but still have a bit of resistance.
7. Remove immediately and dry it with paper towels
8. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and, if you fancy, lemon juice, and pepper to taste, enjoy your steamed asparagus side dish

Pro Tips for the Asparagus Ace

Here's a sneaky tip: Watch that asparagus like a hawk. Overcooked asparagus is no one's friend. If you do overcook them, you can shock it with a cold water bath.

Also, you can toss it with melted garlic butter instead of olive oil. So lush, innit? This adds an extra layer of flavor, transforming it into a proper treat.

This easy asparagus recipe has some great Asian Asparagus Recipes variations by including soy and ginger or sesame oil and seeds.

So if you want to cook asparagus , that is more flavorful. Also note, timing can vary wildly.

Honestly, this steamed asparagus with lemon is banging good on its own, with some salmon, or next to a Sunday roast.

Plus, it’s a cracking good way to sneak some extra tender crisp asparagus recipe onto your plate. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Steamed Asparagus Recipe

So, you're about to whip up this steamed asparagus recipe ? Ace! Before you dive in, I wanted to share a few tips that I’ve picked up over the years.

Honestly, it’s all about making this easy asparagus recipe your own. You know?

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Presentation

Let's talk presentation. I love plating this tender crisp asparagus recipe alongside some grilled salmon. A squeeze of lemon on both? Divine! If you want a simple vegetable dish , try serving your perfectly steamed asparagus as a steamed asparagus side dish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds.

For drinks, something light and crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc will do the trick. Fancy, eh?

Storage Tips: Keeping Asparagus Fresh

Right, leftover asparagus. If you’re lucky enough to have some, let it cool completely first. Then, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3 days. Reheating is best done gently. A quick toss in a hot pan with a bit of butter, or even just a zap in the microwave, works wonders.

I haven’t tried freezing it steamed asparagus is best fresh, innit?

Variations: Get Creative with Your Asparagus Recipes

Fancy mixing it up a bit? If you're avoiding dairy, ditch the butter for a drizzle of good quality olive oil, or even some sesame oil for an Asian asparagus recipes twist.

You can use tamari instead of salt for a low-sodium alternative. Seasonal swap? In autumn, try roasting some butternut squash alongside your healthy asparagus side .

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Alright, a quick bit on the good stuff. This steamed asparagus with lemon isn't just tasty, it’s healthy too! It's low in calories and packed with vitamins.

Asparagus is also a great source of fiber, which is brilliant for your gut. Eating your greens? Always a win!

So there you have it! A few extra pointers to help you cook asparagus like a pro. This Easy asparagus recipe is really versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Get in the kitchen and give it a go, have fun and put your personality in it! You've got this!