Steamed asparagus is the perfect side dish for all of your pasta, meat and fish dishes. It’s also paleo friendly. Take advantage of asparagus season to enjoy asparagus with lemon, asparagus with garlic or on its own with a sprinkle of salt. Make this wild asparagus risotto next!
To make steamed asparagus, you will need :
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- Fresh asparagus
- Topping of choice (lemon, garlic, sea salt)
Although asparagus is available all year long, the best time to enjoy it is during asparagus season which is early Spring here in Paris.
Lots of people are scared of steaming asparagus. They are not quite sure how to do it and think that it is complicated. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Steaming asparagus is quick and easy and a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy asparagus.
How to make steamed asparagus
- Prepare the asparagus by trimming the ends.
- Use a steamer set (pan and insert with holes).
- Pour a small amount (a 1/2 inch) of water into the pan.
- Add a teaspoon of coarse sea salt.
- Bring to a boil.
- Put the asparagus in the top part of the steamer set.
- Cover and leave to steam for 2 to 5 minutes depending on the width of your asparagus. (We cooked the asparagus in the photo for 2 minutes.)
- To cook al dente – remove the asparagus from the pan when you can just put a fork in it.
Steamed asparagus variations
FAQs
What to put on steamed asparagus?
Top with a squeeze of fresh lemon, fresh, powdered or pickled ginger, French vinaigrette, or simply with salt, black pepper and olive oil.
What goes well with steamed asparagus?
Serve with pasta, fish or meat.
How to tell when steamed asparagus is done?
To enjoy your asparagus al dente (lightly steamed, which is what we recommend),
Wine Pairing
Enjoy a dry white wine with asparagus dishes. We recommend this Jean-Max Roger Pouilly Fumé Cuvée Les Alouettes 2015.
Pin for later!
Perfect Steamed Asparagus
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: For 2
Description
Perfectly steamed asparagus every time with this no fail method!
Ingredients
A handful of fresh asparagus
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Instructions
Prepare the asparagus by trimming the ends.
Use a steamer set (pan and insert with holes).
Pour a small amount (a 1/2 inch) of water into the pan.
Add a teaspoon of coarse sea salt.
Bring to a boil.
Put the asparagus in the top part of the steamer set.
Cover and leave to steam for 2 to 5 minutes depending on the width of your asparagus. (We cooked the asparagus in the photo for 2 minutes.) To cook al dente – remove the asparagus from the pan when you can just put a fork in it.
Remove the asparagus from the pan.
Season with salt, pepper and olive oil to serve.
Notes
Optional toppings : lemon, powdered garlic, finely chopped raw garlic, pickled garlic, French vinaigrette
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: French
More Simple Appetizers on AHK
Easter Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
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Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
Great tips on steaming asparagus. There’s nothing better than when asparagus is in season and it’s so amazing in the spring because it really is one of the first crops ready to harvest.
A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says
Thank you, Kathy! We absolutely adore asparagus and are so excited for asparagus season over here!