Asparagus can be steamed, boiled, grilled, sautéed, roasted, or microwaved. It is ready when it is tender but still with a little bite to it. Many people like to add some fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper to their asparagus but you can also use it in risottos, pasta recipes, and omelets. Choose asparagus with bright green stalks. If you are using thicker asparagus the skin will be tougher so you should peel off the outer layer with a vegetable peeler.
You will get about fifteen asparagus spears in a bunch and you should serve each person four or five, for a side dish portion. Unused asparagus should be wrapped tightly in plastic and refrigerated. It will keep for three or four days. Rinse the asparagus before you cook it, then trim the bottom third of the stalk off because this part is tough.
Microwave Cooking - Quick and Easy
Layer the stalks in a dish and add a tablespoon of water. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and make a couple of holes in it to let the steam escape. Microwave the asparagus on high for two and a half minutes for a crisp-tender result or three minutes for a softer result. Do not overcook it, or it will become mushy and turn an unappealing shade of green.
How to Boil Asparagus
Cut the spears into two inch pieces and boil them in water for three and a half to five minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. You can add a pinch each of sugar and salt to the water too, if you like. Add salt and butter to the cooked asparagus and serve it immediately. Learning how to cook asparagus correctly means you can make a wonderful side dish with this nutritious vegetable.
Using Asparagus in Stir-Fries
If you want to make a stir-fry then asparagus is a great ingredient to use. To prepare it, you just need to cut or snap off the bottom inch of each stalk, then cut each stalk into three pieces. Warm some oil in a wok or skillet, and then add the asparagus as well as any other vegetables you are using. To get them to cook fast, cut the vegetables diagonally into small pieces. Mushrooms, bell pepper, green onion, zucchini, and carrot are just a few ideas.
Cook the vegetables over a medium heat, stirring all the time, so they cook evenly. You can also add shrimp, chopped chicken, duck, pork, or beef, and cook that at the same time. When all the vegetables are crisp-tender and the meat is done, stir in your choice of sauce. You can use a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of Chinese 5-spice powder if you do not have another sauce. Asparagus adds a lovely crunch to any stir-fry recipe, so why not make your next stir-fry with tasty green asparagus.