Quick Answer
Yes, you can reheat asparagus in the microwave. The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat leftover asparagus without overcooking it. Some tips for reheating asparagus in the microwave include:
– Place the asparagus spears in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
– Add a tablespoon or two of water to the dish to help steam the asparagus.
– Cover the dish with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid. This traps in moisture.
– Microwave on high power for 30 seconds to 1 minute per serving. The time will vary based on the amount you are reheating.
– Check the asparagus and rearrange the spears halfway through reheating.
– Stop reheating when the asparagus is hot and tender. Take care not to overcook it.
– Add any seasonings like salt, pepper, or lemon juice after reheating.
Reheating asparagus spears works best for leftover steamed or roasted asparagus. Raw asparagus reheated in the microwave can become tough and stringy. With a little care, the microwave can successfully reheat leftover asparagus without compromising taste or texture.
How to Tell if Asparagus is Bad
It’s important to know how to tell if asparagus has gone bad before reheating it. Here are some signs that asparagus has spoiled and should be thrown out:
Appearance
– Wilted, mushy, or slimy spears
– Dry, shriveled ends
– Brown or yellow tips
– Mold growth
Texture
– Very soft and no longer crisp
– Rubbery, woody, or stringy
Smell
– Rotten, sulphur-like odor
– Vinegar-like smell
Proper Storage of Asparagus
To maximize freshness and shelf life of asparagus, follow these storage tips:
– Stand asparagus spears upright in a glass with an inch of water. Cover the tops with plastic wrap.
– Wrap the bottom half of spears in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag in the fridge.
– Freeze asparagus for longer storage. Blanch spears first then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to bags.
– Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The refrigerator’s low humidity helps retain crispness.
– Do not wash asparagus until ready to use. Washing prematurely causes it to spoil faster.
Fridge Storage Time
| Asparagus Type | Refrigerator |
|---|---|
| Fresh, intact spears | 3-4 days |
| Cut spears | 2-3 days |
| Cooked asparagus | 3-4 days |
| Canned asparagus, opened | 3-4 days |
| Asparagus purchased in water | 5-7 days |
Freezer Storage Time
| Asparagus Type | Freezer |
|---|---|
| Blanched spears | 8-10 months |
| Cooked asparagus | 10-12 months |
| Asparagus puree | 12 months |
Proper storage keeps asparagus fresh and ideal for reheating later on.
Reheating Methods Compared
There are a few different ways to reheat asparagus besides the microwave. Here is how some common reheating methods compare:
Oven
– Preheat oven to 400°F. Place asparagus on a baking sheet.
– Roast for 10-15 minutes until heated through and starting to brown.
– Gentle, even heating brings out sweet, caramelized notes.
Sauté Pan
– Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté 3-5 minutes.
– Allows browning asparagus and infusing extra flavors.
Steamer
– In steamer pot, bring water to a boil. Place asparagus in steamer basket over water.
– Cover and steam 3-5 minutes until heated through.
– Preserves moisture and tenderness.
Microwave
– Arrange asparagus in microwave-safe dish. Heat 30 seconds to 1 minute per serving.
– Fast reheating while retaining texture. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.
Tips for Microwaving Asparagus
Follow these tips to successfully reheat asparagus in the microwave:
– Prep the asparagus – Trim woody ends. Cut spears to even sizes if needed.
– Use a microwave-safe dish – Glass, ceramic, or microwave plastic work well.
– Add water – A splash of water creates steam to prevent drying out.
– Cover loosely – Allow steam to vent while trapping some heat.
– Microwave in short bursts – Microwave for 30 seconds, stir or flip, then continue.
– Allow to rest – Let sit 1-2 minutes before serving.
– Season just before serving – Salt, pepper, garlic powder all add fresh flavor.
– Stir in lemon juice or fat – A spritz of lemon or melted butter also freshen taste.
Common Asparagus Microwaving Mistakes
It’s easy to overcook asparagus in the microwave if you aren’t careful. Avoid these common mistakes:
– Microwaving too long so spears become mushy.
– Packing asparagus too tightly so it steams unevenly.
– Not adding any water so asparagus dries out.
– Removing immediately from microwave and not allowing carryover cooking.
– Topping with seasonings before microwave reheating.
– Not checking for doneness and over-nuking.
– Using old, bendy asparagus that microwaves poorly.
– Not trimming woody ends which burn in microwave.
Complementary Foods to Serve
Reheated asparagus makes a flavorful, quick side to pair with various entrees and foods including:
– Baked chicken or fish – Asparagus complements poultry and seafood.
– Pasta dishes – Toss with pasta and olive oil or cheese sauce.
– Rice pilafs or quinoa – Asparagus gives a pop of color and texture.
– Salads – Adds crispness and interest to green, grain, or fruit salads.
– Eggs – Lovely alongside fried, poached, or scrambled eggs.
– On toast – Reheated spears delicious on avocado toast or ricotta toast.
Uses for Leftover Asparagus
Don’t throw out your leftover reheated asparagus! Here are creative ways to use it up:
– Make a frittata, quiche or omelette.
– Puree into a soup with chicken broth.
– Toss into pasta, frittatas, omelettes.
– Mix into stir fries or fried rice.
– Bake into mini tarts or savory bread pudding.
– Fold into crepes with cheese for breakfast.
– Blend into a pesto sauce.
– Pickle into refrigerator pickles.
Conclusion
Reheating asparagus in the microwave is a quick and convenient cooking method. Prepare the spears properly by trimming, allowing space, and adding water. Use short cooking times, stir halfway, and allow the asparagus to rest before serving. Take care to avoid overcooking. Reheated asparagus makes an easy side dish to complement many meals. Leftovers can also be repurposed in endless creative ways. Follow these microwave reheating tips for tender, tasty asparagus any night of the week.