Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in many different ways. It is a spring vegetable that has a short harvest season, usually from April to June. Asparagus is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as folate, iron, copper, calcium and fiber. It is low in calories but high in antioxidants.
How to Select Asparagus?
When selecting asparagus, look for firm, bright green spears with tight, compact tips. The stalks should be firm and not limp. Avoid spears that are dry, woody or discolored. Thinner stalks will be more tender while thicker stalks may be fibrous. Choose spears that are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly. The optimal storage temperature for asparagus is between 32-35°F. Store fresh unwashed asparagus in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for 2-3 days.
How to Prepare Asparagus?
Rinse asparagus under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, peel the bottom 2-3 inches of the spears if they seem thick or woody. The ends tend to be the toughest part.
You can cook asparagus whole with the tips intact, or you can cut off the woody ends and cook the tips and tender parts of the stalks. Cut off the tough ends at the point where the stalk starts to get thinner.
Common Ways to Cook Asparagus
There are many different methods for cooking asparagus. Some of the most popular ways include:
- Roasting – Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned and tender.
- Steaming – Stand asparagus spears upright in a steamer basket. Steam for 2-4 minutes just until bright green and fork tender.
- Blanching – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Remove and shock in ice water to stop cooking.
- Grilling – Toss spears with oil and grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until charred and tender.
- Sautéing – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir-frying – Heat oil in a wok or skillet. Add asparagus and stir-fry over high heat for 2-3 minutes.
The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Steaming, blanching or sautéing are good cooking methods for quick cooking. Roasting and grilling work well to develop deeper flavor.
How to Use Asparagus in Recipes
One of the great things about asparagus is its versatility. It can be used in all sorts of recipes from appetizers to main dishes. Here are some of the most popular ways to use asparagus:
Asparagus Appetizers
- Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, baked or grilled
- Asparagus frittatas or mini quiches
- Asparagus bruschetta
- Asparagus stuffed mushrooms
- Asparagus salad with shaved parmesan
Asparagus Side Dishes
- Roasted asparagus with lemon
- Sauteed asparagus with garlic
- Asparagus with Hollandaise sauce
- Grilled asparagus
- Asparagus risotto
Asparagus Main Dishes
- Asparagus quiche or frittata
- Asparagus pasta – penne with asparagus
- Asparagus pizza
- Asparagus soup or bisque
- Asparagus omelet or scramble
- Asparagus stir fry
Asparagus Salad Recipes
- Arugula salad with shaved asparagus, lemon vinaigrette, parmesan
- Asparagus spring salad with mixed greens, hard boiled egg, olive oil dressing
- Asparagus orzo pasta salad
- Roasted asparagus salad with quinoa and chickpeas
- Asparagus salad with strawberries, goat cheese, almonds
There are endless possibilities for incorporating asparagus into recipes. Its delicate flavor pairs well with eggs, pasta, seafood, chicken, citrus, herbs and cheeses. Try using it in quiches, frittatas, pastas, pizzas, risottos, stir fries, omelets or salad recipes for delicious results.
How to Store Asparagus
Fresh asparagus will last longer if you store it properly:
- Stand asparagus spears upright in a jar with an inch of water. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The water helps keep the spears hydrated.
- Wrap the ends of asparagus spears in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
- Store fresh asparagus in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Fresh asparagus will keep for 2-3 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. Do not wash asparagus until you are ready to use it. Washing beforehand can cause it to spoil faster.
You can also freeze asparagus to extend its shelf life. To freeze:
- Wash and trim asparagus spears.
- Blanche in boiling water for 1-2 minutes.
- Shock in ice water to stop cooking.
- Pat dry thoroughly and place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
- Transfer frozen spears to an airtight freezer bag.
Frozen asparagus will keep for up to one year in the freezer. It is best used in cooked recipes, as the texture changes with freezing.
Selecting a Cooking Method
The optimal cooking method for asparagus depends on how you plan to use it. Here is a comparison of common cooking techniques:
| Cooking Method | When to Use | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Steaming | Using in a salad or as a simple side dish. Quick cooking. | Crisp tender texture, bright green color. |
| Roasting | Side dish with strong roasted flavor. Can be served hot or cold. | Browned, caramelized exterior, very tender inside. |
| Grilling | Cooked as a starter, side or in main dishes. Adds nice char. | Charred flavor and tender interior. |
| Blanching | Prior to freezing or using in cold recipes. Quickly cooks. | Bright green, crisp-tender texture. |
| Sautéing | Quick cooking for stir-fries or toppings. Hot or cold use. | Tender-crisp spears, light browning. |
The cooking method you choose will depend on factors like how much time you have, whether you are reheating, or if you want to highlight the delicate or robust flavor of the asparagus.
Choosing Side Dishes for Asparagus
Asparagus pairs well with many classic side dishes. Consider these tasty accompaniments:
- Rice – Asparagus risotto, lemon rice, herbed rice pilaf.
- Pasta – Penne pasta, farfalle, orzo or linguine.
- Potatoes – Roasted, mashed or scalloped potatoes.
- Grains – Quinoa, couscous, farro or bulgur wheat.
- Bread – Rolls, biscuits, focaccia or crusty bread.
- Veggies – Roasted carrots, sautéed green beans or brussels sprouts.
The flavors of asparagus also pair well with onions, mushrooms, eggs, citrus, nuts, cheese and fresh herbs like dill, parsley, tarragon and thyme.
Some classic pairings include:
- Asparagus with Hollandaise sauce and roasted potatoes
- Asparagus risotto with lemon and parmesan
- Grilled asparagus with mushrooms and herbed focaccia
- Asparagus frittata with tomato salad
- Pasta with asparagus, garlic and basil
Choose accompaniments that enhance the springlike flavors of asparagus or contrast nicely in taste and texture.
Toppings and Sauces for Asparagus
From creamy Hollandaise to zesty relishes, toppings and sauces add extra flavor to simple steamed or roasted asparagus. Here are some tasty topping ideas:
Savory Sauces
- Hollandaise
- Béarnaise
- Mornay
- Velouté
- Beurre blanc
- Mustard vinaigrette
Herb Sauces
- Chimichurri
- Parsley sauce
- Basil or tarragon pesto
- Mint sauce
- Green goddess dressing
Spiced Sauces
- Romesco
- Harissa
- Zhoug
- Charred salsa verde
- Tzatziki
Cheese and Dairy
- Parmesan
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Blue cheese
- Mascarpone
- Plain yogurt
Crunchy Toppings
- Toasted pine nuts
- Sliced almonds
- Pistachios
- Roasted pecans
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Sesame seeds
Get creative with your favorite sauces, cheeses, herbs, spices, nuts and seeds to elevate simple asparagus to something spectacular.
Asparagus Recipes Roundup
Here is a summary of 15 delicious asparagus recipes to try:
| Recipe | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Roasted Asparagus | Asparagus, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon |
| Asparagus Frittata | Eggs, asparagus, onions, Gruyère |
| Asparagus Pizza | Pizza dough, asparagus, mozzarella, prosciutto |
| Pasta with Asparagus | Penne, asparagus, garlic, olive oil, parsley |
| Asparagus Quiche | Eggs, asparagus, ricotta, Parmesan, puff pastry |
| Asparagus Risotto | Arborio rice, asparagus, Parmesan, lemon zest |
| Asparagus Salad | Asparagus, mixed greens, hard boiled egg, olive oil dressing |
| Grilled Asparagus | Asparagus, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon |
| Asparagus Soup | Asparagus, onions, vegetable broth, cream |
| Asparagus Omelet | Eggs, asparagus, onions, cheese, herbs |
| Asparagus Stir Fry | Asparagus, snap peas, tofu, soy sauce, ginger |
| Asparagus Tart | Puff pastry, asparagus, gruyere, eggs |
| Roasted Asparagus | Asparagus, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon |
| Asparagus Frittata | Eggs, asparagus, onions, Gruyère |
| Asparagus Pizza | Pizza dough, asparagus, mozzarella, prosciutto |
This selection of appetizers, main dishes, soups and salads should give you plenty of ideas for enjoying fresh asparagus. The key is to lightly cook the asparagus to highlight its delicate flavor and crisp-tender texture. Pair it with eggs, greens,cheese, pasta and fresh herbs for best results.
Conclusion
Asparagus is a versatile spring vegetable that can be used in many quick and easy recipes. To highlight its flavor, try roasting, grilling, sautéing or steaming and avoid overcooking. Store fresh asparagus properly in the refrigerator and prep by snapping off the ends before cooking.
Asparagus pairs well with eggs, pasta, rice, herbs, citrus and cheeses. Use it in appetizers, salads, sides and main dishes for a tasty addition to any meal. With endless preparation possibilities, asparagus is a simple way to add flavor and nutrition to your spring cooking routine.