Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a delicious side dish, cooking asparagus is easy and fun. Try cooking it in the oven, on the grill, or even in the microwave! Different methods give the vegetable a completely different taste. You can even roast or steam it if you’re feeling adventurous. Once you’ve mastered cooking asparagus, try creating your own asparagus recipes. Regardless of what you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the results.
When cooking asparagus, be sure to check for overcooking. If the spears are too soft, they’ll turn mushy. So, make sure that you rinse them thoroughly before cooking them. You can also soak them in water to remove any stuck-on bits. You can also cut off the tough ends and keep them for another use. Once you’ve chosen your preferred way to prepare asparagus, follow these tips to cook it perfectly.
Asparagus is best cooked in a pot or in a steamer, but it can also be boiled. In either case, you’ll need to trim the woody end, and prepare the asparagus for use in other dishes. After cleaning and trimming, you’ll be ready to cook asparagus! Just make sure you don’t use too much olive oil or butter as these can cause flare-ups. Aim to cook the asparagus until all sides are golden brown, and remove it from the grill immediately!
Asparagus is available in varying thicknesses from three to five minutes. The earliest spears are called sprue, and they are thinner and more tender through. Later, thicker spears can be woody. Before cooking, you can gently bend the stalks until they break at the point where the woody part meets the tender part. Besides cooking the asparagus, you can also use the stems as stock. Just make sure to remove the white part of the stalk.
Unlike other vegetables, asparagus does not require peeling. The thick, woody part of the stalk is not edible. Remove it with your hands or a vegetable peeler. If you choose to peel asparagus, you should keep it refrigerated. Cooked asparagus keeps well in the fridge for several days. The spongy stems develop an unpleasant odor if they have been stored too long. To prolong its life, you can even store it in the refrigerator for three or four days.
To cook asparagus, it should be thoroughly washed. Then, stack the spears one atop another, making sure to remove the tough bottom part. Place the asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet and pat them dry. Sprinkle the spears with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cooking asparagus on the griddle pan retains the crunchiness of the stalk. Before griddling, you should brush the griddle pan with oil to avoid sticking.
You can also char the asparagus by heating it over a barbecue or griddle. Charring the asparagus adds an incredible nutty flavor and keeps the texture and vibrancy. You can also serve it with your favorite dip. Once cooked, you can serve it as a side dish for a roast chicken or roasted chicken. Then, serve the asparagus with the dip of your choice. Enjoy! You’ll be amazed at how tasty it is!