Asparagus is one of my favorite spring vegetables. When cooked well, it’s perfectly tender-crisp, vibrant, with a slightly earthy yet sweet taste I love. Cooked badly, it can become waterlogged and mushy. That’s why I’ve pulled together my top 6 methods for how to cook asparagus! Asparagus is a low-calorie yet nutrient-dense vegetable loaded with antioxidants, prebiotic fiber, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. That makes it a healthy and versatile side for dozens of dishes – poached eggs, garlic lemon pasta, mushroom risotto, air fried salmon, air fryer steaks, etc. Not only does it cook in as little as just a few minutes in some cases, but this ingredient requires just a little prep and not much more than salt & black pepper to make its flavors shine (though a little garlic, lemon, butter, and/or parmesan will never go amiss!). Looking for more ways to enjoy asparagus? Check out my asparagus soup or quick pickled asparagus recipes.
How to select the best fresh asparagus
There are three things to remember when picking asparagus:
Texture: Fresh asparagus will be firm to the touch and able to stand up straight. It should feel smooth, with a compact/tight tip. If it’s wilting, limp, or soft, it’s not fresh. Color: You’re looking for a rich green color that turns white as you get to the bottom of the stalk. The tips of the asparagus may also be dark green or purple. Size: Asparagus comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses – usually thin, medium, and thick. Try to pick bundles that are similar in size and color.
Note: there are three types of asparagus: green, white, and purple. Purple can be treated the same as green asparagus, but white asparagus must be peeled and well-cooked (not until just tender-crisp).
How to prepare asparagus
First up, before cooking asparagus, comes how to prepare asparagus. Don’t skip trimming the stalks. Otherwise, you may end up with a mouthful of woody, fibrous pieces! If you have really thick spears, their peel can be fairly tough. If so, place a spear flat on your work surface and use a vegetable peeler to peel about halfway up the spear. Repeat with the remaining spears.
How to cook asparagus
Choose from 6 easy ways to cook asparagus based on the time, tools, and effort level you’d prefer.
Steamed Asparagus
You can steam asparagus on the stovetop in minutes for perfectly tender-crisp, flavorful results. Plus, this method helps preserve many of its water-soluble vitamins (unlike boiling). Alternatively, steam asparagus in a microwave by placing it in a single layer in a lidded microwave-safe container. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Boiled Asparagus
Boiling asparagus is super quick and easy. Just make sure not to overcook the stalks; otherwise, they may become waterlogged/mushy. If you’re just looking to blanch asparagus, cook it at a rapid simmer in well-salted water for 1 minute, then immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water (with tongs) to halt the cooking process.
Roasted Asparagus
While roasting asparagus takes the longest time, cooking asparagus in the oven helps caramelize the veggie, adding a slightly crisp texture and a heap of extra flavor. Toss the roasted asparagus with butter or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for even more flavor when serving. For more tips, check my dedicated post for roasted asparagus.
Broiled Asparagus
This method adds more char and crisp texture than roasting asparagus and is ready in under 15 minutes.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Learn how to cook fresh asparagus in an air fryer to achieve the same roasted results in a fraction of the time (here is my full method and tips for how to air fry asparagus).
Sauteed Asparagus
Sautéed asparagus is super simple and adds an extra buttery flavor you’ll adore. Thin and medium spears work best. Note this method is practically identical when using a wok for stir-frying asparagus. I highly recommend adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This version of cooked asparagus also pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs and garlic. After trying out these easy methods to cook asparagus, you might also like to know how to properly store asparagus and how to freeze asparagus.
More ingredient guides and how-tos
What Is Artichoke and How to Cook It What Is Fennel and How to Cook It Radishes and What to Do with Them How to Cut Leeks and How to Cook Them
If you try any of these different ways to cook asparagus, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
