How to cook asparagus

1. STAFF

   HubPagesposted 15 years ago

   How to cook asparagus

   replyreport
2. 62

   kephriraposted 15 years ago

   Cooking asparagus is easy cos its delicious just on its own. Boil for 3 or 4 minutes and then smear in butter and its georgous.

   replyreport
3. 68

   travelespressoposted 15 years ago

   My absolute favourite way to cook asparagus is to take some very fresh spears and cut them into lengths (about 2inch or 5 cms).  In a hot frypan add a little of your favourite oil (my preference at the moment is bran oil but olive oil is excellent too) add the asparagus and cook quickly.  Yum.

   replyreport
4. 0

   Empowermomposted 15 years ago

   The absolute best way to cook fresh asparagus is to steam it.  You don't need any special equipment.  You can use either a metal colander or a steamer basket (available at most supermarkets and of course, the local Dollar General Store) for your steamer utensil.
   
   Try to get fresh, young stalks that are thin.  Thick stems tend to be chewy and stringy.  If you are purchasing asparagus that is banded in a bunch, check the middle and make sure there aren't big stems in the middle surrounded by small ones.  In fact, if you have a nice relationship with the produce manager in your store, they may let you go back and hand select your stalks!  Look for a light purple tint on the tops to make sure they are ripe.  Otherwise, your asparagus may taste bitter.
   
   TO STEAM:
   
   Use a saucepan large enough to hold your "steamer utensil."  Put in enough water to almost touch the bottom of the utensil.  Add about 1 tsp. of salt to the water.  Heat the water on high. 
   
   When the water starts boiling, add asparagus (up to 1/2 the utensil size) either whole or cut up into the size pieces you desire.  Cover.  Turn the water down to medium and steam for about 20 - 30 minutes, dependent upon the size of the stalks.
   
   Steam until they have reached the desired tenderness.  When the stalks start getting "limp" they are done.  You may have to add a little hot water at some point if it boils out too quickly.  Not to worry, this won't affect the flavor.
   
   Hint: Overcooked asparagus tends to lose it's unique flavor.
   
   Once done, season with your favorite seasoning and serve piping hot or chilled. 
   
   Chilled:  I like to serve with mayonnaise or in a salad.  Ranch dressing is good, but you lose the delicate flavor.
   
   Hot:  Melt REAL butter, drizzle over the top and serve hot.  If you like spices, a touch of garlic salt is also tasty.  Nothing else needed and it will melt in your mouth.

   replyreport
5. 60

   Buzzyposted 15 years ago

   I love asparagus, and what I do is wash it and cut the bottom off.
   Then, I soak it in some water for a bit, and while it's soaking I grate some Swiss Cheese.  I steam the asparagus, but, keep it nice and crisp.
   
   Put the asparagus onto a baking dish, and sprinkle the cheese over top and bake until the cheese has browned and bit and has melted.  You can add some pimento to the top of the dish after it has baked.

   replyreport
6. 68

   Small town fellaposted 15 years ago

   My favorite way to eat asparagus is to soak it in soy sauce, then cook it on the grill.  It only takes a few minutes and it is great grilled.

   replyreport
7. 61

   Sage Knowlesposted 15 years ago

   wash the stalks, break off the bottom ends(don't cut them off --this ensures the woody part is not left on the stalk as it will break naturally in the right spot)  put it single layered in a dish, with water covering half the width of the stalks...squeeze some fresh lemon over the spears, a little olive oil, and a sprinkling of salt and then microwave it for 5 min...my kids split the asparagus...one likes the stalks, one likes the tips!! works out good...

   replyreport
8. 52

   D R Sanchezposted 15 years ago

   One of the best ways to cook asparagus is to wrap it in bacon and grill it.
   
   First you must wash it thoroughly, to remove an gritty sand residue, and remove the woody end of the stem.
   
   Next, wrap a strip of bacon around the stalk, spiraling as you go.
   You can wrap each piece individually, or wrap two or three stalks together.
   
   While this tastes wonderful when cooked on a gas or charcoal grill, you can easily use a "Forman" style grill for a slightly healthier option.
   
   If using a gas or charcoal grill, be aware the flare ups may occur from the dripping grease.
   
   Another healthy option for grilling is to roll the prepared stalks in olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, pepper and salt (optional), or other seasonings of your choice, then place the marinated stalks on the (gas, charcoal, or "Forman" style) grill.

   replyreport
9. 62

   kirsibposted 15 years ago

   I use my big skillet with glass lid. Just cut about an inch off from bottom and use a half can to a can of beer and steam your asparagus on it. It takes about 5-7 minutes if you do not want them too crunchy. Sprinkle with lemon pepper before picking them with tongs one by one to a plate. Few drops of butter on top to melt and they are ready to serve. My kids love them!

   replyreport
10. 78

    Katelyn Weelposted 15 years ago

    Asparagus, believe it or not, can actually be really tasty when roasted. If you're not a fan already, you probably haven't had it like this! read more

    replyreport
11. 54

    phoenixwomanposted 15 years ago

    I have used a combination of techniques when it comes to cooking asparagus. 
    
    I sautee fresh asparagus in a skillet with olive oil and fresh garlic, about two large cloves.  Once they are slightly tender, I then wrap three stalks at a time with a strip of bacon and place on a cookie sheet.  Once assembled, I then place all of the bundles in a 400 degree oven and cook until the bacon is slightly crisp on the edges, about 20 minutes. Quick tip:  if you line the cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, cleanup is a breeze.
    
    The asparagus come out very tender and the bacon is just an added bonus to the dish.

    replyreport
12. 53

    fashionloveposted 15 years ago

    Thanks for all the recipes and methods to try out everyone.  I've been on a cooking mission lately but I've got a long way to go before anyone would consider eating anything I make!

    replyreport
13. 57

    irish_hazardposted 15 years ago

    You can either steam it or soak it in butter then wrap it in tin foil and put it on the BBQ for about 5 minutes.

    replyreport
14. 57

    ZaraPposted 15 years ago

    Simple ....
    Place in a microwavable bowl, add one or two knobs of butter and some black pepper. Cover with cling film and pierce. Microwave on full power for 4 mins or until desired tenderness is achieved!
    Done .... now enjoy!!!

    replyreport
15. 60

    Curious Jenposted 15 years ago

    Take the desired amount of asparagus and tie it in a bunch with a piece of string or an elastic.  Chop the bottom 3/4 of an inch off the bottom of each stalk.  Stand the bunch of asparagus up in 2 inches of water.  Bring the water to a quick boil and simmer for 2 minutes.  Voila asparagus is perfectly steamed.

    replyreport
16. 59

    CharlieClayposted 15 years ago

    The best way to cook asparagus is the simplest.  Trim away the bottom two inches of each spear and immerse the rest in a pot of boiling water.  Leave them for no more than three minutes then immediately drop them into a bowl of cold water to prevent them from over cooking. 
    They will be bright green, tender and delicious.  Add a little olive oil and salt and you have a real treasure.

    replyreport
17. 59

    balvarez143posted 15 years ago

    I have found that asparagus tastes great if it is breaded. You can dip the asparagus in eggs and then dip it in italian seasoned bread crumbs and lightly fry it until it is golden. It tasted really good. If you don't want to fry it you can season it with some olice oil and vinegar and add any type of spice that you like and then bake it to your liking.

    replyreport
18. 67

    Brendon Floydposted 15 years ago

    replyreport
19. 60

    swade123posted 15 years ago

    My fav asparagus recipe was given to me by my friend Judy along with fresh rosemary from her garden:
    
    Wash enough asparagus to fit in a large skillet; snap off the tough ends.  Place a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet and add the asparagus, italian herbs (or fresh basil), some sea salt and fresh rosemary sprigs (or dried if you don't have fresh).  Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of cold water and cover; heat over high heat until the water/olive oil mixture begins to sizzle. 
    
    Reduce heat to medium high and braise the asparagus, covered, for about 8 minutes or until tender and slightly browned.  Serve immediately.  Yum!

    replyreport
20. 67

    CreativeOrangeposted 14 years ago

    I enjoy eating steamed asparagus chopped into 1" and mixed with steamed carrots and garlic coconut oil.

    replyreport
21. 78

    cathylynn99posted 14 years ago

    Rinse your asparagus under cold water. Cut about the bottom inch off each stalk.  Place in a microwavable steamer bowl. Add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the steamer. Cover. Microwave on High for 8 minutes. Delicious plain or sprinkled with parmesan.

    replyreport
22. 61

    theinsurancequeenposted 14 years ago

    My favorite way to cook asparagus is to cut it up in small pieces about an inch long each.  Then put them all in a frying pan and cook on med heat.  Add butter and garlic salt and let it cook until it's tender but still has a little crunch.  It's great, and my kids even love it!    The only thing I don't like is the horrible smell you get every time you go pee after you eat it! LOL!

    replyreport
23. 71

    Benoitsmidgetposted 14 years ago

    Your own taste buds are the best way to decide how to cook asparagus. My favorite way is to lightly cover the bottom of a frying pan with olive oil and let it get really hot. While waiting for the pan to heat, I cut the back ends off of my asparagus and take the tops and stalks and put them in a container used for marinating. I add 1/2 tsp of olive oil, onion salt, garlic powder and a pinch of chili powder to taste. Cover the container and shake until asparagus is covered with seasoning. Add to frying pan. If you like it crunchy, like me, fry it over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. If you like it softer, cook it as long as you need to in order to reach your consistency. Enjoy!

    replyreport
24. 82

    nifwlseirffposted 13 years ago

    This easy and healthy casserole is made with fresh, nutritious asparagus, white radish, onions, thinly sliced proscuito and low-fat chicken breasts. read more

    replyreport