Food Tips
5 Techniques For Perfectly Cooked Asparagus
Image by: Maya Visnyei | Prop styling by Renée Drexler/The Props
Food Tips
5 Techniques For Perfectly Cooked Asparagus
Chances are you're cooking a lot of asparagus right now—here's how to make it taste good!
The grocery store is full of bright green bundles of asparagus in the spring, often at relatively reasonable prices. Take advantage of this healthy veg by using it in a delicious dinner recipe or cooking it as a side.
With these five cooking techniques, we'll show you how to make the most of your asparagus' bright flavour and snappy texture.
TIP: Before trying any of these methods, use a chef's knife or your hands to remove the dry, white base of your asparagus. You don't have to peel the base, but you can if you want.
5 ways to cook asparagus
In Salt Water
Try blanching your asparagus in boiling salt water for 1-2 minutes. To check if they're done, insert the tip of a knife into the stem. You don't want to feel any resistance.
If you're using green or purple asparagus, remove from the water and immediately immerse them in an ice bath or very cold running water to stop the cooking process.
MUST TRY: Asparagus spring salad
In a pan
Simply heat a pan with oil or butter then brown the asparagus for a few minutes. Don't forget to season well with salt and pepper. When the asparagus is tender, it's ready.
MUST TRY: Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with salted herb pangrattato
In The Oven
Turn the oven to 375°F or broil. Place asparagus on a lined baking tray, and coat with a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for a few minutes, shaking the pan every 30 seconds for even coating.
MUST TRY: Roasted asparagus with lemon and Parmesan
Steaming
Place your asparagus in a steamer basket above a pot of boiling water. Let sit for at least 10 minutes, until fork-tender.
You can use the cooked asparagus in any recipe, from pasta to a warm salad.
On The BBQ
Follow the advice of grill master Steven Raichlen: Heat up your barbecue to high heat, then skewer several asparagus at a time on bamboo skewers (it will look like a raft). Season your asparagus and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until nicely charred.
MUST TRY: Grilled asparagus pizza
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