Best cooking tips for asparagus, please...

Lisa loves Pooh

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I am making dinner for a family tonight (drop off)....

It's one of the Publix Apron meals and the side dish suggestion was steamed aspargus.

What is the trick to not overcook it? I.e. what should it look like so I can pull it off the heat before it cooks too much.
 
I am making dinner for a family tonight (drop off)....

It's one of the Publix Apron meals and the side dish suggestion was steamed aspargus.

What is the trick to not overcook it? I.e. what should it look like so I can pull it off the heat before it cooks too much.

I always steam fresh asparagus until it's fork tender (like a potato). I would guess 6 or 7 minutes with a rapid boil. It should still be bright green in color. While it's still hot, I rub a tablespoon of butter on it and top it with a little salt.

Mmm..now I want asparagus!
 
I also cook my asparagus in a pot tall enough for the asparagus to stand up in. Put an inch or so of water in the bottom and bring to a boil, then stand the asparagus--tips up--in the water and cover the pot. I have an actual stand that the asparagus goes into, but you also can tie it up in a bundle.

This way the tougher end of the asparagus cooks directly in the water and the more tender parts get cooked by steam.
 
It will turn bright green. It only takes about 5ish minute to steam. If it is in longer it will begin to turn a pale green and that is when it starts to become mushy.

I eat it for breakfast with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.:goodvibes
 

I am assuming this is a side. My fave way to do asparagus is drizzle with Olive oil and salt and roast in oven at 400 for maybe 10 mins. YUMMY, roasting brings out a nutty flavor you dont get with steaming.
 
I also cook my asparagus in a pot tall enough for the asparagus to stand up in. Put an inch or so of water in the bottom and bring to a boil, then stand the asparagus--tips up--in the water and cover the pot. I have an actual stand that the asparagus goes into, but you also can tie it up in a bundle.

This way the tougher end of the asparagus cooks directly in the water and the more tender parts get cooked by steam.

That is cool. I will have to try it that way. Thanks!
 
I agree with the pp who suggested roasting in the oven drizzled with olive oil. We like to top it off with freshly grated parmesan!
 
I am assuming this is a side. My fave way to do asparagus is drizzle with Olive oil and salt and roast in oven at 400 for maybe 10 mins. YUMMY, roasting brings out a nutty flavor you dont get with steaming.

This is what I do. I also sprinkle some panko crumbs on it. It is sooooo yummy! My kids love it, we probably have it about once a week when asparagus is in season and not a ridiculous price!
 
Lots of good tips. Thanks!

The meal is Salmon with pineapple salsa--will the oven/EVOO thng still be good with that?
 
I prefer it roasted. Put it on a cookie sheet lined with foil. Drizzle with olive oil, Herbs de Provence, and sea salt. Roast until tender. Very yummy!
 
I am assuming this is a side. My fave way to do asparagus is drizzle with Olive oil and salt and roast in oven at 400 for maybe 10 mins. YUMMY, roasting brings out a nutty flavor you dont get with steaming.

Totally agree. I dislike asparagus steamed but roasted or grilled :lovestruc:lovestruc. Kroger has had asparagus on sale for $1.89 a lbs. so I've been eating roasted asparagus every day and still haven't tired of it.
 
How can you tell it is done and not overcooked?

Usually 10 mins at 400 is perfect, I will usually just test with fork to make sure tender. If it is very thin asparagus maybe do it for 8 mins, really thick try 12-14 mins.
I think if it is over done it gets really really dark green , but I keep a close eye, so hasnt been an issue.
 
I am assuming this is a side. My fave way to do asparagus is drizzle with Olive oil and salt and roast in oven at 400 for maybe 10 mins. YUMMY, roasting brings out a nutty flavor you dont get with steaming.

I make asparagus this way, as well. Delicious!
 
Sorry if this grosses anyone out, but I gotta ask! :rotfl:

Asparagus gives some people's urine a funky smell. It doesn't happen to everyone, from what I heard. It does happen to me...:eek:...and although I love asparagus, the stink kind of makes me steer away from it. (thankfully, the stink doesn't last too long!)
 
We also roast/grill our asparagus using olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. It is the way to go.

This is how I cook them and when they come out of the oven I drizzle a little bit of lemon juice on them.
 

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