Steamed Asparagus
Crisp, tender asparagus spears steamed to a vibrant green perfection and brightened with a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice. A healthy, elegant, and incredibly easy side dish ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the asparagus.
Wash the asparagus spears under cold running water. Snap off the tough, woody ends of each spear. You can do this by holding the spear and bending it until it naturally breaks.
TIPFor a cleaner look, you can line up the spears and trim the ends with a knife. - steam
Steam the asparagus.
1.Pour about an inch of water into a pot and bring it to a boil.2.Place the asparagus spears in a steamer basket over the boiling water.3.Cover the pot and steam for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears.4.The asparagus is done when it's bright green and tender-crisp.TIPBe careful not to overcook the asparagus, or it will become limp and lose its vibrant color. - serve
Season and serve immediately.
Carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot. Transfer the hot asparagus to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm.
TIPFor an extra fresh flavor, you can add some lemon zest along with the juice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The cooking time varies with asparagus thickness. Thin spears might only need 2-3 minutes, while very thick ones could take up to 7 minutes.
- 2To stop the cooking process and keep the asparagus bright green, you can plunge it into a bowl of ice water immediately after steaming. This is called 'shocking'.
- 3Ensure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket so the asparagus steams rather than boils.
- 4If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a metal colander placed inside the pot.
- 5Steamed asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
This recipe is already very healthy. For added flavor without fat, toss with fresh minced garlic or herbs like dill or parsley after steaming.
quickQuick
To make this even faster, steam asparagus in the microwave. Place spears in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook on high for 2-4 minutes.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to make it more appealing to kids. The salty, savory flavor pairs wonderfully with the asparagus.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Vitamin K
Asparagus is rich in Vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health and proper blood clotting.
Low in Calories and Fat
As a non-starchy vegetable with minimal preparation, it's an ideal food for weight management and a heart-healthy diet.
Rich in Antioxidants
It contains antioxidants like vitamin E and glutathione, which help protect cells from damage.
Good Source of Fiber
The dietary fiber in asparagus supports healthy digestion and can help you feel full and satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's exceptionally healthy. It's low in calories and fat, but high in fiber, vitamins K, A, C, and folate. Steaming is one of the best cooking methods to retain its nutrients.
