Easy Steamed Asparagus

Steamed asparagus is a quick and easy way to cook this healthy vegetable! Here’s how to steam it the right way, so it comes out bright green and tender.

Want a quick and healthy way to cook asparagus? Try steamed asparagus. Quick caveat first: this isn’t our favorite way to cook this healthy veggie. Our favorites are Baked Asparagus or Broiled Asparagus, cooked until browned and tender in a hot oven. The next best is sauteed in a hot pan. But steaming is a valid option: it’s healthier than most ways since you don’t need to use as much fat! If you do it correctly, it comes out bright green and crisp tender: perfect with a zing of lemon. Here’s how to do it!

How to make steamed asparagus

The trick to steamed asparagus is this: don’t overcook it! Because all asparagus differs in size and maturity, you’ll use a range for how long to steam it. The perfect timing for steaming this green veggie is about 2 to 5 minutes. Again, this all depends on the thickness: thin, slender asparagus steams faster than thick, tougher asparagus.

Gear required: You’ll need a steamer basket or steamer pan to make this recipe. Here’s a steamer basket you can buy online.

Step 1: Chop the asparagus.

With asparagus, you’ll need to chop off the tough ends. You know where it looks almost white-purple? Hack that part off. Then we like steaming asparagus in roughly 2-inch pieces.

Step 2: Boil the water.

The main thing you need to know for how to steam asparagus: bring the water to a boil first! Don’t be tempted to boil the water with the veggies in the pot. You’ll boil the water in a saucepan or pot before you add the veggies.

Step 3: Add the asparagus, cover and steam for 2 to 5 minutes, until crisp tender.

Once the water is boiling, add the veggies and cover. Cook for 2 to 5 minutes, until bright green and tender. Keep taste testing during this time: it’s important not to step away! Even a minute or so can take the asparagus from bright green to muddy yellow green and overcooked.

Step 4: Drain and season.

Remove from the heat and add the asparagus to a bowl. Stir it together with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. That’s it! Perfect steamed asparagus.

Serving steamed asparagus

You can eat this steamed asparagus as is, and it’s a tasty way to eat this fresh veggie! Of course, there are so many other ways to serve it: here are some ideas!

1. Top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for an elegant flair.
2. Add slivered toasted almonds for a crunch.
3. Top with feta crumbles for a Mediterranean flair.
4. Add to a grain bowl with quinoa or farro, and top with Tahini Sauce.
5. Serve with sauteed shrimp like our Garlic Butter Shrimp for a quick and easy meal.

Asparagus nutrition

Why eat this healthy green veggie? Here are a few great reasons to add this steamed asparagus to your weekly repertoire:

• Great source of fiber: 1 cup of cooked asparagus has 4 grams of fiber. (Source)
• High in protein for a green vegetable: 1 cup also has 4 grams protein. (Source) That’s a similar level to broccoli and potatoes.
• Can aid in eye and hair health and may have potential anti-aging properties. (Source)

More asparagus recipes

Love that healthy green stalk? Here are some of our best recipes using it:

• Asparagus Salad with Feta Bursting with flavor and totally versatile! It highlights this healthy veggie with lemon, radishes, feta, and a Dijon dressing.
• Asparagus Pasta Lemony roasted asparagus pairs with fresh basil and Parmesan for an irresistible dinner recipe.
• How to Blanch Asparagus or How to Boil Asparagus Two handy methods for how to cook it!
• Roasted Asparagus with Lemon The easiest side dish! Bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes with garlic, olive oil, and lemon slices.
• Shaved Asparagus Salad Raw asparagus tastes mild and sweet! Pair the ribbons with a tangy lemon vinaigrette and Parmesan.
• Asparagus Frittata with Feta Light and simple! It’s perfect for a brunch or dinner with a green salad.

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Asparagus Pasta with Lemon

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Asparagus Salad with Feta

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Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

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How to Boil Asparagus

This steamed asparagus recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

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