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10-Minute Microwave Asparagus

This microwave asparagus is so easy. Microwaving is the fastest and easiest way to cook this vegetable. It's ready in just a few minutes, and it comes out perfectly cooked!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
8 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 90 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus
Optional ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Wash the asparagus spears. Trim their ends. You can either trim enough of the ends so that the spears fit into your microwave-safe bowl, or, after trimming just the ends, cut them in half (or even chop them).
  2. Place the trimmed spears in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of water.
  3. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. (See notes).
  4. Use oven mitts to remove the bowl from the microwave, and be careful when removing the lid - hot steam will escape.
  5. Transfer the asparagus to a serving plate. Sprinkle it with kosher salt and serve. You can also dress with melted butter, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Notes

  • The nutrition info assumes that the optional toppings were used. 
  • There's no need to peel asparagus. However, if the ends are thick and fibrous, you might want to peel the very bottom of the spears after trimming the ends.
  • The most important thing when making this recipe is to make sure the asparagus isn't overcooked. You don't want it stringy and mushy! You want it tender, but not limp. It's the same idea as cooking pasta until it's al dente. You want it to retain some firmness. So, while three minutes is a good guideline, if the spears you're using are very thin, consider starting with just 2 minutes. You can always add more microwave time if needed.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. I like to chop them and add them cold to salads.

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.5recipe Calories 90kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Sodium 145mg (6%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 3g (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 90

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.5recipe
Calories 90kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 145mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 3g 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.