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5.0 from 60 votes

How to Blanch Asparagus

Learn how to blanch asparagus like a pro! Simply cook in boiling water for a few minutes, and then shock in an ice bath. This easy method for blanched asparagus takes just a few minutes and very little prep! Serve it with roasted fish, skillet chicken, or grilled lamb chops. (More ideas in the post!) Or, top your bright, simple blanched asparagus with a flavor-packed Mediterranean salsa with tomatoes, shallots, and fresh herbs.

Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 402 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds asparagus, tough ends trimmed (preferably baby asparagus if available)
  • water
  • Zest of 1 lemon
Optional Salsa Topping
  • 1 Homemade Mediterranean-Style Salsa, see this recipe

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a cooking pot or large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water, seasoned with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, to a boil.  Have a large bowl of ice water ready next to it (this is an ice bath for the blanched asparagus).
  2. When water comes to a rolling boil, add the prepared asparagus. Boil until tender, 3 to 4 minutes (depending on thickness). Remove with tongs, or drain in a colander, and immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Drain; set aside to cool down a bit (or if you prefer to serve it as a salad, chill in the fridge for a bit).
  3. When ready to serve, arrange the asparagus on a serving platter. Season with salt and pepper. Add a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil and lemon zest.
  4. (Optional) If you like, top your blanched asparagus with this Mediterranean salsa.

Notes

  • How to store asparagus: It's best to use asparagus within a day or two of buying it for best flavor and texture. But, to make it last a bit longer, place them in a jar with some water (stem side down) and loosely cover with a plastic bag. Refrigerate. 
  • How to cut asparagus spears: Two ways: Either eyeball it and trim off the white/pale green ends with a sharp knife. Or, bend one spear until it snaps. Where it snaps is where you should cut the rest of the spears. 
  • What to serve with blanched asparagus: Fish, chicken, and lamb all go very well with asparagus as a side dish. Or, top the asparagus with a simple Mediterranean-style salsa and serve it as a chilled composed salad.  
  • How to store leftovers: Blanched asparagus will keep for about 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. 
  • Visit our Online Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils, all-natural and organic spices, and more. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 40.2kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 8.3g (3%) Protein 3.4g (7%) Fat 0.3g (0%) Saturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Sodium 12.5mg (1%) Potassium 405mg (12%) Fiber 3.3g (13%) Vitamin A 1635.4IU (33%) Vitamin C 27.9mg (31%) Calcium 44.9mg (4%) Iron 3.3mg (18%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 402

% Daily Value*

Calories 40.2kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 8.3g 3%
Protein 3.4g 7%
Fat 0.3g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Sodium 12.5mg 1%
Potassium 405mg 9%
Fiber 3.3g 13%
Vitamin A 1635.4IU 33%
Vitamin C 27.9mg 31%
Calcium 44.9mg 4%
Iron 3.3mg 18%

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