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How to Steam Asparagus

Knowing how to steam asparagus, either on the stove or in the microwave, is a skill that leads to healthy side dishes and easy mix-ins for pasta salads.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
8 mins
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 23 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Others
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound asparagus spears
  • water
Optional:
  • Lemon juice or zest
  • olive oil
  • balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Trim the woody ends off of the asparagus by snapping them off at the natural break. Place the spears in the steamer basket opened wide.
  2. Fill the a wide skillet (with a lid) with about ½-inch of water and bring it to a boil. The water should be low enough so that doesn’t touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
  3. Place the steamer basket with the asparagus in the skillet, open as wide as it can go. Place a tightly fitted lid on the skillet. Steam for about 3 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender, but still a little firm. Avoid overcooking it.
  4. The cook time varies depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears. Very thin (early spring) spear could take as little as 1 minute to steam.
  5. Serve with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic dressing.

Notes

  • Nutritional calculations do not include any toppings, such as olive oil or dressings.
  • Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I provide nutritional information for my recipes as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using the LoseIt! calculator. While I attempt to provide information that is as accurate as possible, you should calculate the nutritional information independently before relying on it.

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.25of the asparagus Calories 23kcal (1%) Carbohydrates 4.4g (1%) Protein 2.5g (5%) Fat 0.1g (0%) Sodium 2.3mg (0%) Fiber 2.4g (10%) Sugar 2.1g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 23

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.25of the asparagus
Calories 23kcal 1%
Carbohydrates 4.4g 1%
Protein 2.5g 5%
Fat 0.1g 0%
Sodium 2.3mg 0%
Fiber 2.4g 10%
Sugar 2.1g 4%

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