Microwave Asparagus
User Reviews
5
Microwave Asparagus
Description
This Microwave Asparagus recipe starts by washing and trimming the woody ends from fresh asparagus stalks. The asparagus is arranged in a microwave-safe container with a tablespoon of water, covered, and cooked on high power for about three to five minutes depending on thickness, until the stalks reach an al dente texture.
After steaming, the hot asparagus is seasoned with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor without overpowering the vegetable. The microwave steaming technique retains the bright green color and crispness while cooking efficiently.
This method is convenient for quick side dishes served alongside a variety of meals where fresh asparagus adds a fresh, slightly tangy, and mildly garlicky element. It can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for leftovers.
Using a microwave-safe container that doubles as storage can simplify cleanup and reduce dishes. You can adjust cooking time to desired tenderness by adding one-minute increments after initial cooking. Garlic powder gives a milder garlic flavor suitable for quick seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus typically a bunch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus to remove any grit or dirt. Don't dry them since the water typically helps with microwave steaming!
- Then, trim the edges. You can either do this by bending the stalk close to the white woody part and it'll break naturally. Or if processing a bunch at once, line them all up and chop off the wood part.
- Line up the asparagus in a neat flat row in a long microwave-safe container, ideally one with a lid or one that you can cover with a plate. Then, add a tablespoon of water.
- Cover with lid or plate and microwave on high heat for 3 minutes for al dente asparagus. If your asparagus is a bit on the thicker side (more than half an inch thick), you might need to microwave for 5 minutes to get to al dente texture. If you desire a softer consistency, cook in 1 minute increments until you reach desired softness
- Remove the asparagus from the microwave with oven safe mitts and be careful opening the lid or removing the plate since it'll be quite steamy! Then, drizzle a teaspoon each of olive oil and lemon juice, and add a teaspoon of salt and garlic powder along with half a teaspoon of black pepper. Use a fork or a spatula to toss the asparagus and you're done!
Notes
- Use the same microwave-safe container for cooking and storing leftovers to minimize cleanup.
- Adjust microwave cooking time depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks and desired tenderness.
- Garlic powder provides a quick, even seasoning, but feel free to use other preferred seasonings for steamed asparagus.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 70 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 70kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 1169mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 486mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1717IU | 34% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
