Season the asparagus spears liberally with black pepper and lemon salt. Add olive oil into the hot pan and let it start to smoke. Add the asparagus spears in an even layer along with any remaining seasoning from the tray. Sauté for 90 seconds or until the green of the asparagus brightens and the white begins to char.
What is the best way to cook and eat asparagus?
Chop the spears into 1-inch pieces and drop them into the boiling water for about 1 minute, or until tender but still bright green. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the blanched asparagus to the ice water and chill for 1 minute. Drain, pat dry, and toss into salads, pastas, or squeeze with lemon and enjoy!
Why do you put asparagus in water before cooking?
Sometimes boiled vegetables lack flavor or come out soggy: but not here! You’ll boil the asparagus in just 1 inch of water until it’s crisp tender. This method makes the most of this bright green spring vegetable.
Why do you soak asparagus in ice water?
The ice bath is stopping the cooking process and preventing the stalks from cooking any further. Additionally, the asparagus will be perfectly tender (and not mushy!) for eating. Allow the asparagus spears to cool for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain well. Serve as is, or with a drizzle of our Favorite Vinaigrette.
How do you get tender asparagus?
When you buy it, it should be firm, with no soft or wet spots. The tips should be tightly closed with no flowers showing. Serve asparagus as a side dish to ham, steak, chicken breasts, and more.
Do I need to boil asparagus before baking?
Nope! There’s no need to soak asparagus before cooking.
What is the healthiest way to eat asparagus?
Try adding shredded, raw asparagus to pasta dishes and salads. Alternatively, enjoy the spears lightly steamed or sautéed in a frittata, or as a stand-alone side dish. Asparagus is a nutritious choice, regardless of whether it’s cooked or raw. Try eating a combination of the two for maximum health benefits.
How long should I cook asparagus for in the oven?
Directions
- Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat the spears, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness.
How do you cook asparagus so it’s not chewy?
Place trimmed asparagus onto the baking sheet and toss with olive oil, and then lightly season with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Spread into a single layer. Bake until the tips begin to brown and the stalks are tender, 15 to 25 minutes depending on the thickness of your asparagus.
How long should asparagus boil?
When ready to cook, toss the salt into the boiling water and carefully lower in the asparagus. Turn the heat to low and simmer the asparagus, uncovered, until the spears are easily penetrated with a knife, usually after about 5 minutes but from 1 minute for very thin asparagus to 12 minutes for the very thickest.
How long soak asparagus before cooking?
Should you soak asparagus before cooking? You can soak asparagus before cooking it, but not for more than 30 minutes. A fast dunk will do the trick. Trim the ends of the stalks, then clean them and soak them in cold water for five minutes.
Why you should not blanch asparagus?
Failing to blanch the asparagus before adding it to the grill could result in dry, unevenly cooked vegetables that are overcooked on the outside but undercooked in the center. To properly blanch asparagus, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop your cleaned and trimmed asparagus into the pot.
Is thick or thin asparagus better?
Thicker stalks are usually higher in fiber, according to Peter Ferretti, professor of vegetable crops at Pennsylvania State University. But whether thick or thin, asparagus stalks of all sizes are nutritious and delicious. Asparagus is high in folic acid and is a good source of potassium, vitamins B6, A, and C.
Is purple tips on asparagus bad?
They should be firm and tightly closed. If they have a hint of dark green or purple color to them, that’s a sign of quality. If the tips are dried or yellow in color, it’s a sign that the asparagus is old. Mushy tips should be avoided as well, as that’s a sign the asparagus is on its way to spoiling.
How long is asparagus good in fridge?
Asparagus tastes best when cooked the day you buy it. If that’s not in the cards, store them as you would store cut flowers: Trim the bottoms and stand the spears up in a glass or jar with about an inch of water. Cover with a plastic bag then refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
How do you know when asparagus is done cooking?
Cover and cook, shaking occasionally, until bright green but still crisp, about 3 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until the asparagus is tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 5–10 minutes more (the thicker the spears, the longer the cook time).
Should I blanch asparagus before roasting?
Martinez always blanches asparagus, no matter how he’s making them. Blanching seasons the spears and also gives them a kick-start in the cooking process. “Whenever you grill, sear, or roast, you’re using a really high temperature.
What part of asparagus is poisonous?
berries
Like the rhubarb, the part of the asparagus plant that we love – the young stems – are perfectly safe to eat. But the asparagus hides a deceptive, nasty secret: Its fruit, which are bright red berries, are toxic to humans.
Who should not eat asparagus?
10 Side Effects Of Asparagus
- Might Experience A Dry Mouth.
- Bowel Mobility May Suffer A Setback.
- Foul Smelling Urine.
- Not Safe For People Having Edema Conditions.
- Could Develop Allergies To Asparagus.
- May Cause Flatulence.
- Not Safe For Those On Anti-Hypertensive Drugs.
- Sudden Weight Loss.
Is it better to steam or boil asparagus?
Asparagus is usually steamed as whole stalks, but it can be steamed cut into bite-size pieces if you like. Whether you steam it whole or chopped, place asparagus in a steamer rack and set over boiling water. Cover and cook until asparagus is tender, 4 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks.
Should asparagus be crunchy or soft?
First, find out how to pick asparagus
“Always choose firm asparagus. As it ages, it wilts, and you want to make sure that the asparagus is firm and vibrant, whether it be green, purple, or white,” Olivieri says.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.