How to Steam Asparagus: Easy 15-Minute Recipe

Steamed asparagus cooks in close proximity to boiling water—such as in a steamer basket inserted into a pot—without actually being submerged. This results in crisp-tender asparagus spears that retain many of their nutrients.

Fresh asparagus is a low-fat, low-carb, gluten-free food that includes nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Regular servings of asparagus might also improve your digestion, help lower your blood pressure, and regulate your blood sugar levels.

In general, steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook vegetables, including asparagus. A steaming method—for example, in a pot on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker—preserves the highest level of nutrients compared to other cooking methods. Sautéed or grilled asparagus can also be healthy if you use oil sparingly (such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or extra virgin olive oil). On the other hand, boiling asparagus spears could cause some nutrients to leach out into the water.

If you plan to regularly steam asparagus or other vegetables for healthy recipes, you might invest in a dedicated steamer pan set or steamer basket, which inserts into a standard saucepan so the asparagus can remain just above the boiling water for about five to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stalks.

You can also steam asparagus in your microwave by rolling your cut asparagus in damp paper towels and microwaving the bundle on high for three minutes. (Use tongs to remove the spears from the microwave, as they will be very hot.)

If you are not planning on eating the asparagus right away, it’s a good idea to shock the asparagus by submerging it in ice water to stop the cooking process—you can then store the spears to enjoy later.

You can customize steamed asparagus by adding different ingredients each time you make it. Here are additions you can try for multiple variations on asparagus, especially if steaming is your favorite way to prepare the vegetable:

1. 1. Bacon crumbles: Make a batch of bacon ahead of time that you can crumble on top of the steamed asparagus.
2. 2. Hollandaise sauce: Add an upscale touch by drizzling hollandaise sauce over your steamed asparagus spears or serving a few tablespoons on the side.
3. 3. Lemon juice: Serve your asparagus side dish with lemon wedges or squeeze a little lemon juice over the top of them.
4. 4. Minced garlic: For an extra-savory dish, brush sautéed minced garlic atop your steamed asparagus.
5. 5. Parmesan cheese: The fine texture and slight tang of parmesan cheese pairs well with asparagus, no matter what cooking method you’ve used.
6. 6. Toasted nuts: Sauté slivered almonds or pine nuts in a dry pan (or use just a few drops of olive oil) to combine with your asparagus.
7. 7. Zucchini half-moons: A summer squash, such as zucchini, pairs well with asparagus due to their complementary textures and bright green color. (If you are not a fan of zucchini, green beans snapped into short pieces are a good alternative.) Cut a zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice each piece into half-moons about a half-inch thick. Steam these alongside your asparagus spears.