Preparing asparagus in the microwave beats all the other methods one may consider using.
It is faster and more primarily efficient if you are in a hurry.
Also, steaming asparagus with a microwave requires no need for boiling water or forming huge foil paper baseballs to enjoy steamed asparagus. The method is easy, fast, and enjoyable.
So lets look on how to steam asparagus in the microwave?
Rinse the asparagus under running water, trim the hard endings to ensure you only remain with the soft edible parts, and Pat the asparagus dry. Wet some paper towels with water and squeeze to ensure no excess water remains.
On a single layer lay the asparagus on the layers of the wet paper towels. Season the asparagus with a pinch of salt and pepper. Carefully roll the paper towels into a spiral of asparagus with paper towels. Place them in the microwave and cook at a high temperature for 3 minutes.
This article contains guidelines on how to steam asparagus in the microwave. The author has outlined beneficial tips and provided step-by-step guidelines to help you achieve great results. The article also talks of the incredible health benefits of consuming steamed asparagus. In the end, the author discusses the most frequently asked questions about the topic.
Tips that will guide you on achieving the best microwave steamed asparagus
Always remember to trim and chop off the hard bottom part
The woody bottom parts must be chopped off for the asparagus to cook evenly without overcooked or undercooked parts. They can be broken off by hand as well.
Use a vegetable peeler on the thicker asparagus
The peeler will help you get rid of the rigid outer part of the stalk exposing the soft inner part that is easier to cook hence achieving evenly cooked asparagus.
Do not over pat the asparagus.
After rinsing the asparagus, do not dry the asparagus. Leave some water or moisture that will help keep the vegetable soft as you microwave.
Avoid using plastic containers when microwaving
Always make sure to use a microwave-safe container. A glass container will do just fine. If not, use a plastic container with a microwave symbol. Not all containers are safe to be microwaved, even if just for a few minutes. Microwaving such containers will cause them to melt and contaminate your asparagus, which will eventually lead to some health issues.
Step-to-step procedure on how to steam asparagus in the microwave
Requirements.
- One pound of asparagus.
- A half-table spoon of salt.
- A pinch of pepper
- Paper towels.
- Kitchen knife
- Chopping board.
- A half-cup of water
- A microwave-safe container
Step one: Clean the asparagus
First, you need to use the chopping board and the kitchen knife to chop off steamy woody parts of the asparagus and only remain with soft and tender parts.
Second, you need to place the asparagus under cold running tap water to rinse any dirt particles or pests.
Thirdly pat dry the asparagus or use the paper towels to dry excess water carefully. However, as you pat dry, be careful not to leave them completely dry, be sure to leave some moisture to help the asparagus soften during microwaving.
Step two: Prepare the paper towels for holding the asparagus
Preparation of the paper towels requires at least four paper towels. Dampen the four paper towels with a half cup of water. Any excess water should be squeezed out of the paper towels. Lay the wet paper towels on a clean kitchen counter, one on top of the other.
Step three: Prepare asparagus for microwaving
Place the asparagus on the paper towel one after another on a single layer. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the asparagus to season them. Carefully roll the paper towels into a spiral of asparagus with paper towels.
Step four: Microwave
Place the wet paper towels containing the asparagus on a microwave-safe container, put it in the microwave, and set a three-minute timer. If, after the three minutes, the asparagus are yet to be tender to your liking, consider microwaving again for an extra minute.
Step five: Remove the asparagus from the microwave
Once ready, use the tongs to remove the asparagus from the microwave.
Step six: Serve the asparagus
You may eat the asparagus dressed in vinaigrette or butter alongside dishes like cold noodles, terrines, or a salad.
Ensure the asparagus vegetables are thin or medium-sized. Those too thick take longer to cook and might be undercooked and too chewy.
Health benefits of steamed asparagus
Steamed asparagus contain so many nutrients
Asparagus contains calories, proteins, fat, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, and folate, potassium, phosphorous. It also contains micronutrients like iron, zinc, and riboflavin. All the mentioned nutrients and vitamins are essential for the human body’s growth, development, and function.
Asparagus is a source of antioxidants
Asparagus contains antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, flavonoids, and polyphenols like any other vegetable. These substances lower high blood pressure and have an anti-cancer effect on human beings.
Asparagus is also a good sauce of fiber
Fiber contributes a great deal to the growth and maintenance of your digestive health. Fiber also reduces the risk of diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure.
Asparagus contribute a great deal to the loss of weight
Since it contains very little calories, one can consume a huge amount of asparagus without the fear of adding unwanted weight.
Faqs on How to Steam Asparagus in the Microwave
How do you cook asparagus if you don’t have a steamer?
Clean the asparagus appropriately. Pour a small amount of cooking oil into a frying pan. Heat the oil until ready, and add the asparagus.
Continue cooking as you stir for about 5 to 10 minutes; however, the cooking time of the asparagus depends on how thick the stalks are.
The maximum time is not also limited to a maximum of 10 minutes. If the stalks are not as tender as you expected, you may add one more minute of cooking.
Is it better to boil or steam asparagus?
Steaming is better. Especially if it is steaming in the microwave, microwave steaming will only take a few minutes, and it also does not require you to boil extra water to help in the steaming process.
It is also better than using an oven where you must preheat the oven before using it.
How do you cook asparagus in the microwave Alton Brown?
Ensure the woody stems of the asparagus have been chopped off, and Rinse them appropriately. Take at least four paper towels, dampen them with water, wring excess water, and stack them together on top of the other.
On a single layer lay the asparagus on the four layers of wet paper towels. Season the asparagus with a pinch of salt. Carefully roll the paper towels into a spiral of asparagus with paper towels. Place them in the microwave and cook at a high temperature for 3 minutes.
How can I steam without a steamer?
Add a half cup of water to a saucepan and Place the pan on a stove. Make three medium-sized golf balls using aluminum foil and place them in the saucepan. Place a heat-safe plate on top of the aluminum balls and begin to boil the water. Ensure the saucepan is wholly covered.
Take the vegetables you wish to steam and place them on the heat-safe plate. Cover the pot completely and steam the vegetables for about 5 to minutes or until the vegetables are tender and soft. The time varies depending on the type of vegetable.
How do you steam asparagus?
You first ensure the asparagus has been cleaned and chopped to a perfect size to fit into a steamer basket—cover and steam for 3 to 5 minutes.
You can also steam until the asparagus is soft and light green. Remove the asparagus from the steamer and use salt and paper to season.
What is the healthiest way to eat asparagus?
The healthiest way to eat asparagus is to ensure they are cooked.
This is because most of these vegetables have a thick and tough texture that requires cooking to be tender, soft, and enhance their taste. However, they can be eaten raw if sliced thinly and marinated to improve their taste.
How long should I boil asparagus?
Medium-sized asparagus should boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Thinnest of the asparagus, a minute or two will do just fine.
The largest and thickest of the asparagus should boil for 10 to 12 minutes to ensure they are completely cooked.
Ensure a pinch of salt to the boiling water before carefully lowering the asparagus in. when ready, use a knife to penetrate the vegetable to see if they have cooked.
How do you prepare and eat asparagus?
Chop the woody stems of the asparagus and Rinse them appropriately. Take at least four paper towels, dampen them with water, wring excess water, and stack them together on top of the other. On a single layer lay the asparagus on the four layers of the wet paper towels.
Season the asparagus with a pinch of salt and pepper. Carefully roll the paper towels into a spiral of asparagus with paper towels.
Place them in the microwave and cook at a high temperature for 3 minutes. You may eat the asparagus dressed in vinaigrette or butter alongside dishes like cold noodles, terrines, or a salad.
Do you peel white asparagus?
Yes, it would help if you peeled white asparagus since they are too thick and strong. The bottom is also too woody to be eaten and should be chopped off.
Peeling and chopping the asparagus will enable them to cook and absorb heat evenly.
How do you clean asparagus?
You first begin by slicing off the woody bottom of the asparagus.
They are too hard, and cooking them means your vegetables might be too chewy to be eaten. Place the asparagus under cold running water to eliminate dust particles and pesticides.
Finally, pat the asparagus. Ensure to use a paper towel or a clean piece of cloth.
Should I blanch asparagus before roasting?
Blanching asparagus before roasting is usually not necessary. Blanching may cause the asparagus to taste even more soggy and watery. Therefore, it is advised to avoid blanching and rinse the asparagus through running water before roasting.
Should you soak asparagus before cooking?
It is not a must to soak the asparagus before cooking. You can take your time while rinsing the dirt off.
However, soaking can be helpful when dealing with stubborn dirt hidden in the stalk. Therefore it is not a bad idea to let the asparagus sit in a bowl of water for some time to loosen and get rid of the hidden dirt particles.
How do you know when asparagus is done cooking?
When the asparagus is done cooking, it changes colour to olive green.
However, if you are still unsure, you can use a knife to penetrate the vegetable to see if they have cooked and are ready.
Do you eat the top of the asparagus?
Yes, you can eat the top of the asparagus. It is soft, tender, and easy to cook. It tastes even better when cooked.
The only part of the asparagus that need to be chopped off is the bottom end, which is hard, and when cooked, it may prove to be too chewy for you to eat.
Conclusion
In conclusion. Steaming with a microwave is the best, fastest, and easiest way to steam asparagus. Before steaming, thoroughly rinse and chop off the hard bottom parts to achieve even cooked asparagus. Also, use a microwave-safe container when microwaving.
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