This article was co-authored by Sasha Reyes. Chef Sasha Reyes is the Executive Chef and Owner of Artisan Personal Chefs. With over 20 years of food industry experience, she specializes in private dinner parties, custom sports nutrition plans for professional athletes, and cooking lessons. Chef Reyes graduated from Arizona Culinary Institute in 2011 with a degree in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Restaurant Management.
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Asparagus is a delicate vegetable that needs to be cooked gently. Microwaving is an excellent way to steam asparagus and keep it in top shape.
Steps
Preparing the asparagus
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1Purchase fresh asparagus. It's best during early spring but can be found all-year around. Choose stalks that are bright green/purple or white and are firm. Avoid limp, discolored or bruised asparagus.
- Frozen asparagus can be steamed, although the texture won't be as firm as steamed fresh asparagus.
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2Wash the asparagus. Run it under cool water. Use your fingers to remove any soil.Advertisement
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3Trim the asparagus. The tough, woody part at the base of the asparagus stem is not as tasty and tender as the top part. By removing the tougher section, you will create a more tender and flavorful asparagus. Snap it off with your hands (where it bends naturally) or use a knife to chop it off.
- If you wish, cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces before steaming.
- Thick asparagus can be peeled. If the skin seems a little tough, use a potato peeler to remove it.
Steaming the asparagus in the microwave
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1Dampen a few paper towels with water. Squeeze out excess water so the towels are moist, but not dripping wet.
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2Wrap stalks of asparagus in the paper towels. Grab a good bunch of asparagus and wrap it completely in a towel. Repeat until all the asparagus has been bundled and wrapped.
- Alternatively, place inside a microwave steamer bag available from the supermarket.
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3Lay the wrapped asparagus seam side down in the microwave. Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- Check the asparagus to see if it is ready. If it looks bright green and is slightly tender when pierced with a fork, it's done.
- If the asparagus is still tough when pierced with a fork, microwave it for another minute.
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4Remove the asparagus from the microwave. Unroll it from the paper towels, place it in a serving dish, and serve hot.
- Be careful when removing the asparagus from the paper towels, since it will all be piping hot. Use tongs if necessary.
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5Add seasoning once the asparagus comes out of the microwave. It will taste great without this addition, since the stalks have been steamed in their own moisture, and have not lost any of their nutritional value.
Things You'll Need
- Saucepan or steamer saucepan set
- Steamer
- Water
- Chopping board
- Kitchen knife
- Tongs
About This Article
If you want to steam asparagus in the microwave, start by rinsing the asparagus with water and trimming the woody base off each stem. Next, dampen some paper towels with water and wrap the asparagus stalks in the towels. Then, place the asparagus bundle seam side down in the microwave and cook the asparagus on high for 3 minutes. You'll know the asparagus is ready when it turns bright green and gets slightly tender. For tips on seasoning and serving your steamed asparagus, read on!
