Whip up this delicious and nutritious vegetarian side that pairs with everything.
On the nights when I don’t want—or don’t have time—to put a lot of effort into cooking, it helps to have a couple of easy sides handy. One of my go-tos is steamed asparagus. This buttery, tender dish opens up a whole world of possibilities for what to serve it with.
Both meat eaters and vegetarians alike can enjoy steamed asparagus with their favorite main dishes—that’s how versatile it is. And while the recipe calls for a simple seasoning of butter, salt, and pepper, you can also add to that with a wide array of spices and herbs. In my experience, steamed asparagus tastes even better with a splash of fresh lemon juice. It adds zesty flavors, bringing your asparagus to the next level.
And if it’s anything I enjoy making, it’s a dish that’s quick and easy but tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Try steamed asparagus and taste for yourself!
On choosing and storing asparagus
A good dish always starts with the use of good ingredients. When buying asparagus, ensure that the spears are firm. If they feel floppy or rubbery, they’re past their prime, so keep looking. The spears should be bright green without any signs of discoloration, and the tips should also be closed and compact.
Asparagus is best when used on the day of purchase, but you can also store your fresh asparagus in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Wrap the bunch in damp paper towel and place it in a Ziploc bag. It should keep well for about three days.
How do I store leftovers?
Once the steamed asparagus is at room temperature, you can store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3 days. The fresher you enjoy them, the better. I don’t recommend freezing these though, because they’ll get way too soggy. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until they’re warm all the way through.
Serving suggestions
Ready for a relaxing restaurant-like experience in the comfort of your own home? Serve your steamed asparagus with Healthy Baked Salmon and Orange Rice, Turkey Burgers In The Oven with Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, or a vibrant vegetarian Falafel Bowl. As you can see, there’s a wide range of dishes to enjoy with steamed asparagus. It just takes a little extra creativity!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, about 1 pound
- water as needed
- 1 teaspoon butter
- kosher salt to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving, optional
Instructions
- Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus by bending them until they break naturally.
- Fill a pot with about 1/2 inch of water and place a steamer basket above the water. Bring the water to a boil.
- Place the asparagus in the steamer basket. Cover it and steam for about 5-10 minutes, until the spears are crisp-tender. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the asparagus.
- Remove from heat, toss with butter, salt, and black pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment