How to steam asparagus in the microwave. We often like to cook without spending much time in the kitchen, and this microwave asparagus recipe is just one of them.
All you need is 5 minutes to make this ridiculously easy asparagus recipe. You can cook it in many ways, in the instant pot, oven-roasted, air fryer, boil, or blanch. But currently, I am obsessed with this microwave version.
The post contains helpful tips and tricks to make a successful recipe on your first attempt. Please use the link above to jump to the recipe card at the end if you want to skip.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Isn't great that all it takes 5 minutes from start to finish and a great low carb, fiber-rich snack or side dish is ready to enjoy. Easy clean-up & preparation.
- Being a seasonal veggie you can use it in making pesto, summer salad, pasta, or serve with salsa.
- Asparagus comes with loads of nutrition but fewer calories, just 20 calories in 90 grams. You can see the health benefits of asparagus and include them in your diet while it lasts.
- The microwave-cooked asparagus is the fast way to cook it as compared to other cooking methods.
Ingredients & Notes
Please check the recipe card for full ingredient list and measurements
Other than star ingredient, water, salt, olive oil, and garlic powder are required for this recipe. For variations, you can use garlic butter, onion powder, lemon juice, vinegar, and black pepper as well.
Step by step instructions
Asparagus are chosen based on three factors, size, color & texture. Always prefer pencil size spears, bigger once are fibrous and has more woody part.
Light and bright green color is the perfect one, as they are the ones which are sweet in taste, soft yet firm in texture. To use big size asparagus, just peel the outer skin.
Preparation
Wash in clean water to avoid mud particles and shake it gently. You do not need to pat dry these cleaned asparagus. Excess water helps in cooking while placing it in the microwave.
This tall veggie comes with some woody part which you may not enjoy. They are more chewy and fibrous. It should be removed before cooking.
Just find the line on the spear where the white and woody part starts. Snap this part or cut it. Asparagus is a soft veggie, even bending it will help in snapping the woody part.
Steam cook asparagus in the microwave
Take a microwave-safe bowl or glass container. If asparagus is not fitting in the container then feel free to cut them into smaller pieces. Layer them in a microwavable container and do not overcrowd them.
Add 1 tsp water, cover the lid, and microwave it for 3-4 minutes. 3 minutes is good enough to get a soft and crisp texture, you can cook an extra minute to get softer, mushy, and moist asparagus.
Be careful while opening the lid, as hot steam will escape. You do not want to hurt yourself.
Season and serve
Once cooking is over, add garlic powder, kosher salt, olive oil, and lime juice. At this time you can add onion powder or freshly ground black pepper or red chili flakes as well. Enjoy this microwave asparagus as a salad or side dish.
FAQ's & tips
- Trim the woody part before steaming. Cleaning and rinsing are just like any other cooking process.
- Cleaning the tip is very important to avoid mud particles. I noticed mud particles coming in my mouth if not washed properly.
Seasoning with olive oil, salt, red chili flakes, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are some of the ways to garnish and serve.
Medium and thin stems are great for cooking in the microwave and take 3-4 minutes. Thicker stems may take 1-2 minutes extra to cook further.
Steam cook asparagus makes a perfect side dish, you can add them in a salad, pasta, buddha bowl, or in cold noodle bowls. Serving with tomato salsa also takes it to another flavor profile.
Serving & storing suggestions
- Serve these with fresh tomato salsa or with sour cream dip.
- Add to any salad or in noodle bowl.
- Make pesto.
Store leftover cooked asparagus in the fridge for 3-4 days.
If you like this perfect low calorie snack then do check out other recipes as below.
- Raspberry Salsa (Hot & Sweet Salsa)
- Mixed Berry Smoothie With Almond Milk
- Salted Caramel Protein Bliss Balls
- Strawberry Cucumber Salsa
If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a comment and a star rating. Don't forget to tag #fitmealideas20 on Instagram or @fitmealideas on Pinterest!
Recipe
How To Microwave Asparagus
Equipment
- microwave
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus
- 1 tsp olive oil you can use any oil of your choice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt I used kosher salt.
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Asparagus are chosen based on three factors, size, color & texture. Always prefer pencil size spears, bigger once are fibrous and has more woody part. Light and bright green color is the perfect one, as they are the ones which are sweet in taste, soft yet firm in texture.Wash in clean water to avoid mud particle and shake it gently. You do not need to pat dry these cleaned asparagus. Excess water helps in cooking while placing it in the microwave.
- This tall veggie comes with some woody part which you may not enjoy. It should be removed before cooking. Just find the line on the spear where the white and woody part starts. Snap this part or cut it. Asparagus is a soft veggie, even bending it will help in snapping the woody part.
- Take a microwave-safe bowl or glass container. If asparagus is not fitting in the container then feel free to cut them into smaller pieces. Layer them in a microwavable container and do not overcrowd them. Placing them on top of each other makes it cook unevenly.Add 1 tbsp water, cover the lid, and microwave it for 3-4 minutes. 3 minutes is good enough to get crisp texture, you can cook an extra minute to get softer, mushy, and moist asparagus.Be careful while opening the lid, as hot steam will escape. You do not want to hurt yourself.
- Once cooking is over, add garlic powder, kosher salt, olive oil and lime juice. At this time you can add onion powder or freshly ground black pepper or red chili flakes as well. Enjoy this as a salad or side dish.
Notes
- Trim the woody part before steaming. Cleaning and rinsing are just like any other cooking process.
- Cleaning the tip is very important to avoid mud particles.
Nutrition
Does it fit in your macros?
As part of any diet, you would need to include vegetables to get sufficient fiber which is beneficial for digestion and has other micronutrients.
Asparagus is a great source of fiber and micronutrients. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare this recipe and requires minimal ingredients. I consume one portion of asparagus steamed cook in the microwave for my veggie needs.
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