Microwave Asparagus?

Microwave Asparagus? - Painting Mounted on the Wall

I have a ton of asparagus but no time to cook it the traditional steamer way. Is there a recommended microwave method someone would recommend? Earlier today I sliced some into 2 inch bits, put them in a bowl together with lemon juice, butter, and garlic. It was DECENT at best.

Any ideas?



Best Answer

I would not recommend using the microwave for two reasons:

  • It does not scale up well as you add mass to the cooking chamber
  • The shape and size of asparagus is almost designed to fit into the fact that microwave ovens tend to cook unevenly

Instead, if you wish to cook a large amount of asparagus in a reasonably short period of time, I recommend roasting. The method is very forgiving, but an approach similar to this will give you good results:

  • Preheat your oven to approximately 400 F / 200 C.
  • Clean and trim your asparagus.
  • Please the asparagus in a shallow layer on a sheet pan, and season with salt, pepper, herbs, olive oil, and/or lemon juice as you desire.
  • Roast approximately 10-15 minutes until it is slightly browned, and cooked through to your liking

While this technique does not cook a small amount of asaparagus terribly quickly, it does not get any slower for larger batches, and so is probably your most effective method.

Also, many people consider the outcome especially delicious, more so than steaming or microwaving.




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How long do I cook fresh asparagus in the microwave?

Steps
  • Cut or snap woody ends from spears. Wash spears with cool water. ...
  • Place spears in a single layer in a glass microwave-safe baking dish, allowing room between spears. ...
  • Microwave on high for four minutes. ...
  • Season as desired with salt and pepper or other seasonings (garlic salt is good), butter or sauce.


  • What is the best way to cook and eat asparagus?

    Chop the spears into 1-inch pieces and drop them into the boiling water for about 1 minute, or until tender but still bright green. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the blanched asparagus to the ice water and chill for 1 minute. Drain, pat dry, and toss into salads, pastas, or squeeze with lemon and enjoy!

    Is it better to steam or boil asparagus?

    Asparagus is usually steamed as whole stalks, but it can be steamed cut into bite-size pieces if you like. Whether you steam it whole or chopped, place asparagus in a steamer rack and set over boiling water. Cover and cook until asparagus is tender, 4 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks.



    How To Cook Asparagus In The Microwave




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