This asparagus recipe is so quick and easy to make as it only takes 5-minutes to steam and only requires 6 ingredients, 5 of which you probably already have in your pantry right now. Pair this delicious and healthy side dish with any main course for a complete meal.
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 7 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 17 MINUTES
This asparagus recipe is pretty simple as it only requires olive oil and some seasonings. However, what makes this recipe SO good is the technique in which the asparagus is cooked. By cooking the asparagus using this method, the spears come out tender with some crunch, but still soft without that soggy feel. Tender, yet soft, savory, and quick and easy to make, this steamed asparagus recipe checks off all those boxes!
Health Benefits of Asparagus
- Contains the amino acid asparagine, which serves as a natural diuretic. A diuretic helps to increase urination, in turn helps the body rid of excess salt and fluid, making asparagus a great veggie for individuals who suffer from edema (accumulation of fluids in the body tissues) or high blood pressure.
- Contains asparaptine, which is a compound known for it’s abilities to act as an ACE inhibitor. An ACE inhibitor is essentially what some blood pressure medications are, which works to relax blood vessels, therefore, improves blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
- High in antioxidants: great for reducing inflammation and anti-aging
- Rich source of glutathione, a compound that breaks down carcinogens and free radicals, which may help fight certain cancers
- High in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals with tons of benefits:
- Fiber: essential for good digestive health
- Vitamin K: an essential nutrient involved in blood clotting and bone health
- Vitamin C: nourishes the skin and prevents skin dryness, nourishes hair, fights off illness
- Folate: a nutrient that is vital for a healthy pregnancy, also works with B12 to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment
- Potassium: helps lower blood pressure by preventing excess water retention
- Chromium: a trace mineral that may enhance the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells
- Low calorie and super filling
Nutrition
1 cup of raw asparagus contains:
- Calories: 26.8
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Fiber: 1.8 grams
- Carbs: 5.3 grams
- Fiber: 2.8 grams
- Sugars: 2.5 grams
- Protein: 2.9 grams
Prepping the Asparagus
To prepare the asparagus, start out by rinsing the spears well. After rinsing, we need to remove the tough, white end off.
Tip: Instead of cutting the ends off of the asparagus with a knife, you can simply just snap the ends off. The asparagus will snap right at the spot that separates the tough, chewy, white end from the soft, green stalk- saving you time!
Time to Cook!
Now it’s time to cook the asparagus. In a deep sauté pan fitted with a steam basket, place the asparagus on top of the steam basket. Drizzle the spears with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
Tip: For extra flavor, feel free to add freshly shaved parmesan on top!
Place the lid atop of the pan, turn the stove on high heat, and let the water come to a boil. When the water comes to a boil, remove the pan from the heat and let the asparagus steam for 5 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Fun Idea: Mix it up by incorporating purple or white asparagus to not only add in some color, but also add in the different nutritional benefits that you’ll get from the different asparagus types!
If you tried this recipe, scroll down to the comments section below and let me know how you liked it! Feel free to also leave a question about this recipe and I’ll get back to you!
Quick, Easy, and Perfectly Steamed Asparagus
Soft, but still tender! This asparagus recipe is so easy and quick to prepare. Ready in just 5 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of Himalayan salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- juice of 1/2 a lemon
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly.
- Snap or cut the white, tough ends off of the asparagus spears.
- In a large, deep sauté pan fitted with a lid, place a steamer basket and fill the pan with about 1-inch of water.
- Place the asparagus spears on top of the steamer basket and drizzle the spears with olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon, and season with salt, garlic, and pepper. Place the lid on.
- On high heat, bring the water to a boil.
- Once to a boil, move the pan off of the heat and keep the lid on, steaming for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, place the spears on a serving dish and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip: Instead of cutting the ends off of the asparagus with a knife, you can simply just snap the ends off. The asparagus will snap right at the spot that separates the tough, chewy, white/pink end from the soft, green stalk- saving you time!
