The Easiest Way To Make The Most Delicious Microwave Asparagus
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Microwave asparagus cooks in minutes, but it takes almost no effort to prepare it this way. We show you how to make a healthy side dish in an easy way.
Take the confusion out of preparing asparagus by following this Perfect Microwave Asparagus recipe. The method is quick and easy, and the result is one that will soon become your go-to asparagus recipe.
Perfect Microwave Asparagus Recipe
This is my absolute go-to asparagus recipe, and that’s saying a lot. It is perfect in tenderness and taste.
I am lucky enough to have a bountiful asparagus patch on my property that my Dad planted in the 1970s. Sometime in early May each year, it starts producing loads and loads of asparagus. I’m talking enough asparagus to eat it every singe day for the entire month, and I still have some leftover to freeze for later. (For instructions on how to freeze asparagus, keep reading.)
This microwave asparagus with olive oil recipe is easy as can be. For the seasoning, a simple blend of sea salt (or pink Himalayan salt), black pepper and garlic powder is all you need.
Ingredient List
1 Bunch of Asparagus
Olive Oil
Salt
Black Pepper
Garlic Powder (or onion powder)
Microwave Asparagus with Olive Oil
Everyone has a different idea of how crisp or soft cooked asparagus should be. The great thing about this microwave roasted asparagus is that you are in charge of the final texture. Love it crisp with a little bite to it? Microwave it for a shorter amount of time. Prefer your microwave roasted asparagus with a soft texture? Add some time to the cook time. I love it tender-crisp.
More Asparagus Recipes
Sheet Pan Ranch Chicken with Asparagus
Old-Fashioned Asparagus Casserole
How to Make Asparagus in the Microwave
Step By Step Instructions
- Wash 1 bunch of asparagus; break into pieces, approximately 1 inch in size.
- Put asparagus in a microwave steamer bowl (like this one) or a microwave-safe bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt, pepper and garlic power; toss until evenly coated.
- Cover with lid, and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until to your desired texture.
- If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over top before serving.
Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container or cover a bowl with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
For the full instructions and ingredient amounts for for fast microwave asparagus, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Recipe FAQs
- This is a fast way to steam asparagus.
- There is no need to cut the asparagus. It will naturally break into bite-sized pieces. Discard the woody stalks at the end.
- Everyone has different preferences on the texture of cooked asparagus. If you like a bite to yours, start with 2 minutes of cooking time. Check it with a fork, and then continue to cook for 30 second intervals. Check after each one until it’s at your desired texture. I like mine a bit softer without being crunchy, so I tend to cook mine more like 3 1/2 to 4 minutes.
- The cook time may also change if you are cooking more or less asparagus than the recipe calls. I often make a single portion which means I take the cook time down to about 2 minutes.
- Do not add water to the microwave steamer. It is not necessary.
- The perfect cooking vessel is a microwaveable steamer dish. Our favorite comes from Pampered Chef, but there are other brands on Amazon like this one.
- The texture is that of roasted asparagus. Nobody will know you took a shortcut and used the microwave.
- Tweak the seasonings with whatever flavor you prefer. My favorite is the simple combination of salt, pepper and garlic powder.
How to Freeze Asparagus (flash freeze):
- Blanch washed asparagus in boiling water for 30 seconds.
- Immediately remove from water and plunge into ice water to stop cooking and retain green color.
- Once cold, remove and dry completely (very important).
- Lay individually in a flat layer on a sheet pan.
- Place sheet pan in the freezer until each spear is frozen.
- Remove from the sheet pan, and place in air tight resealable plastic bag.
- Immediately, return to the freezer.
You’ll have individually frozen asparagus spears. Pull out as many as you need from the freezer bag, and return the rest to the freezer for later.
What to serve with asparagus?
My favorite way to serve asparagus is along side grilled steak or chicken. Or, serve it with your favorite pasta dish.
More Favorite Spring Vegetable Recipes
Old Fashioned Creamed Spinach Recipe
Perfect Microwave Asparagus – Microwave Asparagus in Olive Oil
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears, washed to remove dirt
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (seas salt, iodized salt or Pink Himalayan Salt)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Break asparagus spears into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1/2 inches. Discard the woody ends.
- Put the asparagus pieces in a microwave steamer dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir to evenly coat the asparagus.
- Cover with the microwave steamer lid. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes depending on your desired texture. Start with 2 minutes, adding 30 second increments. Check the texture with a fork. See the notes below about texture.
Notes
- This is a fast way to cook asparagus.
- There’s no need to cut the asparagus. It will naturally break into bite-sized pieces. Discard the woody ends.
- Everyone has different preferences on the texture of cooked asparagus. If you like a bite to yours, start with 2 minutes of cooking time. Check it with a fork, and then continue to cook for 30 second intervals. Check after each one until it’s at your desired texture. I like mine a bit more soft without being crunchy, so I tend to cook mine more like 3 1/2 to 4 minutes.
- The cook time may also change if you are cooking up more or less asparagus than the recipe calls. I often make a single portion which means I take the cook time down to about 2 minutes.
- Do not add water to the microwave steamer. It is not necessary.
- The perfect cooking vessel is a microwaveable steamer dish. Our favorite comes from Pampered Chef, but there’s other brands on Amazon like this one.
- The texture is that of roasted asparagus. Nobody will know you took a shortcut and used the microwave.
- Tweak the seasonings with whatever you prefer. My favorite is the simple combination of salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- To make perfect microwave asparagus a clean eating recipe or one that follows a 30 day clean eating challenge, use organic ingredients and substitute Pink Himalayan Salt for sea salt.
- Try another favorite asparagus recipe of ours Asparagus Corn Salad.
Nutrition
