How to cook Fresh Asparagus doing Steam Asparagus and Many Asparagus Recipes

When someone ask me how to cook fresh asparagus, I tell them if I have fresh tender asparagus I would much rather enjoy it in the fresh state without cooking. It can be cooked but if it is tender it is delicious in salads and dishes that are very lightly cooked like stir fry. Try tossing some in your toss salad with your favorite dressing.

Asparagus is one of the wild vegetables that grows abundantly in many areas of the United States. You can find fresh tender wild asparagus growing along the roads, the fence lines or just popping up in fields. Gardeners who grow asparagus have it available all through the summer and in some areas even into the fall months. Asparagus has straight stalks with compact tips. Most of the stalk has a pretty green color except for the bottom ends. These are too tough to eat so must be cut off and thrown away.

The best way for me to tell you how to cook fresh asparagus is to eat in a salad without cooking or cook only to heat. It is best served when still crispy. To steam asparagus, place it in a skillet with a cover. Add very little water and a little salt. Cover tightly, heat until water boils, reduce heat, cover tightly and steam only for 3 to 5 minutes. This preserves the nutrient value and the taste is delicious. Another good way to cook fresh asparagus is to add it in a stir fry; remembering not to overcook. Fresh asparagus is good with only salt and pepper or goes well with seasonings such as lemon, allspice, mustard or coriander.

ASPARAGUS AND BLACK BEANS

• 1 Pound fresh tender asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces


• 1 Can black beans, rinsed and drained


• 1 Red bell pepper, cut into ½ inch squares


• 1 Tablespoon chopped onion

Mix all ingredients and toss in a covered bowl.

Dressing for Asparagus and black beans

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil


• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro


• 2 Tablespoon vinegar


• ½ Teaspoon ground cumin


• Salt/pepper to taste


• ½ Teaspoon garlic powder

Mix dressing and pour over asparagus and bean mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

How to cook fresh asparagus is just a matter of choosing the right recipe for you. Experience with several till you find one you like.

ASPARAGUS EGG SALAD

• 2 Tablespoon mayonnaise


• 2 Tablespoons sour cream


• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice


• ½ Teaspoon salt


• ¼ Teaspoon hot pepper sauce


• ½ Pound fresh tender asparagus, chopped into 1 inch pieces


• 1 Cup chopped tomatoes


• ½ Cup chopped red onion


• 6 Hard cooked eggs, chopped


• ¼ Cup chopped fresh parsley


• Lettuce leaves

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and hot pepper sauce in a large bowl. Add the asparagus, tomatoes, onion, eggs and parsley. Toss and serve on lettuce leaves. Best if refrigerated until cold.

STIR FRIED VEGGIES

• ¼ Pound snow peas


• ¼ Pound fresh asparagus


• 1 Can sliced water chestnuts, drained


• ¼ Pound sliced mushrooms


• 1 Tablespoon fresh grated ginger root


• 1 Small sliced onion


• ½ Cup sliced celery


• 4 Tablespoon sesame oil


• Salt/pepper to taste


• Soy sauce

Sauté ginger in hot oil.

Add vegetables and sauté quickly.

Add soy sauce and salt/pepper to taste.

Try these great ways to prepare vegetable recipes!

• Three Delicious eggplant recipes


• Three ways on how to cook artichokes- one is my favorite recipe


• Three wonderful ways on how to cook brussel sprouts


• Three ways on how to cook okra


• Three ways on how to cook cauliflower


• Three Ways on how to cook cabbage


• Three Corn recipes


• Three ways on how to cook spaghetti squash


• Three Ways on how to cook beets

Return to How to Cook Vegetables from How to Cook Asparagus
Return to Home Page from How to Cook Fresh Asparagus