Whether you're pressed for time or it's too hot to turn on the oven or stove (or both are occupied with other dishes), using the microwave is a quick and easy solution for cooking asparagus. A bit of onion and garlic powder, lemon juice, and butter enhance the natural flavor of asparagus and make for a delicious side dish. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or your favorite pasta.
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The Spruce
Ingredients
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1 pound fresh asparagus, rinsed
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
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Trim the tough root ends from the asparagus spears, then cut them into 2-inch lengths. Place in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid.
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Sprinkle the asparagus with the kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
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Pour in the lemon juice and dot with the butter.
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Cover with a lid and microwave on high power for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Stir to distribute seasonings.
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Cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the asparagus is tender. Stir once more before serving.
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Serve and enjoy.
Tips
- Microwaving asparagus works best with thin to medium-sized spears; thicker stalks will take longer to cook and may cook unevenly.
- Check the tenderness of the asparagus after the first 2 to 3 minutes since microwaves can cook at different rates.
- After rinsing the asparagus, leave any water that clings to the spears; this will help them steam.
Asparagus Nutrition
Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable. It's a great source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and is full of antioxidants. This spring vegetable should be a part of any healthy diet.
Ways to Serve
This seasoned microwaved asparagus can be served hot, room temperature, or cold. In addition to a side dish, the seasoned microwaved asparagus can be part of a variety of recipes. Use in an asparagus pie, risotto, a cold pasta salad, or stir-fry. The microwaved asparagus can also be a pizza topping, added to vegetable lasagna, as part of a veggie wrap, or the star of a vegetable salad.
Recipe Variations
- Fresh herbs pair beautifully with asparagus; once finished cooking, add some minced dill, chives, tarragon, or parsley and toss.
- Add about a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the other seasonings for a boost of lemon flavor.
- Top the cooked asparagus with a chopped hard-boiled egg.
- Sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs over the finished asparagus.
- Once cooked, mix in a tablespoon or so of grated Parmesan cheese or feta cheese.
- Add some crispy pancetta to the finished dish.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
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53 | Calories |
3g | Fat |
5g | Carbs |
3g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 4 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 53 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 3g | 4% |
Saturated Fat 2g | 9% |
Cholesterol 8mg | 3% |
Sodium 355mg | 15% |
Total Carbohydrate 5g | 2% |
Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% |
Total Sugars 2g | |
Protein 3g | |
Vitamin C 9mg | 47% |
Calcium 29mg | 2% |
Iron 1mg | 6% |
Potassium 267mg | 6% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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