How to Boil Asparagus
Knowing how to boil asparagus lets you add one of the most distinct tasting vegetables to your menu with little trouble. Boiled asparagus has a distinct consistency, as well, so while some vegetable haters might complain about taste and texture, those who lost new tastes at dinner time should enjoy mixing in this green veggie.
Asparagus takes just minutes to boil, so it’s also a good vegetable to prepare when you’re in a crunch for time, perhaps while you’re heating up corn or potatoes in the microwave.
Trim the Asparagus
How to Cook Asparagus
Trimming asparagus lets you keep the tasty part, while getting separating the part that’s a little tougher to chew. One way is to trim with an actual knife, simply by cutting where the green part of the asparagus stalk starts to change color. Another method is to break the asparagus stalk with your hand, because the line of the rough part is where the stalks are likely to break off.
This should separate the asparagus into two parts: the stems and the stalks.
Cut into 2-Inch Sections
Next, line up your stems and cut them several at a time every two inches or so. This should make for tasty bites of asparagus.
Putting Asparagus in the Pan
Place the asparagus stalks into the pan, then add cold water until the asparagus is covered by water. Turn the stove top on, to start the boiling process.
Add Spices – Add Stalks
While the water is coming to a boil, add a dash of salt and sugar to the pan. Next, add the cut 2-inch pieces of the asparagus to the water. When the water begins to boil (bubble), take down the heat 1/4th and continuing boiling.
How Long to Cook Asparagus Boil
How to Boil Asparagus
How long to cook asparagus boil? Let the asparagus boil from 3 and 1/2 minutes to 5 minutes. Check the asparagus stalks with a fork, before removing. You want the asparagus to be tender.
Once the asparagus is tender, turn off your stove top. Remove the pan and pour the asparagus through a strainer, being careful not to burn yourself on the pan. After doing so, put your asparagus back in the pan.
Add Butter and Salt
Once finished, add butter and salt to the asparagus. Once this part of boiling asparagus is finished, your asparagus is ready to serve.
Asparagus Health Benefits
Asparagus is a source of several vitamins: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. Asparagus also contains protein, potassium, iron, folic acid, phosphorus, copper, manganese and dietary fiber.
If you notice an odd smell the next time you visit the restroom after eating asparagus, don’t be alarmed. That odor has been noted by scientists and authors alike: everyone from John Arbuthnot to Marcel Proust. The French and Chinese governments have conducted studies, eventually determining that all humans who eat asparagus produce the smell, though only 1/4th of them notice. Go figure.
Boiling Asparagus
Once you know how to boil asparagus, you can start learning new ways to prepare the vegetable. Steamed asparagus is served with roasted pine nuts, which makes for a good contrast in texture. You’ll see asparagus sometimes marinated with mushrooms, while Cantonese restaurants in North America tend to stir-fry asparagus with beef, chicken or shrimp.
Some people cook asparagus into soups and stews, while other grill the vegetable over hardwood. The French are known to boil or steam asparagus with olive oil, melted butter, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese or even hollandaise sauce. So as you see, mastering how to boil asparagus is the doorway into a whole new world of taste.