Asparagus is a vegetable that is part of the lily family and usually serves as an appetizer or side dish. The asparagus plant is durable, producing new vegetables for 15 to 20 years after it has been established in the soil, according to Iowa State University. Asparagus you find at the grocery store is usually green but hybrids are also available in white or purple. You can eat asparagus raw, cook it in your oven, on the grill or with steam. Steaming asparagus in a pan is a quick way to cook it while retaining most of the food value.
Step 1
Wash off your asparagus in cool water, then bend each spear near the bottom until the woody end snaps off.
Step 2
Add 1 to 2 inches of water to a frying pan or deep skillet and turn the heat to high.
Step 3
Set a collapsible metal steamer basket in the pan so it is just above the level of the water.
Step 4
Lay your asparagus onto the basket once the water has begun to boil. Place a lid on top of the pan and let the asparagus steam for five to seven minutes, until it is bright green.
Tips and Warnings
- If you don't have any type of steaming basket, add the asparagus directly into 1 inch of water and cover securely with a lid. The asparagus will be partially boiled and steamed inside the pan. You may have to cut the asparagus into smaller pieces to fit into the collapsible basket.
Things You'll Need
- Frying pan or skillet
- Collapsible steamer basket
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