Asparagus is one of my favorite spring vegetables. Not only is it delicious, but there are so many simple ways to cook fresh asparagus. It’s so versatile in that you can choose to steam, boil, saute, grill, or roast it. If you like, it can even be served raw! Thinly shaved pieces of asparagus in a slaw or on top of a salad is a great way to add a burst of fresh, earthy flavor to your meal.
The only problem with asparagus? If you overcook it, it becomes bland, flavorless, and texturally less-than-desirable. If you’ve never cooked with asparagus, never fear! Our list has something for everyone, and before you know it’ you’ll be a pro at these simple ways to cook fresh asparagus.
What’s your favorite way to cook asparagus? Take a peek at our favorites below and let us know in the comments if we missed something!
1. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Parsley
This grilled asparagus recipe is not only super refreshing, but it’s a great way to avoid making a mess in the kitchen! I make this as a vegetable side anytime I’m firing up the grill for chicken or salmon. The fresh lemony flavors of the asparagus go perfectly with lean proteins. The best part: it only takes 2 minutes a side to cook up this green vegetable on the grill!
2. Roasted Asparagus & Peppers
I love the caramelized flavors of roasted peppers, so why not add the silky-smooth texture of roasted asparagus to the mix? Whip up some roasted asparagus and peppers anytime you’re looking for a super flavorful and beautifully colorful side dish. Or, turn it into a main dish by serving it over rice with some lentils, black beans, or roasted chicken.
3. Baked Asparagus Fries
Who says you need to fry food for it to taste fried? These baked asparagus fries will give you the satisfying crunch of French fries without any of the extra calories. Dredging the asparagus in breadcrumbs makes them super crispy as well as protecting them from overcooking in the oven. They’ll steam inside that savory exterior and become super soft and yummy.
4. Sauteed Asparagus, Fennel, and Goji Berries
Sauteeing asparagus is one of the easiest ways to make it. Just chop it up into bite-sized pieces and toss it in a hot skillet. I love this recipe for sauteed fennel, asparagus, and goji berries. It’s a fragrant side dish that uses aromatic fennel to accentuate the sweet flavors of caramelized asparagus. The sweetness from the goji berries will have you digging in for bite after bite!
5. Asparagus & Egg Scramble
There’s no better way to say good morning than with a great breakfast scramble. Regular scrambled eggs just get so boring morning after morning, so it really changes things up when you chuck in a handful of your favorite vegetable. This asparagus & eggs scramble does just that, adding a tender-crisp texture to the eggs. You can leave the asparagus stems whole to add some visual appeal, or you can chop them into coins to make them easier to eat.
6. Baked Asparagus, Cherry Tomato, and Feta Tart
Just look at how gorgeous this tart is, and tell me that you don’t want to dig right in? The light-and-flakey crust is topped with asparagus spears that will break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender as the asparagus, cherry tomato, and feta tart bakes. Combined with savory-sweet tomatoes and salty feta, the vegetal flavors of the asparagus will really shine in this one!
7. Blanched Asparagus, Purple Potato, and Grapefruit Salad
Blanching asparagus is the classic way to cook it – boil it in salted water just long enough to bring out that bright green flavor. Stop the cooking by shocking it in ice water and you’ll be ready to serve it up on your favorite salad. I love the way this purple potato, grapefruit, and asparagus salad comes together. It’s so light and refreshing!
8. Slow Cooked Asparagus and Broccoli Soup
When in doubt, throw it in the slow cooker! While the slow cooker wouldn’t be ideal for making a side dish of asparagus, it’s perfect for making this slow cooker broccoli and asparagus soup. The flavors of the two green vegetables break down perfectly with this the low-and-slow cooking method. If you have any asparagus haters in the family, this is the recipe to serve them. They’ll be a convert in no time!
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