Steamed Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus (about 1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Asparagus:
- Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or sand.
- Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus. You can do this by gently bending the stalk until it breaks naturally at the point where it becomes tender.
- Set Up the Steamer:
- If you have a steamer basket, place it in a pot with about 1-2 inches of water. The water level should be below the bottom of the steamer basket.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Steam the Asparagus:
- Once the water is boiling, add the asparagus to the steamer basket in a single layer.
- Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium.
- Steam the asparagus for 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stalks. Thinner stalks will take about 4 minutes, while thicker ones may need up to 6 minutes. The asparagus should be bright green and tender-crisp when done.
- Season and Serve:
- Remove the asparagus from the steamer and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Tips:
- To ensure even cooking, try to select asparagus stalks that are similar in thickness.
- Avoid overcooking the asparagus to maintain its bright color and crisp texture.
- For additional flavor, you can sprinkle the asparagus with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, or your favorite herbs.
Enjoy your perfectly steamed asparagus!
