How to cook asparagus

Four more ways to cook asparagus

See our five ways to cook asparagus below.

Boiled asparagus recipe (blanch and refresh)

A method we’ve gleaned from restaurant cooking is called blanch and refresh. This is useful for lots of vegetables (particularly green veg), as it helps them to retain their bright colour and flavour after cooking.

1. Fill a bowl with water and ice cubes and set aside.
2. Plunge your asparagus spears into a pan of boiling water.
3. Cook for 1-2 mins or until tender.
4. Remove the asparagus with tongs or a slotted spoon and place directly in the bowl of ice water.

Store in the fridge until needed, then simply drain and reheat in a pan with a little butter when you want to serve.

Griddled asparagus recipe

Another way to cook asparagus is to char it, either on a griddle pan or on a barbecue – if the weather allows. Slightly scorching the asparagus brings out a nutty flavour while keeping its distinct texture and vibrancy.

1. Coat the asparagus spears in a little olive oil.
2. Put your griddle pan over a high heat. When it's heated through, add the asparagus spears and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Cook for 1-2 mins, turning occasionally until tender.

Check if the asparagus is done by lifting a spear out of the griddle pan with a pair of tongs. If it bends slightly, it’s ready.

Pan-fried asparagus recipe

Sautéing asparagus is a quick and straightforward way to bring out its natural flavour. Just cook in a pan with a little oil or butter until tender.

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil or a little butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Snap any woody tips off the asparagus where they naturally break apart.
3. Add to the pan in a single layer.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 mins, depending on how tender you like them, tossing occasionally.

Steamed asparagus recipe

1. Put the asparagus in a steamer basket and cover.
2. Place over a high heat. Once steam forms, cook for 2-4 mins until the asparagus is bright green and tender.
3. Put the asparagus into ice water to stop the cooking process, if not eating right away.

Peel raw ribbons

Asparagus can be eaten raw, too, as part of a salad. It works very well sliced into ribbons using a vegetable peeler.

1. Start by removing the tougher outer skin and discarding it.
2. Peel off long ribbons until you get to the middle, then turn over and repeat on the other side.

How to store asparagus

Wrap the asparagus in damp kitchen paper, put in a perforated paper bag or wrap and keep in the salad drawer of the fridge. This will keep for up to five days.
You can also store it in a glass or jug of cold water in the fridge, with a loose covering on top.

What to serve with asparagus

• Baked or smoked salmon
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Tuna
• Grains
• Spaghetti
• Peas
• Beans
• Feta
• Avocado