How to Cook Asparagus Quickly

Cook asparagus in minutes in the microwave.

Asparagus is a high-fiber, low-calorie vegetable that makes a quick and easy side dish. Cooking asparagus in the microwave requires very little preparation and only minutes to cook. Serve the flavorful vegetable cold or hot, either plain or with a dipping sauce.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Vegetable peeler
• Microwave-safe dish
• 1 tablespoon water
• Lemon Juice

Instructions

1. Wash the asparagus to rinse away any dirt.

2. Trim about one-third of the asparagus from the stalk end. Use a paring knife or simply bend the bottom of the stock until it breaks. Discard these fibrous ends.

3. Peel the remaining stalk with a vegetable peeler to the same diameter as the tip. This help the asparagus cook evenly.

4. Place the asparagus in a microwave-safe dish with a cover. Stack the asparagus loosely two or three deep. Add 1 tablespoon of water to the dish and cover.

5. Cook the asparagus on high for four to seven minutes, depending on the number of spears and the degree of tenderness you like.

6. Sprinkle the cooked asparagus with lemon juice before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• Serve cooked asparagus cold or hot.

References

• What's Cooking America: All About Asparagus