The Easiest Method To Make Steamed Asparagus In The Microwave

Most of us strive to include more veggies in our daily diets. However, if it's not the bitter or earthy tastes that keep you at arm's length from popular vegetables, it might just be the daunting preparation process that prevents you from balancing out your meals. There are plenty of methods to achieve perfectly soft yet crisp vegetables that are both tasty and good for you. However, many of us don't have time to wait on preheating ovens to reach the perfect temperature, or for large pots of water to boil.

For those in a hurry, steaming or blanching vegetables in the microwave can be a quick and easy option to have you enjoying broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and more in no time. And, it turns out, asparagus may also be one of the most ideal veggies to start steaming using your microwave.

If you've tried to cook asparagus before, using any method, you may know that it can be a bit tricky to perfect. You're not alone if your cooking attempts have resulted in overcooked, limp, chewy stems that were barely edible. On the other hand, undercooking results in a tough texture that many can't bite through. But, with a simple microwave technique, you don't have to worry about perfectly timing it anymore. With the help of just a damp paper towel and a few minutes of time, you can have perfectly tender asparagus ready to serve however you prefer. 

The first step when cooking with asparagus is to make sure the stems are washed and cut. It's best to break off the bottoms of the stalks, as the end is typically too tough to eat. Before cooking the asparagus, arrange four damp paper towels on top of one another. The paper towels should ideally hold about a quarter cup of water, however, make sure to ring out any excess before the cooking process takes place. Then, spread the stalks over the paper towels.

You can then roll the asparagus up by starting on one end and working your way to the other. A small bundle will be formed, and this can be placed into the microwave and cooked on high for a few minutes. Optionally, you can grind some salt onto your veggies before wrapping and cooking them. After about 3 minutes, you may want to check if they're tender using a fork, and stick them back in if they need an extra minute or two.

And, don't worry if you're out of paper towels. You can also use a microwave safe dish instead. Simply place your veggies into the dish along with a little water. Then, cover and cook on high for the same amount of time. Also, make sure to use tongs or oven mitts before grabbing your asparagus, as it will emerge very hot.