How to Microwave Asparagus: Quick and Easy Cooking Method

I absolutely love asparagus. Not only is it packed with nutrition, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can grill it, roast it, steam it, or even sauté it. But today, I want to share with you a quick and easy cooking method that will completely transform the way you cook asparagus – microwave cooking. Yes, you heard that right! Microwave cooking can produce delicious and perfectly cooked asparagus in just a matter of minutes. So, grab yourself a bunch of asparagus and let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

The first step in cooking asparagus in the microwave is to gather all your ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 bunch of fresh asparagus

Extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools:

Microwave-safe dish

Plastic wrap

Knife

Tongs

Prepare Your Asparagus

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to prepare your asparagus. Start by rinsing the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, grab a knife and trim off the woody ends of the asparagus spears. You can easily identify the woody ends by bending the asparagus near the bottom – it will naturally snap where the tough part ends. Discard the tough ends and set the asparagus spears aside.

Cooking In The Microwave

Once your asparagus is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to start cooking in the microwave. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Arrange Asparagus in a Microwave-Safe Dish

Place the trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure they are spread out evenly, so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Season

Drizzle a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil over the asparagus spears. This will help them cook and add flavor. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can get creative and add other herbs and spices if you like.

Step 3: Cover with Plastic Wrap

Cover the microwave-safe dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help create steam in the dish, allowing the asparagus to cook evenly.

Step 4: Microwave on High

Place the dish with the asparagus in the microwave and cook on high for about 3 to 4 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on the asparagus. You want them to be crisp-tender, not overcooked.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel to protect your hands from the heat. Remove the plastic wrap and set it aside. Let the asparagus rest for a minute.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Using tongs, transfer the cooked asparagus to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining olive oil from the dish over the asparagus for an extra burst of flavor. Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy your microwaved asparagus!

Tips and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations to help you take your microwaved asparagus to the next level:

For added flavor, try sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese or lemon zest over the cooked asparagus before serving.

If you like a bit of crunch, you can blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes before microwaving.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs.

If you prefer your asparagus to be softer, you can microwave them for a little longer, but be careful not to overcook.

Microwaving asparagus is a quick and easy cooking method that brings out the natural flavors and vibrant colors of this wonderful vegetable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, you can impress your guests with perfectly cooked asparagus in just a few minutes. So, the next time you’re craving some delicious asparagus, give microwave cooking a try. You won’t be disappointed!