Questions About How To Cook Asparagus

Mandy asks…

How to cook asparagus so it becomes soft and easy to chew?

How to cook asparagus so it doesn't become so fiberish when you eat. I just had an asparagus and pepper omelet but the asparagus was so fiberish it was practically impossible to chew. The fibers were unbreakable. I wonder if it's just the type of asparagus I bought or if I just didn't cook it right.

admin answers:

Thinner asparagus spears are more tender. Cut or break off the woody ends. They're tough no matter what you do. Lay the asparagus spears in a shallow baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake at 375 F until tender. Cooking time depends on how thick the spears are and how much you are cooking, but usually about 20 to 25 minutes, but check them periodically so you don't overcook.

Save the ends for making cream of asparagus soup -- you can simmer them in water for a great flavor, and then remove them and add in fresh asparagus tips.

Paul asks…

How to Cook Asparagus to make it Soft and keep Nutrients?

My family has always boiled asparagus and I love eating it. I know many of the nutrients are lost when you boil it. Is there a way to cook it, still get the softness and keep most of the nutrients? I've tried it in the oven and I really don't care for it crunchy. Please be specific. Thank you.

admin answers:

You could always oven roast it, seasoned with Olive Oil, butter, S&P, or your favorite additional seasonings on 350 degrees, topped with a lose foil cover. Or grill it, with your favorite seasonings, wrapped in parchment paper and tin foil. Both of these applications will result in a steamed effect without losing the nutritional value from the actual boiling process. If these don't work for you, you could always use your microwave, small amount of water, seasonings and parchment paper on top to prevent splattering. May I also suggest buying smaller stalk sized Asparagus, it's younger, more tender and quicker for cooking. Please remember to take off the bottom white part of the stalk, you will know this by when the green easily snaps off, by hand, from the bottom section. Hope this helps you out today, if you need more information, please don't hesitate to email or IM me. Have a great day!

George asks…

what is the best way to cook asparagus?

I ordered some asparagus at Applebees last night and I loved it.. how do I cook it like that?

admin answers:

Sauteed Garlic Asparagus:
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 bunch fresh asparagus
3 cloves garlic, chopped
DIRECTIONS
Melt the butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and asparagus spears; cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until asparagus is tender. If you like your asparagus well done, reduce heat and cook an additional 10 minutes.

Or

Asparagus and Cashews:
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
1 bunch asparagus stalks, ends cut
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup chopped cashews
DIRECTIONS
Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a wok over low to medium heat. Add ginger, and stir-fry until slightly brown. Add asparagus, and stir-fry for a few minutes before adding soy sauce and cashews. Cook until asparagus is tender but still crisp and bright green, stirring frequently.

Or

Raspberry Asparagus:
INGREDIENTS
1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
1 (8 ounce) container low-fat raspberry yogurt
1/2 lemon, juiced
DIRECTIONS
Place the asparagus in a steamer basket, and set over about 1 inch of boiling water. Cover, and steam for 5 to 8 minutes, or until tender and bright green.
In a small saucepan, stir together the yogurt and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until warmed.
Place steamed asparagus onto serving plates, and spoon the sauce over, or serve sauce separately.

ENJOY!

Lizzie asks…

What does asparagus taste like and how do you cook it?

Hi, im cooking asparagus for the 1st time today, never had it before but im on a healthy eating regime (had a baby 4 weeks ago) so im trying out all new and healthy foods, the pack says to oven cook it for 20 minutes drizzled in olive oil and some salt.

What does it taste like and how do YOU cook it?

admin answers:

Asparagus and Carmarthen ham with goats' cheese

by Stephen Terry
from Great British Menu

Serves 4-6



Preparation time 30 mins to 1 hour

Cooking time 30 mins to 1 hour






Ingredients
For the asparagus
16 thick asparagus spears, ends peeled
100g/3½oz plain flour
2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
100g/3½oz panko bread flakes (crunchy Japanese breadcrumbs)
300ml/½ pint rapeseed oil, for deep frying
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the dressing
200g/7oz Cothi valley fresh goats' cheese, crumbled (or other similar quality crumbly goats' cheese)
3 tbsp double cream
Welsh Halen Môn sea salt from Anglesey (or other similar quality sea salt) and freshly ground black pepper
For the salad
½ lemon, juice only
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Welsh Halen Môn sea salt from Anglesey (or other similar quality sea salt) and freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch dandelion leaves
1 small head tardivo, leaves picked
1 bunch wild rocket
2 breakfast radishes, very thinly sliced
For the ham
200g/7oz Carmarthen ham, or other similar quality cured, air-dried ham



Method
1. For the asparagus - blanch the asparagus in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes, drain and refresh in iced water. Dip eight of the asparagus spears in flour, then egg and then panko flakes. Dip in the egg mix again and then in the panko flakes, ensuring the asparagus is completely coated, and set aside. Pour the rapeseed oil into a medium saucepan and heat until a small cube of bread turns golden-brown. (CAUTION: do not leave oil unattended. Hot oil can be dangerous.) Carefully lower the coated asparagus into the hot oil and fry until golden-brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Heat the olive oil in a griddle pan and griddle the remaining blanched asparagus.
2. For the dressing, place the crumbled cheese in a bowl. Soften the cheese with a splash of warm water from the kettle and the double cream and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. For the salad, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the dandelion, tardivo and rocket leaves into a large bowl, add the radish and then pour over the dressing and mix well.
4. For the ham, heat a griddle pan, add the ham and griddle for one minute each side or until crisp.
5. To serve, divide the ham between the serving plates, top with the deep fried asparagus and place a small handful of dressed salad leaves on top. Garnish with the griddled asparagus and pour over the cheese dressing. Serve at once.

Michael asks…

How long do i cook asparagus for?

Im making a meal with asparagus how long does it need to cook in a frying pan?

admin answers:

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed

Directions

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook garlic in butter for a minute, but do not brown. Add asparagus, and cook for 10 minutes, turning asparagus to ensure even cooking.

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