The secret to making tender asparagus?

DJ7203
DJ7203 Posts: 497 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Every time I make it, it comes out stringy & hard :sad: I love asparagus & need tips on how to cook it better. Thanks!

Replies

  • Amitysk
    Amitysk Posts: 705 Member
    How do you normally cook it?

    Maybe try steaming and then blanching in ice water. The sautee to warm it back up. That usually comes out very tender. If you're roasting, it could be that you need to shorten your cooking time and/or lowering the temp in the oven.
  • CA_Underdog
    CA_Underdog Posts: 733 Member
    It always comes out perfect--tender but not mushy--when I use a steamer basket. Asparagus is one of those vegetables where I feel the extra time vs. using a microwave is really worth it. :)
  • kenzietate
    kenzietate Posts: 399 Member
    I cook it in a skillet that has a lid. I take one stalk and bend it until it breaks then cut the rest to that length. This gets rid of the woody ends. Then take the tops of the asparagus and wash them then put them in the skillet with enough water to cover about half of the width of the stalk. Put the lid on and turn it on med-high heat. Let them come to a simmer and steam with the lid on for at least 10 mins. At this point, take a fork and poke them to see if tender. If not then keep cooking and check them every 2-3 mins. The stalks will turn bright green when they are done. I typically finish with butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese but I have a high dietary fat goal right now. I don't put them in an ice bath because I like eating them warm.
  • scraver2003
    scraver2003 Posts: 526 Member
    I go for the skinny stalks rather than the fatter ones. I cut an inche or so off the bottom. I do 1 part OO, 1 part lemon juice, and 1 part balsamic vinegar and some spices (garlic and dill is yummy). I do about 10 mins in the oven at 350 and then turn them over a bit and do 10 more minutes. Perfection!!
  • JossFit
    JossFit Posts: 588 Member
    I just boil mine and then finish it in a pan on the stovetop with whatever else I may be cooking for the meal to dry the excess water off of it and impart more flavor. Definitely tender!
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,265 Member
    Don't cook it. I get it right out of my garden and eat it while walking around......ecstasy.
  • DJ7203
    DJ7203 Posts: 497 Member
    Thanks for all the great advice! I've been broiling it in the oven up until now.

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