The Recipe Critic

Perfectly Steamed Asparagus

February 24, 2022

Steamed asparagus is the perfect addition to any meal! All it needs is a squeeze of lemon and freshly cracked salt and pepper to be a knockout side!

Everyone tells you to eat more vegetables, but with these recipes, you’ll actually want to! Roasted garlic broccoli, lemon potatoes, and cauliflower steaks are all so tasty and easy to throw together! Simple spices enhance their naturally delicious flavor.

Steamed asparagus, garnished with lemon, on a white and blue plate.

Easy Steamed Asparagus Recipe

Asparagus is hands-down my favorite vegetable to make as a dinner side. They have such a mild flavor and the perfect crunch! Not to mention, all you really need is a little salt, pepper, and olive oil to enhance it! Steaming asparagus is one of my favorite ways to prepare it. It makes it so moist and tender! Baking or air frying asparagus can be a little tricky, cook too long and you’ll end up with shriveled asparagus. But this recipe couldn’t be easier! Just simmer on the stove for a few minutes and you’ll end up with delicious asparagus every time!

I love making steamed asparagus on busy weeknights. Pair it with an easy dish like Greek lemon chicken, Swedish meatballs or schnitzel. With all that amazing flavor, your family will never know it only took minutes to make! Plus, steaming vegetables helps them to retain all of their amazing nutrients, making it both a delicious and healthy choice! Your family will love steamed asparagus just as much as I do! And if you’re looking for more tried and true asparagus recipes, try asparagus salad with lemon vinaigrette or bacon-wrapped asparagus next!

Everything You Need to Make Steamed Asparagus

I mean, does it get any simpler than this? Only 4 ingredients are needed here! You really don’t need any fancy ingredients to make a solid vegetable side. Gotta let that amazing natural flavor and texture shine through! All measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

  • Asparagus: Just one stalk should be enough to feed your family!
  • Olive Oil: Adds a hint of flavor and helps seasonings stick.
  • Lemon Juice: I like using fresh lemon juice for flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice too.
  • Salt and Pepper: Freshly cracked to enhance flavor! I also like to use sea salt instead of table salt for a chunkier texture.

How to Steam Asparagus on the Stove

Steaming your asparagus only takes 3 simple steps. It’s so easy, you won’t even need to look at the recipe next time! With how tender and amazing it turns out, you’ll want this with every meal.

  1. Fill Pan, Boil: To begin, in a medium-sized skillet, fill the skillet with 1-2 inches of water. Add the asparagus and bring to a boil.
  2. Simmer: Next, reduce to a simmer and steam for 4-6 minutes or until tender.
  3. Toss With Oil and Seasonings: Remove the asparagus from the water and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
Process shots of preparing asparagus and steaming in a skillet.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Asparagus

From picking fresh veggies to switching up seasonings, here are a few easy tips to make your steamed asparagus as delicious as possible!

  • Picking Asparagus: Since asparagus is the star of the show, making sure you pick the freshest stalk possible is super important! The perfect stalk should be a vibrant green color. If it’s dull, it is likely overripe. The stalks should be firm to the touch and not wilting. Note: It’s best to choose a stalk with uniform size. This way, each piece cooks at the same rate.
  • Seasonings and Flavor Additions: Although sea salt is my go-to for asparagus, they are equally delicious with lemon pepper seasoning! It makes each bite more bright and flavorful. Italian and ranch seasonings are both great options too. And as far as toppings go, bacon bits pair perfectly with asparagus. A shake of parmesan cheese on top is lovely as well!
  • Do I Need to Trim My Asparagus? I always recommend trimming off the white ends of the stalk. These are very tough and bitter. Trimming also helps to make each stalk a uniform size.

Storing Leftover Steamed Asparagus

It’s so easy to store your leftover asparagus and heat it up for lunch! You can also use leftovers for soup or asparagus fries!

  • In the Refrigerator: Store asparagus in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Using an air fryer is always my favorite way to reheat leftover veggies. Pop your steamed asparagus in for a minute or two at 350 degrees F. You can also reheat them in the oven for 3-5 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Closeup of steamed asparagus, garnished with salt, pepper, and lemon.

More Amazing Asparagus Recipes

Crisp and tender with some of the best flavor vegetables have to offer, here are a few more recipes utilizing asparagus! I make these all the time for family, and let me tell you, I think sometimes they’re more popular than the main dish! Asparagus is a great source of fiber and vitamins, and tastes great too! Try it out with your next dinner. It won’t disappoint!

Print

Steamed Asparagus

Steamed asparagus is the perfect addition to any meal! All it needs is a squeeze of lemon and freshly cracked salt and pepper to be a knockout side!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword steamed asparagus
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 63kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1 stalk asparagus
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • juice of half a lemon
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized skillet, fill the skillet with 1-2 inches of water. Add the asparagus and bring it to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer and steam for 4-6 minutes or until tender.
  • Remove the asparagus from the water and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

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