How to Cook and Serve Asparagus

Typically signalling the start of the spring season, asparagus complements a range of dishes, such as fish, beef and salads. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about this versatile vegetable, including the best way to cook and prepare it.

How to cook asparagus

Asparagus is a vegetable that offers many cooking possibilities. Whether boiling, roasting or grilling, the method of cooking influences the flavour of asparagus. When steamed, asparagus becomes juicy and succulent, while broiling the stems adds a smoky flavour. Consider the overall flavour of your dish to guide the cooking and preparation of your asparagus.

How to prepare asparagus

Before cooking asparagus, there are certain steps you can take to prepare the vegetable: 

1. Always make sure to wash asparagus and snap the woody ends off of the vegetable.
2. Remove the outer layer of the asparagus stems with a vegetable peeler, revealing the tender and more flavoursome core.
3. Once you have prepared the asparagus stems appropriately, it’s a good idea to cook them as soon as possible. This ensures that they remain fresh and don’t start to brown. If you have to store asparagus for later use, a good tip is to cover the veggies with a damp cloth.

How to boil asparagus

Boiled asparagus is a great side for meat dishes like steak or lamb. To boil asparagus, follow these steps: 

1. Fill a pot with water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and carefully add the asparagus stems.
2. Allow the stems to boil for up to three minutes or until they appear bright green.
3. If you are not going to serve the asparagus straight away, plunge the stems into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep the vegetable tender.

How to roast asparagus

Asparagus takes just minutes to roast until it’s deliciously tender and crispy. It’s one of the easiest vegetables to roast, as it just takes a drizzle of oil and seasoning to be cooked to perfection. To roast asparagus, follow these steps: 

1. Coat the stems with olive oil, salt and pepper. 
2. Preheat the oven to 200°C, and space the asparagus across a baking sheet. 
3. Roast the asparagus for 10 minutes, remembering to shake them halfway through the cooking process. 
4. Remove from the oven when the tips of the spears are brown and roasted.

What to serve with asparagus

While often served as a side dish, asparagus can also be the star of your meal. Try deep-frying asparagus and serving the stems with a tasty dip. For weekend brunch, broil asparagus stems wrapped in bacon. Include asparagus in a tray of baked vegetables or cut some asparagus tips to add in bread dough and bake a delicious asparagus loaf.

Asparagus recipes

Celebrate the season with some delicious, fresh asparagus recipes. With a natural and earthy flavour, this vegetable is the perfect addition to a range of tasty dishes, including the below:

• Crumbed Chicken & Roast Veggie Toss with Asparagus
• Easy Chicken, Asparagus & Silverbeet Risotto
• Cheesy Chicken & Herby Panko Crumb with Asparagus
• Saltimbocca Chicken & Truffle-Parmesan Mash with Asparagus