How to Steam Asparagus

One of the simplest ways to cook asparagus is to steam it. This method is especially great for cutting out added fats. Learn how to steam asparagus with these instructions.

This method consistently delivers a vibrant green, tender crisp side dish that is bursting with flavor. If you shudder at the thought of mushy veggies, you’re going to love the way this turns out!

Steamed Asparagus

Bear these things in mind when making steamed asparagus:

First, rinse and dry the asparagus. Trim off the bottom inch or so of each spear. You can steam them whole or continue cutting them into uniform pieces.

If you have larger in diameter or “older” asparagus go ahead and use a vegetable peeler (I like this one a lot!) and just take off that outside layer. This is the part that can get tough and woody as it grows.

Second, use a timer so that you don’t oversteam them. If you cook them for too long, you’ll deplete their flavor and get a mushy mess.

Third, pull the asparagus off the heat when they have just the slightest bit of crunch remaining. They will continue to cook from the remaining heat.

How to Steam Asparagus

Here are the directions for how to steam asparagus:

Prep the pot: Add two inches of water. Insert the steamer basket. You can also use a metal strainer or colander. The water should be completely under the basket. If you can see the standing water over the bottom of the basket, pour some out. 

Boil the water: Set the pot over a burner and turn it to high. Cover the pot. When you hear the water boiling rapidly, lift the cover to check. If steam billows out, it’s ready.

Steaming Asparagus: Place the asparagus into the steamer basket. Cover the pot again, and lower the heat setting to medium. Now, set the timer.

How Long to Steam Asparagus

Not sure how long to steam asparagus? That depends on the diameter of your spears, how tender you want them, etc. Expect for it to take between 3 to 6 minutes.

Start checking the spears after 2 minutes of steaming. You can use the tip of a sharp knife or a fork to test for tenderness, but I find it more effective to do a taste test.

Just like with green beans, this is a vegetable whose flavor should be prioritized over tenderness when. If they’re still grassy, let them steam for another 30 seconds.

Asparagus can be seasoned with nothing more than salt and pepper, or you can spruce it up with olive oil, lemon juice, or whatever sauce you like best.

There are so many great ways to cook asparagus! Once you’ve mastered steaming, you may want to try air frying, roasting, grilling, sauteeing, or even boiling it.