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Steamed Asparagus Recipe

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Steamed asparagus is a simple, healthy, and flavorful side dish that preserves the vegetable’s vibrant color, tender texture, and delicate flavor. It’s quick to prepare and pairs well with almost any main course, making it a versatile addition to your meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the asparagus under cold water and trim the tough ends. To trim, snap off the woody ends by gently bending the asparagus near the bottom, or cut them off with a knife.
  2. Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a large pot or steamer. Place the asparagus in the steamer basket and set it over the boiling water.
  3. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the asparagus for 4-6 minutes, depending on how tender you like it. For crisp-tender asparagus, aim for around 4 minutes. For softer asparagus, steam it for closer to 6 minutes.
  4. Once the asparagus is cooked, remove it from the steamer and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus and garnish with fresh herbs.
  5. Serve immediately as a side dish or add it to salads, pastas, or grain bowls.

Notes

For extra flavor, steam the asparagus with a few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves in the water to infuse it with more fragrance.Leftover steamed asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.If you prefer a richer flavor, sauté the steamed asparagus in garlic butter after steaming.

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