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How to Microwave Asparagus

Asparagus cooked and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring tender, steamed asparagus spears perfect as a healthy side dish.
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Prep Time

2 mins

Cook Time

3 mins

Free Time

to drink a glass of Austrian wine 

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How to Microwave Asparagus

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A telltale sign of spring, asparagus steams beautifully in the microwave. Stalks quickly become tender with just the right amount of crisp, turning into a vibrant green color along the way. Thicker stalks will need a bit more time to cook than thinner ones.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

7-8 (6 ounces) asparagus
  • 7-8 (6 ounces) asparagus
  • 14-16 (12 ounces asparagus)
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 7-8 (6 ounces) asparagus, trimmed

Preparation

  1. Cut the tough, fibrous ends off of the asparagus.
  2. Place in an Anyday dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until asparagus is bright green and tender, but not mushy.

Suggestions

  • Tangy Parmesan: Toss with orange zest, grated parmesan cheese, and champagne vinegar.
  • Mint and Feta: Mix with mint, feta, and thinly sliced apple.
  • Crispy sesame: Mix with sesame dressing (sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar), topped with crispy noodles and sesame seeds.
  • Avocado toast topper: Top avocado toast with sliced eggs and asparagus.

Recipe Notes

  • White, green, and purple asparagus cook for the same amount of time.
  • If asparagus is thick, use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin off the bottom half of the stalk to make it more tender.
  • For thicker stalks, add more time in 30-second increments if needed. For thinner stalks, decrease the cook time.
  • For the most even cooking, stir halfway through the cook time.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Asparagus

See for yourself— microwaving asparagus is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 2-4 mins
Oven* 25-30 mins
Grill* 20 mins
Stovetop* 13 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 20 mins
*Includes preheat time
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Step by Step: Microwaving Asparagus

Trim the woody asparagus ends.

Cover with the lid (knob lifted).

Cook in the microwave.

Asparagus is done when bright green and tender.

All you need to know about microwaving asparagus

How long does it take to cook asparagus in the microwave?

Ingredient Cook Time
7-8 (6 ounces) asparagus, trimmed 2-3 mins
14-16 (12 ounces) asparagus, trimmed 5-6 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Asparagus takes around 2-5 minutes to cook in the microwave. Larger asparagus stalksΩ may take more time to cook, while thinner asparagus will take less time. Be sure to trim the ends of the asparagus stalks before eating.

How to microwave frozen asparagus?

Frozen asparagus typically come par-cooked, so make sure not to overcook. Place frozen asparagus in an Anyday dish, add 1 tablespoon of water, and cover with the lid (knob lifted). Cook on high for 2-3 minutes until hot, adding more time as needed.

How to microwave canned asparagus?

To microwave canned asparagus, strain the stalks and place them in an Anyday dish. Cover with lid (knob lifted) and cook on high for 1-2 minutes until hot. Canned asparagus come par-cooked so make sure not to overcook. As canned asparagus is typically stored in water, you do not need to add extra moisture to the dish.

How to steam asparagus without a steamer?

Don’t have a steamer? No problem! Cooking with an Anyday dish is faster and easier than setting up a steamer over the stove. Simply add asparagus to an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 2-3 minutes.

How to prepare asparagus for the grill?

Cook the asparagus in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the asparagus is bright green but still has a bite. Lightly coat the asparagus with cooking spray and transfer to a hot grill. Grill on both sides until char marks appear.

Want more asparagus recipes?

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