How to Microwave Asparagus
Prep Time
2 minsCook Time
3 minsFree Time
to drink a glass of Austrian wine
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.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Shallow Dish
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The Small Square Dish
Flash-steam small portions of food in the microwave, evenly reheat leftovers, or store food in the fridge with the lid’s airtight seal.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 7-8 (6 ounces) asparagus, trimmed
Preparation
- Cut the tough, fibrous ends off of the asparagus.
- Place in an Anyday dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until asparagus is bright green and tender, but not mushy.
Serving suggestions & tips
- 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 |
Step by Step: Microwaving Asparagus
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 |
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.