Asparagus with Lemon Butter
Celebrate spring with this easy and delicious vegetable side dish! Using an Anyday dish ensures perfectly cooked asparagus every time. The size and width of asparagus can vary widely based on seasonality, so you may need to adjust cook times accordingly. Simply microwave your asparagus to tender perfection and toss it with a zesty lemon butter sauce for a fresh, flavorful accompaniment to any meal. This method is quick, convenient, and brings out the vibrant flavors of the asparagus.
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
- 8 medium asparagus (about ½ lb), cut into 1” pieces
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Chopped dill, optional
Preparation
- Place the asparagus, butter, lemon zest, and salt in the Anyday. Cover with lid (knob lifted) and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the asparagus are fork-tender.
- Toss to coat the asparagus with the lemon butter. Sprinkle with fresh dill, if desired. Serve warm.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Use up any fresh herbs you have on hand! You may substitute the dill with parsley, chives, or mint.
- Add frozen or fresh peas for extra veggies.
- Add the asparagus to cooked paste, or into scrambled eggs.
Recipe notes
- This recipe works great with plant-based butter and any other zest you may have available such as orange or lime.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Asparagus with Lemon Butter
Can I Cook Asparagus in the Microwave?
Yes, you can cook asparagus in the microwave using an Anyday dish. This method is quick, and easy, and helps retain the vibrant color and flavor of the asparagus. Just trim the woody ends of the asparagus and add them to the Anyday Large Shallow dish. It takes almost no time to cook these veggies without sacrificing texture, color, or flavor.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Asparagus in the Microwave?
The cooking times for asparagus in the microwave can vary depending on the thickness of the spears and serving size. Generally, it takes about 2-4 minutes for 16 asparagus. Thicker spears may require a bit more time, while thinner spears will cook faster.
How Do I Know When Asparagus Is Done Cooking in the Microwave?
Asparagus is done when it is bright green and tender-crisp. You can check by piercing the thickest part of the spear with a fork and giving it a taste. It should be tender but still slightly firm.
Do I Need to Add Water When Microwaving Asparagus?
You do not need to add water to cook asparagus in the Anyday dish. The asparagus holds enough water to generate all the steam required to cook them. In this recipe, we added butter and lemon zest for extra flavor, which complements the herbaceous nature of the asparagus nicely.
How Should I Store Leftover Asparagus?
Store leftover asparagus in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply microwave in the Anyday dish for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the amount, to prevent overcooking.
