The Best Ways to Cook Asparagus (from the New York Times)
Here are several easy techniques to bring out the delicious best using fresh asparagus from Corey Lake Orchards. Because asparagus cook so quickly and are delightful at any stage of doneness — crisp-tender, velvety soft and even raw, if very fresh — they take well to a host of techniques.
Just snap or trim off the tough ends, give them a rinse (or two if the spears are sandy from recent rain), and they’re ready to go, wherever you choose to take them.
Roasting — It’s not necessarily easier or faster than any other method, but I love how the oven’s heat intensifies asparagus’ flavors, caramelizing and sweetening the stalks while the tips get crispy. It’s also convenient. Asparagus roasts beautifully at any temperature from 375 degrees to 450 degrees, which means I can throw a pan of oiled, salted spears into the oven along with whatever else I’m making for dinner. Add a drizzle of yogurt or good olive oil, and some chopped herbs or scallions, and you get a nearly effortless side dish with charm and sophistication.
Broiling — Where roasting surrounds the stalks with relatively even and gentle heat, broiling blasts them fiercely and directly, singing them until blackened outside, tender and sweet within. Broiled asparagus has an intense flavor, so match it with a pungent sauce.
Pan-Searing — I pulled out my knife and skillet with the idea of cutting the spears into bite-size pieces, then searing them until they would just yield to the tines of a fork.
Sautéing — Similar to pan-searing, cook the asparagus in butter to mellow its herbal grassiness and bring out its sweetness.
Asparagus Recipes
Asparagus Salad With Hard-Boiled Eggs
A classic Italian salad, with many variations so feel free to take liberties and create your own dish.
Air Fryer Asparagus
This lovely side dish is ready in just a few minutes to enhance a weeknight dinner. It is lightly oiled and coated with Parmesan and bread crumbs.
Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Tarragon Tart
This company pleasing tart is easy to make when you use an already prepared puff pastry and substitute the crème fraîche with yogurt from Mattawan Creamery.
Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Combines fresh asparagus, grape tomatoes, chopped walnuts, and feta cheese. A dressing made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper is drizzled on top
Butter-Braised Asparagus
The simplest recipe of all! It’s quick cooked asparagus with butter, lemon, and your choice of herbs.
Chicken Asparagus Pasta
Chicken and asparagus taste like spring, especially when flavored with lemon juice. An easy recipe from Kroger.
Chive Pesto Potato Salad
An easy twist on potato salad, especially if you use ready-made pesto. Make with asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
Creamy Asparagus
The secret to this easy recipe is using a creamy parmesan salad dressing.
Creamy Asparagus Pasta With Peas and Mint
Sautéing asparagus in butter mellows it, bringing out its sweetness. Mixed with peas, mint, Parmesan and cream, it makes the foundation of a rich pasta dish with primavera vibes, but easier, faster and brighter, thanks to some grated lemon zest folded in at the end.
Creamy Asparagus Risotto
A side dish or meatless main meal. Long grain white rice, vegetable broth, fresh asparagus, diced onion, crushed garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, half and half, butter, fresh parsley, fresh basil, salt, and pepper are the ingredients you’ll need for this one pot dish.
Fried Asparagus with Bacon
Who doesn’t like bacon with most anything? Nothing better than our asparagus prepared with bacon from Jake’s!
Pan-Seared Asparagus With Cashews
In this speedy, springy dish, a crunchy mix of nuts, seeds and coconut flakes gives seared asparagus plenty of texture, while a squeeze of lime and handful of fresh herbs add brightness right at the end.
Pasta Primavera with Asparagus and Peas
We love pasta dishes! This simple dish combines fresh asparagus with green onions and peas – and your favorite pasta of course!
Quick Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Savory and a little sweet, this light dinner tastes like spring but can be made any time of year. Asparagus spears also cook fast until they’re as crisp-tender as the shrimp. By slicing them at a sharp angle, you reduce any stringiness in the stalks. Served over rice.
Simple Grilled Asparagus
Try this on an air fryer – it has few ingredients and is quick and easy.
Turmeric-Black Pepper Chicken with Asparagus
A sweet and spicy stir-fry with thin, sliced asparagus, black pepper, honey and rice vinegar. Serve with rice or noodles.
White Bean and Asparagus Salad with Tarragon-Lemon Dressing
Use canned white beans to make this lemony, herbed asparagus salad.
White Lasagna
A spring lasagna made with asparagus, spinach, and frozen peas.