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How to Cook Asparagus

Want to learn how to cook asparagus? It may seem basic, but these are new techniques to some, and we will teach you how to cook asparagus on the grill, in the oven, and on the stovetop before this article is through – happy cooking!

Fresh asparagus on a table with cut lemons..
Photo Credit: Alleksana

Prepare asparagus on the grill, in the oven, and on the stove-top; my method of cooking often depends on what I am making to go along with it. Opt to grill meat and asparagus together on the grill or make a sheet-pan meal and throw everything on a rimmed baking sheet for a quick dinner and fewer dishes!

How to Cook Asparagus

1. How to Cook Asparagus on the Grill

1. Preheat the grill by setting all the burners to high heat for about 10 minutes. Then, drizzle the asparagus with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper.

Line the asparagus onto the vegetable basket.

2. Add the asparagus to a grill basket and place it on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, shuffling the asparagus midway to ensure an even char.

Grill the asparagus in a vegetable basket.
Grilled asparagus is ready to be served.

2. How to Cook Asparagus in the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F (204° C). Line the asparagus onto a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Spray the asparagus with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper.

Line the asparagus onto the baking sheet and drizzle with oil and season.

2. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Asparagus baking in the oven.

3. How to Cook Asparagus on the Stove

Sautéed:

1. Trim the ends off the asparagus, then cut the spears into 2-inch pieces.

Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.

2. Warm avocado oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the asparagus and butter, and saute for 3-5 minutes.

Add butter and asparagus to the pan with oil and saute.

3. Season with salt and pepper to serve.

Season with salt and pepper to serve.

Boiled:

1. Add enough water to fill a saute pan 1-inch high, then add salt. Place the asparagus in the pan. Cover and cook for about 3 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and tender.

Asparagus and water in a saute pan.

2. While the asparagus is cooking, fill a mixing bowl with water and ice. Remove the asparagus from heat and add the spears to the ice water to halt the cooking process.

Asparagus laying in an ice bath after boiling.

Searching for More Like This? 

If you love this how-to, pair asparagus with one of these dinner favorites!

Serving Suggestions

There’s no denying it- asparagus tastes good all it’s own. However, should you decide to change things up, here are a few suggestions to bring your side to the next level.

  • Homemade Hollandaise Sauce
  • Lemon Dill Aioli
  • Lemon Zest and Wedges
  • Butter
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Toasted Nuts
  • Fresh Olive Oil
  • Lemon Sauce
  • Prosciutto or Bacon

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you select asparagus?

1. Stalks should be firm and crisp.
2. Ensure the tips or buds are tightly closed.
3. Whether you choose green, white, or purple asparagus, you want bright and vibrant colors for the best results.
4. Asparagus comes in all shapes and sizes. Thin spears are better for stir-frying and boiling and blanching, whereas thick spears are ideal for grilling, baking, or stir-frying.

How do you prepare asparagus?

Trim the rough ends of the asparagus off of the stalk.

Begin by washing the stalks thoroughly. Then, you’ll want to trim the ends since they are tough and inedible. Hold the bundle securely in the middle and cut 1-2 inches from the bottom.

What’s the best way to store asparagus?

Cover the stems of the asparagus and store them in a cup full of water in the fridge.

If possible, make asparagus right away! Otherwise, trim the ends and store the bunch upright in a glass of water. Cover the tips with a bag to prevent wilting.

More Kitchen Tips:

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Baked asparagus ready to be served.

How to Cook Asparagus

Tressa Jamil
Learn how to cook asparagus four ways; you can make it on the grill, in the oven, and on the stove-top. 
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Preparations
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 98 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
  
Grilled:
  • 1 pound asparagus
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
Roasted:
  • 1 pound asparagus
  • avocado oil spray, generously
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
Sautéed:
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 pound asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1-2 tablespoons butter
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
Boiled and Blanched:
  • 1 pound asparagus
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups ice
Instructions
 

How to Cook Asparagus on the Grill:

  • Preheat the grill by setting all the burners to high heat for about 10 minutes. Then, drizzle the asparagus with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the asparagus to a grill basket and place it on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, shuffling the asparagus midway to ensure an even char.

How to Cook Asparagus in the Oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 400° F(204° C). Line the asparagus onto a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Spray the asparagus with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes.

How to Cook Asparagus on the Stove (Sautéed):

  • Trim the ends off the asparagus, then cut the spears into 2-inch pieces.
  • Warm avocado oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the asparagus and butter, and saute for 3-5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to serve.

How to Cook Asparagus on the Stove (Boiled):

  • Add enough water to fill a saute pan 1-inch high, then add salt. Place the asparagus in the pan. Cover and cook for about 3 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and tender.
  • While the asparagus is cooking, fill a mixing bowl with water and ice. Remove the asparagus from heat and add the spears to the ice water to halt the cooking process.
Notes
Prepare the Asparagus:
  • Begin by washing the stalks thoroughly. Then, you’ll want to trim the ends since they are tough and inedible. Hold the bundle securely in the middle and cut 1-2 inches from the bottom.
 
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
 
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 98 kcal | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 6 g | Sodium: 619 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 3 g
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!
Recipe Rating




RJ

Monday 6th of June 2022

This is a surefire way to get the same fresh asparagus every time. I end up making these every time I grill.

Tressa Jamil

Tuesday 7th of June 2022

I am glad you liked the information for how to grill asparagus. Let us know when you try one of the other methods.