How to Pan Steam Asparagus without a Basket
Yes! You can steam asparagus without a basket, you just need a large saucepan with a lid. An electric steamer, a steam pot or a simple steaming basket insert are great for steaming – but if you don’t have one, or your asparagus won’t fit – no problem, you can pan steam your asparagus. Whichever way you get there, steamed asparagus is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh asparagus.
Also Read: How to Grill or Oven Roast Asparagus, Hollandaise Sauce, Asparagus and Tomato Gnocchi Dinner, How to Select and Store Asparagus
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Asparagus
What is the best way to cook asparagus?
That’s a trick question because there isn’t one best way to cook asparagus! Whatever is easiest for you and that you love the most is best. I choose based on what else I’m cooking, what other cooking tools I’m using (grill, oven, etc.) and what I feel like! For example, if I’m grilling chicken on the BBQ I grill my asparagus, if I’m baking a small ham in the oven – I use the oven to roast asparagus. Or sometimes, I toss it all together for a quick and easy sheet pan dinner.
Honestly, the only method I personally don’t use is boiling asparagus. Steaming is faster, gentler and preserves more of the nutrients.
How long does it take to steam asparagus?
It doesn’t take long to steam asparagus, see the chart below for very approximate cooking times. Adjust the steaming time accordingly based on personal preference and desired tenderness.
| Thickness of Asparagus Stems | Approximate Steaming Time |
|---|---|
| Thin (1/4 inch or less) | 3-4 minutes |
| Medium (1/4 to 1/2 inch) | 4-5 minutes |
| Thick (1/2 inch or more) | 5-6 minutes |
How do I know when asparagus is cooked?
Asparagus is cooked when it is bright green and tender but still slightly crisp. You can test for doneness by piercing the stalks with a fork or knife. They should offer little resistance.
PRO TIP: Asparagus will keep cooking inside when it’s hot – even when on the platter and away from any heat source. To serve it just right, it is best to undercook it just a little. By the time it’s served, it’ll be just right.
Can I steam asparagus in the microwave?
Yes, you can also steam asparagus in the microwave. Place washed and trimmed asparagus in a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Add a tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until tender. Add more water and time for larger amounts of asparagus.
How to Pan Steam Asparagus in Easy Steps
Here’s how to pan steam fresh asparagus if you don’t have a steam basket or steamer.
- Prep:
- Select fresh asparagus stalks.
- Wash and rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Trim tough ends by snapping them off or cutting them with a knife. Peel thick stems if a little tough on the end.
- Get a large saucepan that will fit your trimmed asparagus and put on medium high heat. (instead of steam basket)
- Steam:
- Arrange asparagus in single layer in bottom of saucepan, it can be a double layer.
- Add about 1/2 cup of water to pot or enough to cover the bottom.
- Put on lid and cook for 2-5 minutes, depending on the thickness (see chart above). They should be tender yet still have a tiny bit of resistance when stem is poked with a fork or knife.
- Remove from heat and place on serving dish.
- Season
- Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter for added flavor. Or choose your favorite flavor combo as listed below.
- Serve
- Serve immediately.
What Flavors Go With Steamed Asparagus?
The asparagus flavor pairings I’m about to share are just a suggestion to get you thinking about the endless possibilities – pair it with whatever you love best! Here are some ideas that will complement the unique slightly bitter flavor of asparagus:
- lemon (in various forms from lemon juice to lemon herb seasonings)
- hollandaise sauce – a smooth silky sauce made of butter, lemon, salt and pepper
- balsamic vinegar (sweet and acidic)
- salty foods like Parmesan cheese, bacon, prosciutto, pancetta, ham
- salmon
- cheese and cheese sauce
- eggs
- mushrooms
- nutmeg (my mom’s favourite)
- lemon tahini sauce
- garlic aioli
Recipe for Pan Steamed Asparagus
Pan Steamed Asparagus – Steaming without a Basket
Ingredients
- 1 bundle fresh asparagus (1lb or 454 g)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp fresh grated Parmesan
- pinch hot pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Trim tough ends by snapping or cutting them with a knife.
- Place large saucepan over medium high heat. Arrange asparagus in bottom, a couple of layers deep is fine. Add 1/2 cup water just to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover with lid and bring to boil/steam.
- Steam for 2-5 minutes, depending on thickness of stalks. They should be tender yet still crisp. Test with a fork – the fork should be able to pierce through but have a little bit of resistance.
- Immediately remove asparagus from pan and transfer them to serving dish. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Top with lemon zest, Parmesan and optional hot pepper flakes as desired. Or top with hollandaise sauce for a special treat.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
More Ways to Enjoy Asparagus
Grilled or Oven Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus and Tomato Gnocchi Dinner
Asparagus and Pickerel Sheet Pan Dinner
What’s your favorite way to enjoy asparagus?
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