How To Saut Asparagus
Trim the asparagus so they will fit inside a large pan. Preheat the pan until it is very hot this is key, said Walsh. Add the trimmed asparagus and 1/2 cup water, and cook for about 4½ to 5 minutes. You’ll hear a little hiss when you add the water, and that’s a good thing. The water will immediately come to a boil and will semi-steam and boil the asparagus in the same moment. When the water has almost evaporated, add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a little bit of salt and pepper and some fresh herbs and shallots, if you’re in the mood.
Lidia Bastianich’s Asparagus Frittata by Lidia Bastianich
How Long To Cook Asparagus
One of the most frequently asked questions is how long to cook asparagus. The answer depends on the size of your spears and your cooking method. Thin asparagus could take just a couple of minutes, especially if you’re using a high-heat method of cooking, such as grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. Thicker spears will take longer to cook. Here’s how to avoid overcooking your asparagus.
- Allow plenty of extra spears for testing as you cook.
- No matter which cooking method you choose, the residual heat will continue cooking the asparagus. Remove it from the stove/grill/oven when it’s almost done to your taste.
- If you’re blanching and reheating asparagus, remove it from the boiling water when it’s still a bit more crisp than you like. The reheating will finish cooking the spears.
What Is The Best Way To Cook And Eat Asparagus
Cooking asparagus in the oven is a popular way to cook and eat asparagus. It can be cooked in a single dish or even multiple dishes, depending on what ingredients are used. Another popular way to cook and eat asparagus is by boiling it. Boiling asparagus helps to remove some of the bitterness and 100% of the water so that it is easy to eat.
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Bacon Wrapped Baked Asparagus
- Par cook thick bacon by lining a plate with a few layers of paper towels. Line with half of the cut bacon in an even layer, and top with a layer of paper towels. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes . You want the bacon mostly cooked but still soft and PLIABLE. Dont overcook or it will break when wrapping.
- Season the asparagus and drizzle with olive oil.
- Wrap 1 slice of bacon around 2-4 asparagus stalks depending on their thickness to create a bundle. You want the bacon to go up the asparagus so its in a single layer. Place the bundle on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Bake until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender.
How Long Does It Take To Bake Asparagus

Oven cooking time will range from six to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus you choose. There are five official sizes of asparagus, ranging from small to jumbo, says Scott Emerick, executive chef of The Lakehouse in Bellevue, Washington. Oven-roasting is not recommended for small asparagus. They will become brittle and stringy. Below is a quick reference chart for how long to bake asparagus at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Asparagus type |
Oven roasting is not recommended |
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How Do I Choose Asparagus
The best Baked Asparagus starts with fresh asparagus! Look for asparagus that are firm and straight and not limp and saggy.
Look for asparagus that are bright green with a small amount of white towards the base. The tips should be compact and firm instead of loose and starting to spread or sprout. When asparagus is going bad, the tips are the first indicator they will turn a very dark green and will become mushy when touched.
When selectingasparagus, size isnt always an indicator of flavor, so for this Oven Baked AsparagusRecipe, you can use any size of asparagus spears, you will just need to adjustthe cooking time accordingly.
I like to use mediumsize spears as opposed to small spears because that way there is a little more room in betweenthe asparagus when they are lined up so they caramelize better.
How Long To Bake Asparagus At 375 Degrees
Other than what temperature to cook it at the biggest question you will have is how long to bake the vegetable. This can be done various ways, but foremost in my mind is always not to overcook it. It can quickly become mushy with wet cooking techniques, or dried-out if baked, broiled or grilled too long. Cooking times will vary based on the thickness of the asparagus and of course the cooking temperature. We are looking for a tender spears, yet with a slight snap to them when you take a bite. I prefer to bake asparagus at 375 degrees myself.
When making asparagus in the oven at 375 degrees :
- Thin asparagus spears – total cook time 16-20 min
- Thick asparagus spears- total cooking time 20-22 min
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How To Store Asparagus
Pro tip: Place your asparagus in a heavy-bottomed jar or drinking glass when you get home, and add a couple inches of water. You can place a plastic bag over the top to retain maximum freshness.
Then, store the asparagus like this in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days longer this way!
How To Prepare Asparagus For Cooking
Before you try any of the methods for cooking asparagus, you’ll want to trim up the asparagus stalks. Trimming asparagus is a “snap.” To remove and discard the tough woody ends of the stalks before cooking, you can just cut them off with a knife. But what’s more fun is to use your hands to snap the stalks in two. They naturally snap at about the point where the woody part begins. Once you’ve snapped your asparagus, you can line them up and give the bottom ends one last neat trim, if you’d like.
Related: How to Buy and Store Asparagus
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How To Store It
Leftover asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
During the week, I enjoy them chilled from the fridge for lunch or slightly rewarmed when it comes dinner time.
I do not recommend freezing the roasted asparagus. Upon reheating, the spears become waterlogged and mushy.
How To Roast Asparagus In The Oven
Oven roasting is a great way to intensify the flavor of asparagus. It’s also an excellent preparation method when you’re cooking for a crowd. Follow these four easy steps from Chef Scott Emerick for tender roasted asparagus every time:
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The Best Easy Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe
The Best Easy Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe delicious, buttery, salty and rich oven roasted asparagus that takes under 3 minutes of prep and just 15 minutes to make the most delicious easy low carb asparagus side dish ever!
Here at Sweet Cs, we have lots of types of readers those who like to get straight to the recipe, and those who would like more information, including tips and tricks to feeling more comfortable in the kitchen.
We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
Can I Freeze Asparagus

Yes you can freeze asparagus either before or after baking without losing any flavor, but it will be missing the firm texture. Thicker stems will hold up better, but still wont be as crisp. As the asparagus freezes, small ice crystals puncture the cell walls resulting in a somewhat mushy texture. This makes frozen asparagus ideal for adding to casseroles, sauces, quiche, and soups, but not so much for stand-alone adoration.
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How To Roast Asparagus
Roasting asparagus is super easy and quick! Simply toss your prepared asparagus with a light drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I like to do this on a large, rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
Bake until the asparagus is easily pierced through by a fork, which will vary depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Pencil-thin asparagus, like the kind shown here, will be done in as little as 10 minutes. Thicker asparagus will need between 15 to 20 minutes. Youll find all of these details in the recipe below.
Should I Soak Asparagus Before Baking
Asparagus is a popular vegetable in many different ways. One way to enjoy asparagus is to soak it before baking. This cements the asparagus and makes it more tender and juicy. There are a few things you need to consider before making this decision.
First, do you have enough water If not, add some more and make sure the water is boiling before adding asparagus. Second, do you want your asparagus cooked through or just peeled Third, will the
oven be at its hottest Fourth, are there any other ingredients in the ingredients list that might impact cooking time Finally, should you overcook asparagi or undercook them All of these factors can affect how well asparagus will cook so its important to weigh all of them before making your decision.
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Baked Asparagus Recipe Variations
Baked Asparagus are fabulous because they are a chameleon when it comes to seasonings. You can use the always classic Italian seasonings used in this recipe or try any of these seasonings:
- Herbs de Provence
- Red chili flakes
In addition to seasonings, you can also toss the baked asparagus in all sorts of sauces at the end of cooking to change the flavor profile. Here are just a few recipe ideas:
Does Asparagus Clean Your Kidneys
Scientists have been debate about the effects of asparagus on kidneys for years. Some say that it helps to clean and improve renal function, while others claim that it does not have any positive impact. However, a recent study published in the journal Renal Physiology has determined that asparagus does indeed help to clean and improve renal function.
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How To Prepare Asparagus
Rinse the stalks well in cold water. Snap off the ends as far down as they will easily break when you gently bend them, or cut off the tough white portion. If youre working with large stalks, use a vegetable peeler to gently peel the tough area of the stalk from the end to just below the tip. If the tips are large, scrape off some scales with a knife.
For more tips, follow our step-by-step guide to how to prepare asparagus.
How Do I Reheat Oven Baked Asparagus
Youcan reheat Parmesan Asparagus in the microwave at 30 second intervals but beaware that you will end up with mushier asparagus and panko.
For best results AKA crisp tender asparagus and crunchier panko, spread asparagus in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for approximately 4 minutes until warmed through.
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What Temp To Cook Asparagus
When roasting or grilling asparagus, it is best to cook it using a high temperature to get good caramelization, which will give the asparagus a sweet, roasted or smoky flavor. If you are roasting asparagus in the oven, this temperature is between 400°F to 425°F. If you are preparing it on the grill, this temperature is medium-high heat.
You should also be sure to turn the asparagus about halfway through the cooking time to ensure even flavor. A good food thermometer, such as the ThermoPro TP-20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Thermometer, should also be used during cooking to ensure the proper internal temperature.
The asparagus is done when the outside is brown, the inside is tender but crisp, and the internal temperature reads 135°F. However, you should remove the asparagus from the heat when it is just underdone to allow for carry-over cooking.
Asparagus done right may have you find yourself reaching for it more often. It is also a good source of essential nutrients so you can feel good about eating it. Just remember, for the best flavor and also the best price, be sure to purchase the spears when they are in season in the Spring and dont forget to remove the tough ends and trim the lower parts of the stalk on larger asparagus before cooking it for a smooth and even texture throughout. Asparagus is also quick and versatile to cook, so dont be afraid to try different cooking methods and recipes until you find the one or ones your family likes best.
How To Grill Asparagus

For thin asparagus, preheat the grill to 550 degrees. For medium or thicker asparagus, preheat the grill to 425 degrees. Coat the asparagus with olive oil to keep them from sticking to the grill, and season with salt and pepper. For one pound of asparagus, use less than 1/2 teaspoon.
Place the asparagus on the grill. For thin asparagus, cook for 3 minutes before turning, then for another 3 minutes. For medium or thicker asparagus, cook for 4 minutes before turning, then for another 4 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle them with extra-virgin olive oil or butter and fresh herbs and/or salt.
Filet of Sole with Wild Rice and Asparagus by John Seymour
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More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
- Parmesan Lemon Roasted Cauliflower See how we turn boring cauliflower into perfectly tender and browned cauliflower.
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Craveable Sauce Smoky, creamy, and perfectly golden brown potatoes served with a ridiculously tasty potato salad inspired dipping sauce.
- Roasted Carrots with Garlic Parsley Butter Easy roasted carrots recipe with a garlic parsley butter. The carrots are sweet, tender and completely delicious.
- Crave-Worthy Roasted Mushrooms How to make deeply flavored oven roasted mushrooms that are perfectly golden brown.
- Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham Learn our tricks for tender Brussels sprouts that are caramelized and delicious.
Recipe updated, originally posted May 2010. Since posting this in 2010, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear. Adam and Joanne
What Temp Do You Bake Asparagus
Roastasparagus at 425 degrees for 7-10 minutes, or until they are crisp tender.
Thereare several factors that affect the roasting time of baked asparagus such as thickness,the actual temperature of your oven, the age of the asparagus and your desiredcrisp-tenderness. I suggest testing yourasparagus at 7 minutes then cooking a few minutes longer if you would like itless crunchy.
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How To Cook Asparagus In The Oven
This section shows how to roast asparagus, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full instructions, see the recipe card below.
The process for how to roast asparagus in the oven is super easy!
FYI: There are a couple of ways to trim asparagus.
The simplest way is to just line up the stalks parallel to each other and cut off the woody ends using a knife. But, if you want each stalk trimmed at the optimal spot, simply bend each asparagus stalk gently until the end snaps off.
TIP: Make sure that each piece touches the pan.
This will help your roasted asparagus brown a little and cook evenly.
Which Is Healthier Broccoli Or Asparagus
When it comes to health, there are two types of vegetables you should be thinking about when it comes to eating: broccoli and asparagus. Broccoli is a green vegetable that is often used in salads, while asparagus is a white-fleshed vegetable that can be cooked or eaten raw.
However, which one is healthier Some people believe that broccoli is better because its high in fiber, protein and antioxidants. Additionally, broccoli is low in calories and easy to digest. Asparagus, on the other hand, has high levels of nutrients like vitamins
A and C and dietary fiber. This makes asparagus more beneficial for overall health because it helps control blood sugar levels and helps keep your digestive system working properly.
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How Do You Cook Asparagus Like A Pro
Cooking asparagus like a pro is nothing new, but there are some ways to do it that make the process more enjoyable and efficient. Here are four tips: