28 May 2024

How To Cook Asparagus

Wondering how to cook asparagus? Read our full guide, we’ve even included some of our favourite asparagus recipes.

Asparagus spears on a wooden chopping board

Can You Eat Raw Asparagus?

Yes, you can eat asparagus raw. It's crunchy and has a fresh, slightly bitter taste. People often add raw asparagus to salads or serve it with dips to keep its nutrients intact, which can be lost during cooking. Just be sure to wash it well and trim off the tough ends before eating.

Can You Freeze Asparagus?

Yes, you can freeze asparagus to make it last longer. First, blanch the asparagus by briefly boiling it, then cool it quickly in ice water. This helps keep its colour, flavour, and nutrients. After blanching, dry the asparagus, freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer it to an airtight container.

How To Cook Asparagus

Asparagus can be cooked in many different ways. Roasting gives it a rich, caramelised flavour. Steaming keeps its bright green colour and nutrients. Sautéing with a bit of oil and seasonings makes it tender and flavorful. Grilling adds a smoky, charred taste. You can also blanch asparagus by briefly boiling it and then cooling it in ice water to keep its colour and crunch, which is great for salads and cold dishes.

How Long To Boil Asparagus

Boiling asparagus is easy. First, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. While the water heats up, trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears. When the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt and then the asparagus. Boil for 3-5 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the asparagus and serve it right away. Feeling adventurous with boiling asparagus? Explore some of our top recipe picks.

Grilled Asparagus & Lemon Pasta

Deliciously grilled asparagus, plenty of fresh basil, and a bit of parmesan or vegan cheese. All tossed together with hot pasta, lemon and garlic oil with walnuts. It’s a simple yet vibrant pasta recipe that is ready in 30 minutes and perfect any night of the week. The leftovers will also make for a delicious lunch the following day, and can be eaten hot or cold.

Jack Monroe x ODDBOX: Potato salad with asparagus, pickled cucumber and mustard avocado dressing

To celebrate the launch of Jack Monroe’s new book "Good Food for Bad Days" on the 28th of May, we've teamed up with the chef, food writer, and journalist herself to create a deliciously summery ODDBOX recipe, and give you all a chance to win her latest book, as well as other amazing books in her range plus 2 x Med Fruit & Veg Boxes!

Asparagus Mimosa

This delicious recipe showcase tender asparagus topped with mimosa sauce made from boiled eggs, lemon and fresh herbs. It can be served on a big platter and the egg mixture can be made in advance – perfect if you're cooking for friends.

How Long To Steam Asparagus

Steaming asparagus is simple and preserves its vibrant colour and nutrients. Here's how:

Set up a pot with a steamer basket and add water below it.
Trim the ends of the asparagus.
When the water simmers, place the asparagus in the basket, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
Season with olive oil, lemon juice, or herbs, and serve hot.

How Long To Roast Asparagus

Roasting asparagus is a delicious way to bring out its natural flavours. To start, preheat your oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Spread the asparagus out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the spears are tender and slightly crispy on the edges. Once done, you can enjoy the roasted asparagus as a side dish or incorporate it into various recipes. One of our favourite recipes is Asparagus Fries with Harissa Mayonnaise, give it a go.

Looking for more asparagus recipes?

We’ve got a bunch!

30 Minute Meals: Springy Avocado & Asparagus Pasta

Possibly the most beloved brunch item of all time - Avocado. But other than brunch items, how else can we make the most of this delicious green fruit? Here’s Georgia (@georgia_levy_) to guide us through a creamy avocado pasta that’s just perfect for your next garden BBQ’s and picnics.