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Steam-Fried Asparagus finished dish
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Steam-Fried Asparagus (Soft & Tender Finish)

Paddy

All that delicious asparagus flavor gets locked right in with this steam-fry method! The best part? You can make it super easily in just a frying pan ♪

Ingredients

2 servings
  • Asparagus8
  • Water2–3 tbsp
  • ★Saltto taste

Directions

10 min
  1. 1

    Trim the cut ends off the asparagus, then use a peeler to remove the skin from the lower half of each spear. For this recipe, cut each spear in half.

  2. 2

    Gently bend the lower (root) end of each spear with your hands — it will naturally snap at the point where the tough part begins. Remove and discard the tough bottom pieces.

  3. 3

    Add 2–3 tbsp of water to a frying pan and place the lower halves of the asparagus in the center. Once the water comes to a boil and bubbles appear, reduce the heat and add the tip halves.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle the ★ salt evenly over the asparagus, then place the lid on tightly. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for 1 minute.

  5. 5

    After 1 minute, the asparagus should be tender yet still have a slight bite. Use the amount of remaining water as a guide — there should be little to no water left in the pan.

  6. 6

    Enjoy the natural flavor of the asparagus on its own, or serve as a side dish alongside your main.

  7. 7

    Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the size of your frying pan and the length and thickness of your asparagus.

  8. 8

    For medium-sized asparagus (about 3 spears per bunch), 2 tbsp of water and 1.5 minutes of cooking is a good guideline.

  9. 9

    2 tbsp of water is sufficient for thin to medium asparagus, but adjust the amount and cooking time based on thickness and quantity.

  10. 10

    If adding a sauce, be mindful of the salt quantity and adjust the overall seasoning to taste.

Tips

For slightly thin asparagus, 2 tbsp of water is enough. For thick or extra-thick spears, extend the cooking time slightly, and add about 1 extra tbsp of water if needed. If using a waterless (anhydrous) pot, about 1 tbsp of water should be sufficient.

Nutrition

Per serving
  • Calories11 kcal
  • Protein1.3 g
  • Fat0.1 g
  • Carbs1.7 g
  • Sodium0.2 g