How to Cook Asparagus. Delicious, fresh asparagus, packed full of potassium, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C, is a nutritious complement to nearly any meal.

1. Delicious, fresh asparagus, packed full of potassium, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C, is a nutritious complement to
nearly any meal. As a low-calorie food, asparagus is hard to beat, with only about 4 calories per spear. Cook fresh
asparagus a variety of ways, including boiled, steamed, microwaved or
stir-fried.
Wash fresh asparagus under cool running water. If sand is hiding in the
tips, fill a large bowl with cool water, then dunk in the water until the
sand is removed.
Break each asparagus spear where the spear breaks easily. Discard the
tough, white ends.
Boil asparagus by placing about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water in a saucepan.
Bring the water to a full boil, then place the asparagus spears in the
boiling water. Once the water returns to a boil, cook for 2 to 5 minutes.
Steam asparagus in a vegetable steamer basket. Place about 1 inch (2.5
cm) of water in a saucepan, then place the steamer basket in the pan.
Break the asparagus into lengths that easily fit in the steamer, then place
the asparagus into the basket and steam for 5 to 7 minutes.
Use a microwave-safe cooking dish to cook asparagus in the microwave
oven. Fill the cooking dish with 1/4 cup (60 ml), then add the spears and
place the lid on the dish. Cook the asparagus on your microwave oven's
high power setting for 3 minutes, then open the door and stir. Finish
cooking until the spears are just barely tender, about 3 to 4 more minutes.
The asparagus will continue to cook for a few seconds after it's removed
from the microwave oven.
Cut the asparagus. Slice the spears into 1- to 2-inch (25 to 50 mm) pieces
for stir-fry, making the cuts diagonally. Stir-fry the asparagus in a wok or
skillet with 1 tsp. of cooking oil. Stir-fry until tender, about 3 to 6 minutes.
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