Asparagus is a popular spring vegetable. The name “asparagus” comes from the Greek word “asparagos,” meaning “to spring up”.

When it comes to cooking, these hearty greens have a good deal of potential and can be made into a variety of delicious dishes.

Is Asparagus Good for You?

Yes, like most other plants and vegetables, asparagus is very good for your health.

This low-calorie spear-shaped veggie is known to be an excellent source of dietary fiber, rich in vitamins including A, C and B6, and abundant in minerals, such as potassium.

Eating asparagus can potentially help with weight loss, better digestion, healthy pregnancy, and blood pressure control.

Plus, asparagus is high in vitamin K, which helps your blood to clot properly. However, those who are using blood-thinning medications should discuss their vitamin K intake with their doctor, and pay extra attention to how much asparagus (and other vitamin K-rich foods) they eat.

What Is the Best Way to Cook Asparagus?

The best cooking method really depends on what dish you’re planning to make and how much of the nutritional content you want to maintain. The most popular options are:

Steam: Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods since it requires no fat or oil. You can enjoy these greens with optimal freshness and natural flavor.
Boil: Another quick and easy way to cook asparagus is boiling. You just need a pot, heat and some water. This method also does not add any fat, but can cause the loss of some nutrients. Also, remember not to over cook it, lest it turns too soft and mushy.
Roast: This method is usually used when making savory asparagus dishes, because of their desirable crisp but tender texture that comes from roasting.
Sauté: You can use olive oil or butter to saute asparagus with other seasonings, such as garlic, to make a lovely savory dish.
Grill: This is one of the best ways to cook asparagus thanks to the smoky flavor it adds.
Air fry: This is pretty similar to grilling your asparagus, the difference is it’s done using an air fryer.
Pressure cook: This is also like steaming. If you have an Instant Pot at home, just place your asparagus on a trivet, add some water and set it to cook.

What Goes Well With Asparagus?

Protein: Chicken, salmon, and shrimp all work exceptionally well with asparagus, though others such as beef, pork, and lamb can go great with it as well.
Dairy products: Golden butter, melty cheese and creamy sauce can elevate the taste and texture of asparagus when cooked together.
Other vegetables: Mushrooms, tomatoes and potatoes are paired most often with asparagus in a dish. Herbs like basil and parsley also beautifully complement the taste of asparagus.

Our Popular Asparagus Recipes

Take a look at some of our well-loved recipes that include hearty green asparagus!

Healthy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe healthykitchen101 3

Healthy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe: Moist and juicy chicken breast baked with butter-coated russet potatoes and crunchy asparagus. This dish is the epitome of a satiating meal.
Healthy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe: Tender chicken, melty cheese, beautiful green spinach, this healthy recipe is loved by both kids and adults alike. We serve it with stir-fried mushrooms and asparagus for a more rounded experience.
Parmesan Crusted Salmon Recipe: This recipe features moist and rich salmon coated in a golden crust of bread crumbs and parmesan which is simply irresistible. Crunchy asparagus and baby carrots make a lovely complement to the fish.
Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe: Again, we have salmon with asparagus, because they just taste so good together! Full of fragrance and flavor, this main includes tender, buttery salmon filets with refreshing sweet tomatoes and crunchy asparagus that gives a perfect harmony.
Shrimp Quiche Recipe: More than just a delicious savory pie, this shrimp quiche with asparagus is a hearty, healthy, satisfying meal for you and your family.