If you're a fan of asparagus then you may want to know 'How To Cook Instant Pot Asparagus'. This fast and easy method yields tender asparagus in just minutes. Pressure-cooking asparagus is a great way to cook a larger batch at once compared to cooking on the stovetop. Enjoy this Instant Pot Asparagus with Parmesan.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless Preparation: The Instant Pot simplifies cooking asparagus, ensuring perfect results every time.
- Healthy Side Dish: Asparagus is packed with nutrients, making this a guilt-free addition to meals.
- Versatile and Tasty: Pair it with proteins or grains, or enjoy it as a snack.
📋 Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need for this Instant Pot Asparagus recipe:
- Fresh Asparagus: The star of the show, known for its tender texture and distinctive, slightly sweet flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Sliced and sautéed, add a savory depth to the asparagus.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and also coats the asparagus, adding a smooth, fruity note.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, zesty tang that brightens the dish and complements the asparagus.
- Water: Essential for the pressure cooking process in the Instant Pot, ensuring perfectly cooked asparagus.
- Chili Flakes: Add a touch of heat to the dish, balancing the fresh, green flavors of the asparagus.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavor of the asparagus.
- Fresh Black Pepper: Adds a warm, spicy note and complements the salt and other seasonings.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a savory finish that adds a delightful cheesy note.
- Chopped Chives: Add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of green color to the finished dish.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and freshness to the asparagus in this recipe. If you don't have fresh lemon juice on hand, feel free to use bottled lemon juice instead.
- Butter: If you prefer the taste of butter, feel free to use melted butter instead of olive oil on the pressure cooker asparagus
🔪How To Cook Instant Pot Asparagus
- Step 1: Add the trivet to the Instant Pot and pour in ½ cup of water. Add Asparagus to the Instant Pot, placing it on top of the trivet. You can also use a steamer rack or steamer basket if you don't own a trivet; either appliance will produce perfectly cooked asparagus.
- Step 2: Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, sliced garlic, chili pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper onto the asparagus.
- Step 3: Close the Instant Pot Lid and seal the vent. Set the pressure cooker to manual cook on High Pressure for 0 minutes. Yes, for this recipe, the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure will be enough time to cook the Asparagus through.
- Step 4: Perform a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to venting. Open the Instant Pot lid and carefully remove the asparagus with tongs. Serve your Instant Pot Asparagus hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped chives.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Cutting: Wondering out to cut asparagus properly? Trim the woody ends of the asparagus by bending each stalk until it snaps. Make sure to wash your asparagus spears under cold water then discard the tough ends and rinse the asparagus before cooking. Alternatively, you can also trim off the woody ends with a knife.
- Wash First: It is recommended to wash asparagus before cooking to remove any dirt or debris. Wash under cold running water and pat dry with a paper towel before cooking or serving.
- Seasoning: Season asparagus with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices before cooking. Try seasoning with garlic powder, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
- Cook Time: This Pressure cooker Asparagus recipe takes just 1 minute of cooking time at high pressure. Quick release to avoid overcooking.
💭 FAQs
Asparagus has a green, slightly bitter taste with a hint of earthiness. Its texture is tender and crisp, with a slightly crunchy bite.
Cooking asparagus in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to cook asparagus compared to stovetop cooking. Pressure-cooking helps retain the asparagus’ bright green color and tender texture.
It is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer boiling asparagus to achieve a softer texture, while others prefer steaming for a more crisp and tender bite. Steaming asparagus retains more of the asparagus’ nutrients compared to boiling asparagus.
For this recipe, it is best to use pencil-thin asparagus. If you’re using thick spears of Asparagus and want to get it perfectly tender, add 1 more minute to the pressure cook button. When buying asparagus, look for firm stalks with dark green or purple tips. Avoid any that are limp or have wrinkled skin.
Both green and purple asparagus have a similar taste, but the purple variety is slightly sweeter. The color difference occurs due to different levels of antioxidants in each type.
Purple asparagus is also harder to come by and tends to be more expensive. You can also buy white asparagus. No matter which type of asparagus you use, they will all cook well in a steamer basket, in the Instant Pot Pressure cooker.
Yes, whilst thin asparagus cooks on a 0-minute pressure cook time, you will need to add one minute if the asparagus is particularly thick.
It is a matter of personal preference, but asparagus is typically cooked until it reaches a tender but crisp texture.
Asparagus can be eaten raw, either shaved into salads or lightly blanched first. However, it is typically more enjoyable when cooked or steamed.
The best way to store asparagus is to trim the ends and place the stalks in a jar or glass with about an inch of water, similar to how you would store flowers. Cover the tops loosely with a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can wrap the ends of the asparagus in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the fridge. This will keep them fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Asparagus pairs well with meats such as chicken, beef, or salmon. Serve asparagus as a side dish with grains such as quinoa or rice.
Asparagus also tastes delicious alongside roasted veggies like carrots or brussel sprouts.
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Instant Pot Asparagus:
- With Lemon & Parmesan: Drizzle the cooked asparagus with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a bright and flavorful side dish.
- Wrapped in Prosciutto: Wrap asparagus spears in thin slices of prosciutto after steaming, then broil for a minute or two for a crispy, savory bite.
- Tossed in Garlic Butter: Sauté steamed asparagus with melted butter and minced garlic for a rich, aromatic side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.
- Asparagus Salad: Chop the cooked asparagus and toss it with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and balsamic glaze for a fresh and vibrant salad.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Instant Pot Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 Bunch Of Asparagus
- 2 Garlic Cloves - Sliced
- tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Lemon juice
- ½ Cup Water
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Pepper Flakes
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Fresh Black Pepper
- Sprinkle of grated Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle of chopped chives
Instructions
- Add the trivet to the Instant Pot and pour in ½ cup of water.
- Add Asparagus to the Instant Pot, placing it on top of the trivet. You can also use a steamer rack or steamer basket if you don’t own a trivet, either appliance will produce perfectly cooked asparagus.
- Drizzle olive oil, sliced garlic, chili pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper onto the asparagus.
- Close the Instant Pot Lid and seal the vent. Set the pressure cooker to manual cook on High Pressure for 0 minutes.
- Yes… for this recipe the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure will be enough time to cook the Asparagus through.
- Perform a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to venting. Open the Instant Pot lid and carefully remove asparagus with tongs.
- Serve your Instant Pot Asparagus hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped chives. Enjoy
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