Serve a delicious platter of this easy instant pot asparagus recipe as a side dish, and watch how quickly it gets eaten up. And with just 1 net carb, this delicious side dish is both low carb and gluten-free!
❤️ Why you'll love it
If you struggle with cooking asparagus until it is perfectly tender, this easy pressure cooker asparagus recipe will become your new favorite method! The instant pot is the best way to steam asparagus quickly and with minimal effort.
It's the perfect way to make tender asparagus that is so full of flavor and downright awesome! Even the picky eaters of your household will totally love this healthy side dish.
🥘 Equipment Used
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To make this instant pot steamed asparagus, you will need an instant pot pressure cooker with a trivet insert (also known as a steamer rack) and a pair of tongs to make this delicious instant pot asparagus. That's it! I used a 6 quart instant pot, which was perfect for steaming a bundle of asparagus.
🧾 Ingredients Used
- Fresh asparagus: You can get fresh asparagus spears from any grocery store near you or at the farmers market during asparagus season. I like to use asparagus with thick stalks, so they don't become mushy in the instant pot.
- Melted butter: Here, you can use salted or unsalted according to your preference. I prefer to use unsalted butter so I can control how much salt it contains.
- Spices: Season this delicious vegetable with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
🔪 How To Make Instant Pot Asparagus
- First, rinse the stalks under running water. Then, trim the stalks of asparagus (the tough ends at the bottom).
- Add 1 cup of water or chicken stock to the instant pot. Don't add less than this, or you might get a burn notice.
- Place your metal trivet or steamer basket in the bottom of the instant pot and place asparagus spears on it.
- Pour in the melted butter and sprinkle the spices on the asparagus. Gently rub them in together.
- Set the instant pot to high pressure and set the timer to zero minutes.
- The instant pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure. Once the instant pot beeps, quick release the pressure by turning the knob on top from the sealing to the venting position. Don't wait for the electric pressure cooker to do a natural pressure release, or else you might get mushy asparagus.
- Take out the asparagus with tongs and serve immediately!
- Of course, you can also make this recipe on the stove top. Just add all the spices and enough water to cover it, and boil till it is soft.
🥫 Storing and Reheating
To store leftover asparagus, place them in a shallow air-tight container or wrap them up entirely in freezer wrap or aluminum foil. They would remain fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days this way.
To reheat from the fridge, steam asparagus in the microwave by wrapping them in a wet paper towel and microwaving for 2-3 minutes. To reheat frozen asparagus, thaw in the fridge overnight before popping it into the microwave.
💭 Tips and Variations
- Cook the asparagus on a trivet or steamer basket. If you cook the asparagus directly in the water, it will become soggy.
- If you are using thick asparagus, snap off the woody ends before adding them to the pressure cooker.
- If using salted butter, taste for salt first before adding more.
- Cook thin asparagus under low pressure so that the instant pot doesn't overcook it.
- You can change up the taste of this asparagus recipe by mixing up the seasonings and ingredients. Add some lemon zest, grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, garlic cloves for exciting flavors. You can also top it up with some fresh parsley or other herbs.
- Instead of butter, use olive oil or melted coconut oil.
- Drizzle the freshly steamed asparagus with fresh lemon juice for a nice pop of color.
- Be sure to rinse the asparagus in cold water before cooking it.
🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?
This delectable instant asparagus recipe is so versatile! It is a great side dish for the holidays, and it especially goes perfectly with proteins. It is a fantastic entree with turkey, fish, bacon, beef, you name it!
Drizzle some low-carb gravy on it to make a delicious standalone dish.
Serve it with some chicken wings, blackened shrimps, chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks, or air fryer turkey breasts. You can even chop it up and add it to your turkey stir-fry.
For the holidays, asparagus goes really well with some cajun turkey or air fryer duck breast.
👩🍳 Frequently asked questions
What is the healthiest way to eat asparagus?
Asparagus has nutrients and minerals that are essential. Over-cooking your asparagus would reduce these nutrients, so it's better to lightly steam the veggies. This way, you won't lose many nutrients, and it'll be soft enough to enjoy!
Is it okay to eat the whole asparagus?
It is actually okay to eat the whole asparagus. Even though the bottom part usually gets cut off, it's not because it's inedible. The woody stem is usually a turn-off for most people because of its tough and fibrous texture. However, the bottom stalk of asparagus is full of flavors and nutrients.
What are the health benefits of asparagus?
Asparagus is a nutritious powerhouse. It is chock full of health benefits that would blow your mind! It contains vitamins K, B9, C, E and mineral zinc, selenium, and manganese. Asparagus is great for the heart, helps with digestion, and aids the function and development of the brain. It also contributes to skin, regulates blood sugar, and reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes!
📚 Related Recipes
Enjoy these other delicious low carb side dishes!
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Rinse and trim the stalks of asparagus.1 bunch asparagus
- Add 1 cup of water to the instant pot.1 cup water
- Place the trivet in the instant pot and arrange the asparagus on it.
- Add the butter and sprinkle spices. Gently rub together.1 tablespoon melted butter, Pinch of garlic powder, Pinch of black pepper, Pinch of salt
- Set the instant pot to high pressure and set the timer to 0 minutes.
- Once the instant pot comes to pressure and beeps, quickly release the pressure by turning the knob to the venting position.
- Take out the asparagus and serve!
Notes
- Cook the asparagus on a trivet or steamer basket. If you cook the asparagus directly in the water, it will become soggy.
- If using salted butter, taste for salt first before adding more.
- Cook thin asparagus under low pressure so that the instant pot doesn't overcook it.
- You can change up the taste of this asparagus recipe by mixing up the seasonings and ingredients. Add some lemon zest, grated parmesan cheese, garlic cloves for exciting flavors. You can also top it up with some fresh parsley or other herbs.
Nutrition
Tayo Oredola is the founder of Low Carb Africa, where she shares healthy, low carb dishes with global flavors. She is passionate about teaching people how to cook drool-worthy dishes while losing weight and living their best lives. Tayo’s recipes have been featured on MSN, Women’s Health, Parade, Yahoo News, Pure Wow, Essence, and other online publications.
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