This perfectly steamed Instant Pot Asparagus recipe is so easy! Bring this basic recipe up a notch by adding a hint of lemon to send your taste buds soaring.
Asparagus is a delicious and healthy veggie, but it MUST be prepared properly. No one likes mushy asparagus after all. It’s perfect prepared as a standalone side or as part of a larger entrée. Try it in or along side these tasty dishes: Instant Pot Risotto, Bone in Chicken Breast, or Easy Chicken Piccata.
A Favorite Sides Made in the Instant Pot
When cooked properly, asparagus is flavorful and delicious. Asparagus is a nutrient packed veggie with a lot of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, K. This is a great and healthy vegetable choice.
The kids love to eat these tender spears because they look like miniature trees! Asparagus has a very unique flavor that can be described as bright and clean with earthy undertones. The flavor is very mild when the spears are fresh, but can be bitter or sour if it is past it’s prime or overcooked.
Asparagus is a great side to fish or as a holiday side dish alongside some of these great dishes: mashed potatoes, ham glaze, or buttery pull apart rolls.
Picking Out Asparagus
The size of the asparagus isn’t as important as the bright green color of the stalks, the tight head of the leaves, and the lack of brown spots. This is what makes a good bunch of asparagus.
Cutting stems on asparagus. When cutting the bad part off of asparagus its actually better to start by breaking it. Bend it towards the bottom and it will naturally snap where the bad part runs into the edible part. Then if you need to trim it anymore I would suggest cutting more off the bottom since the top part is the best part!
How to Make Instant Pot Asparagus
It’s easier to do thank you think!
Pour 1 cup cold water into Instant Pot. Place a steamer basket into the Instant Pot, add asparagus
Close lid and lock. Make sure valve is switched to sealing. Select MANUAL mode (high pressure) for 1 minute.
Once the time is up, manually quick release. Once the float valve drops, carefully open lid.
Season asparagus to taste
- Salt and Pepper
- Lemon Juice
- Parmesan
- Mince Garlic (while cooking)
- Balsamic Vinegar
Do you need steamer basket? You don’t need a steamer basket. You can lay half of your asparagus one way and the other half the other way. Its optional to do that. Just make sure that there is enough water in the pot to sufficiently cook them.
Storing Tips
STORE cooked asparagus in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 2 days.
REHEAT in the microwave for about 2 minutes.
Storing Uncooked Asparagus. Asparagus should ideally be kept in a large mason jar with a bit of water at the bottom. This keeps the asparagus fresh.
My favorite way to eat asparagus is with a little salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Fresh, vibrant, and clean. How do you like yours seasoned?
For more veggie recipes, check out:
Instant Pot Asparagus Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 c. cold water
- 1 lb. asparagus - ends trimmed
- salt and pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Pour the water into the Instant Pot.
- Place a steamer basket in the Instant Pot, then add the asparagus. Close the lid and lock it. Make sure the valve is switched to the sealing position.
- Select MANUAL mode (high pressure) for 1 minute. Once the time is up, manually quick release the pressure.
- Once the float valve drops, carefully open the lid. Season the asparagus to taste.
Asparagus is my favorite green veggie! I love cooking them this way! It’s so fast & convenient & turns our perfectly!
I love that this comes out perfect every single time! I usu sally over cook it and its soggy. I love my instant pot!
I love how easily you can make this!! So good!
I had never tried asparagus in the IP before. This turned out perfectly!
Love asparagus with lemon this time of year. Glad we don’t need a steamer basket for this one.