How do you cook asparagus so it is not soggy?
It’s never soggy or mushy, just tender and crispy every time. The secret is cooking it for a short time over high heat. Just toss the asparagus in oil and spices, bake at 400 degrees on a rimmed baking sheet, and boom! You’ve got a delicious side dish.
Why do you soak asparagus in ice water?
The ice bath is stopping the cooking process and preventing the stalks from cooking any further. Additionally, the asparagus will be perfectly tender (and not mushy!) for eating. Allow the asparagus spears to cool for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain well. Serve as is, or with a drizzle of our Favorite Vinaigrette.
Why is my roasted asparagus stringy?
The more difficult problem is when it gets stringy throughout the entire spear. This happens because the spears continuously convert their sugars into a substance (call lignin) that causes woodiness. The longer asparagus is stored, the more sugars they convert. Cooking doesn’t make them less stringy.
Should you wash asparagus before cooking?
A vegetable peeler can also be used to shave off the thick outer skin to reduce waste. Make sure to wash the asparagus before cooking, and try them with a towel if you are using dry-heat cooking methods like roasting or sauteing so it doesn’t steam instead of brown.
Does asparagus need to be washed?
Tip 4: Wash it well Fine grit can lurk in asparagus tips. To get rid of it, fill a bowl with cold water and soak the asparagus for a few minutes, then rinse off. That should rid the stems of any unpleasant sandiness.
What part of asparagus do you not eat?
You can eat the whole spear except for the woody stem towards the bottom. Hold the asparagus spear on each end firmly.
What is the best way to cook and eat asparagus?
Chop the spears into 1-inch pieces and drop them into the boiling water for about 1 minute, or until tender but still bright green. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the blanched asparagus to the ice water and chill for 1 minute. Drain, pat dry, and toss into salads, pastas, or squeeze with lemon and enjoy!
Why do you cut asparagus at an angle?
This exposes more of the tender inside of the asparagus while making it easier to grab with a fork. The cut is also useful when sautéing, because the large flat area browns beautifully when it comes in contact with a hot pan.