Tender asparagus spears are a delicious side dish to accompany either a week night meal or even a special holiday dinner. This Easy Instant Pot Asparagus recipe will become one of your favorite side dishes. Using the Instant Pot to steam asparagus gives you perfectly tender spears in minutes!
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I love fresh asparagus because it’s a healthy side dish that goes well with most entrees. It is a one of my favorite vegetables. Lately, I've been going back and forth between steamed asparagus in the Instant Pot or making crispy asparagus in the air fryer. The Instant Pot produces totally different results. This is definitely a great addition to your healthy recipes!
How do you Select asparagus?
Asparagus comes in different sizes, ranging from thin asparagus spears to thick stalks. I focus more on the freshness than the size of the asparagus. When at the grocery store selecting the spears look for ones that are not too dry at the ends and that the flower ends are still closed. Keep in mind that asparagus can be found any time of the year, but if you want to get the freshest asparagus check for your your local growing season.
How do you clean asparagus?
Asparagus spears have a flower end on one side and tough woody ends on the other. The first step when cooking asparagus no matter which method of cooking you choose, is to remove the tough ends. I do this by snapping the asparagus ends off. Some methods show cutting it but I find that it snaps perfectly at the spot that is tough leaving only the tender part of the asparagus. When finished run the asparagus under cold water to clean before cooking.
How do I steam asparagus in an Instant Pot?
Steaming vegetables in the Instant Pot requires a steamer basket or rack. You will always need some sort of liquid, either a cup of water, chicken broth or vegetable stock when operating your Instant Pot. Once the asparagus is cleaned and ends removed place asparagus in the steamer basket.
Make sure when you fit the steamer rack inside the pot it is elevated enough to keep the asparagus out of the liquid. Set the timer for 0 minutes by pressing the minus button. Make sure that the valve is in the "sealing position". The Instant Pot will steam the asparagus in just the time that it needs to get to pressure.
After the cooking time ends you will need to immediately release pressure so that the asparagus will stop cooking. You can do this by carefully pushing the valve to the “venting position”. Using the quick release method is faster than using the natural release and stops the steaming process immediately.
Remove the cooked asparagus from the Instant Pot and place in a serving bowl or platter. At this point you can add a drizzle of olive oil, lemon zest or lemon juice for flavoring.
how does the steam rack fit in the Instant Pot?
The steam rack needs to fit perfectly inside the Instant Pot. The important thing to remember is that you must fill the bottom with water or broth and keep the steam rack holding the vegetables elevated above the liquid. This will produce the steam that will cook them without getting soggy. This method can be used for any green vegetable like green beans or broccoli.
Can you use any steamer basket in an Instant Pot?
You do not have to use the Instant Pot brand steamer basket. I actually had another brand of steamer already and didn’t want to pay extra for another. Just make sure that the steamer basket is made out of heat-resistant material and fits well inside the pot.
If you try this recipe for Easy Instant Pot Asparagus, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bluesbestlife on Instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day.
Looking for other Instant Pot recipes? Try these!
Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots {An Easy Side Dish Recipe}
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Easy Instant Pot Asparagus
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, rinsed and ends removed
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of water inside pot that fits inside Instant Pot.
- Wash asparagus and snap off ends.
- Place asparagus stalks in steamer basket that fits inside Instant Pot and nestle inside pot.
- Secure lid to Instant Pot. Turn to manual and set the timer to 0 by pressing the minus button.
- The Instant Pot will steam the asparagus in the time it takes to come pressure.
- When Instant Pot is finished remove immediately by doing a quick release.
Notes
Nutrition
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Andrea White
love that this is in the instant pot! an easy way to whip up these greens!
Jeannie
I love asparagus they go perfect as side dish and pair to other main course. This is so easy.
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
What a lovely and simple way to prepare asparagus. They were tender crisp and the lemon added a great fresh burst of brightness.
nancy
i can't believe it's so easy to make in an IP and it stays so green! i can't wait for asparagus season here