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Steamed Asparagus with Pecorino is an amazing dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a side dish. Quick, easy and full of freshness and flavor.Spring is almost here!
We've been eating lighter meals these days because it is starting to warm up outside! I love spring produce: asparagus, artichokes, green peas - they just taste so fresh, which is perfect for the season.
This Steamed Asparagus is a delicious and fresh side dish that is light and flavorful. If you love asparagus as much as I do, you will absolutely devour this asparagus with lemon and pecorino.
This dish is so pretty to serve if you have guests over for a spring or summer celebration. It does not have a long prep time which will allow you to have more time with your guests. It's perfect as an informal nibble or as part of a bigger spread!
Tools and Equipment You'll Need For This Recipe
How to make Steamed Asparagus with Pecorino - Step by Step
Step 1: Wash and chop 1 pound of asparagus. The ends of asparagus can be tough. Bend the asparagus until it snaps in two. The lower portion is the tough part you'll want to discard.
Step 2: Add 1 inch of water to a pot, place collapsable steam basket inside. Bring to a boil.
Step 3: Add chopped asparagus to the basket. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes or until asparagus is tender but not soft.
Step 4: Transfer to a serving dish or baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with 2 tsp grated lemon rind, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/8 tsp salt. Toss to coat. Top with grated or shaved pecorino cheese. Optional: add crushed almonds along with the pecorino as a topping.
What makes this Steamed Asparagus healthy?
- Low in Fat and Calories: This recipe is only 65 calories and 4 grams of fat. If you'd like to further reduce the fat simply reduce the amount of pecorino and eliminate the oil.
- High in Fiber: Asparagus is naturally high in fiber. One serving of this asparagus dish contains 2 grams of fiber which helps with digestion.
- Rich in Nutrients: Asparagus is a good source of folate, potassium, vitamins A, C, E and K. If you are watching blood sugar levels asparagus is especially good for you as it contains a mineral that helps move glucose through your bloodstream.
- High in Antioxidants: As an excellent source of antioxidants, asparagus reduces inflammation and can slow the signs of aging. Asparagus also contains a compound called glutathione which helps break down free radicals, which is why it's associated with helping fight cancer.
Will kids enjoy Steamed Asparagus?
My kids love asparagus! This steamed asparagus recipe is not spicy, and has a nice fresh flavor with the addition of lemon. If you have smaller kids, you can cut up the asparagus into tiny bite-sized pieces for your child. Kids will also enjoy the pecorino on top that makes it "cheesy" and comforting for kids!
How do you trim asparagus?
One way to trim asparagus is to trim cut at the place where the stalk turns from white to green. The lower part of the asparagus is tough. If you trim each stalk individually rather than all at the same time you'll ensure that each stalk is tender from top to bottom.
How do you know when asparagus is done cooking?
Asparagus should be tender yet firm when cooked properly. It should be bright green in color. When bent, the asparagus should snap in half. If it bends without snapping it's overcooked.
What do you serve with Steamed Asparagus?
This is a beautiful spring side dish or appetizer. It's perfect for spring or summer celebrations. Serve alongside some of these other suggested side dishes or appetizers.
Looking for a main dish that pairs well with steamed asparagus? Give some of these a try!
Top Tips for Making Steamed Asparagus
- Use the freshest asparagus you can find.
- Always sauté asparagus rather than boiling it, you are less likely to overcook it this way.
- Use a whole grain bread for the crostini for extra goodness.
- Double the ingredients if you are serving a group!
- If you are making this for little kids, you can cook the asparagus slightly longer and cut it up into small bite-sized pieces to make them easy for little ones to eat.
Check Out these other healthy side dishes!
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