Ever come across a bag of asparagus in the freezer and thought, “what can I do with this? One of the biggest concerns people have with frozen asparagus is that it becomes watery or mushy. These frozen stalks, however, can be a delicious side dish with a proper cook time in the pot.
The best part is that you don’t have to thaw the asparagus first. This guide will teach you how to cook it directly from the freezer, how long it takes, what flavors it is best complemented by and some simple tips to tenderize it with a good texture.
Why This Method Works Best
Cooking asparagus in the pan is fast, easy and offers you better control than boiling. The asparagus will cook in its own moisture, therefore, do not add a large amount of water. Few drops of butter or olive oil will prevent it from sticking and add a bit of flavor.
The secret is to cover the pan at the outset! The heat and steam cause the stalks to soften, but not to dry out. After the asparagus gets warm, it can be taken out of the lid for the excess moisture to boil out. This will help avoid the softness that sometimes happens with frozen vegetables.
I also like this cooking technique because you can add the seasoning to anything right in the pan! Where olive oil, lemon juice or black pepper work great with garlic, so does parmesan, depending on the dinner you’ll have.
How to Cook Frozen Asparagus
There’s no special cooking technique required for this recipe. Just a skillet, a cover and some basic ingredients. This is a perfect choice when you’re in a hurry to get dinner on the table, since the asparagus is taken straight from the freezer to the pan.
The most important principle is to take time to cook. Let asparagus soften in the heat, which should be around medium. When nearing completion, remove the lid to allow excess moisture to be cooked out.
Equipment
This recipe is best done in a large skillet or frying pan. One that allows the asparagus to grow a bit more and not all at once in a limited area.
You will also need a lid to cover the pan and a pair of kitchen tongs or spatula to turn the asparagus. A cast iron skillet will do as well, but a standard nonstick or stainless-steel skillet is okay.
For a large quantity, use a wide pan. Too many asparagus can hold too much moisture and result in soft asparagus.
Ingredients
It’s easy to make a tasty frozen asparagus side dish with just a few ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen asparagus
- 1-2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- A small amount of garlic clove, clove or ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions
Heat the pan (skillet). Bring the skillet over medium heat and heat for approximately 1 minute.
Add butter or oil: Add the butter or olive oil to the pan. Butter: If using butter, melt it before adding asparagus.
Add the frozen asparagus: Place the asparagus directly into the skillet. It doesn’t need to be thawed.
Cover and cook:Cook for about 4 minutes. This allows the frozen stalks to steam down and get soft.
Flip and Spread: It is best to turn the asparagus with tongs or spatula, 5. Remove the lid and turn stalks. Re-spread if necessary.
Season with salt, pepper and garlic: Toss to coat the asparagus with seasoning.
Cover pan and cook for 5–8 more minutes.
Test the texture: Test the texture by sticking a fork into one of the stouter ones. It should be soft, but not crumbling.
Allow surplus water to escape: If there is liquid in the pan, remove the lid 1 minute or 2 minutes before the end.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with a little lemon juice, some parmesan, and a little extra butter if desired.
Nutrition
When you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables in your meals, asparagus is a good option. High in fibre, vitamins and minerals and good as a light vegetable side dish.
The finished product will have a different nutrition value depending on the ingredients added. Butter, oil, cheese and sauces all affect the calorie and fat count. For a more lighthearted approach, try a little olive oil and cap with lemon, salt and pepper.
How Long to Cook Frozen Asparagus on the Stove
So, what is the recommended cooking time? Frozen asparagus will cook in about 9-12 minutes on the stove. This includes a few minutes of blanched cooking time plus additional time to make the stalks tender.
Length of time varies depending on the size of the asparagus. Thinner stalks will cook faster and thicker ones will cook longer. Frozen asparagus tips are smaller and typically will become tender quicker than whole asparagus.
Do not use the clock alone; test the asparagus with a fork. If it goes in the stalk with little effort, but the asparagus does not take on a round shape, then you’ve struck the right balance. If it is still firm, wait another minute or two.
Pro Tips for Cooking Frozen Asparagus
First, don’t bother thawing the asparagus unless a particular recipe specifically calls for it. You can save a step and freeze asparagus to make cooking easier. Simply remove the bag from the freezer and toss in the quantity required directly into the skillet.
One more important tip is to not add any additional water. Asparagus that has been frozen already has enough moisture. When the skillet is covered that moisture becomes steam and will help to cook the veggies. If water is added to the asparagus, it tastes more like boiled asparagus.
Use medium heat here. Too high of heat can brown the outside quickly without cooking the inside. Medium heat allows for everything to heat through and become tender.
Several other tips for using frozen asparagus.
Some bags of frozen asparagus will not cook the same. Some brands may be thin while others may be thick. Which is why it’s better to start checking the vegetables a little earlier than you automatically cook them for a period of time.
Do not be alarmed if the pan shows a lot of liquid (but be careful not to overfill it). Just take the lid off and cook the asparagus for another minute or two. Any additional moisture should be absorbed into the product. Gently turn the stalks around the pan for even cooking.
Add flavouring to the asparagus towards the end of cooking. The garlic can burn if added prematurely, particularly when heated up in the pan. It adds so much flavor that you can add it in your last few minutes but without any bitterness.
Other Frozen Asparagus Recipes You’ll Love
Frozen asparagus should be tossed in a little olive oil with all of your favorite spices to make it into an air fryer asparagus. The hot circulating air will brown the edges a little, and may provide a crispy edge.
Another option is to roast frozen asparagus in the oven. Arrange vegetables in a single layer on a foil- or parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Add olive oil, salt and pepper and roast until the stalks are tender and lightly browned.
If you are already cooking outside, another choice is to use a grill. Toss olive oil and season the asparagus prior to cooking on the grill. Cook the stalks, turning them over to get light grill marks on both sides.
Conclusion
Frozen asparagus can be prepared simply by cooking on the stove providing a vegetable side dish with minimal preparation. It can be cooked directly in the frozen state and tender, flavorful asparagus can be prepared in about 9-12 minutes.
The key to success is to maintain moderate heat, add fat sparingly and not add excess water. With this easy asparagus recipe, you’ll know exactly how it should feel and look when it’s cooked and ready to serve, making it easy to repeat the process whenever needed.
Leave a Reply