Instant Pot Asparagus Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Instant Pot Asparagus is easy to make and makes a great side dish for any meal. Cooks perfectly every time and tastes amazing with sauteed garlic.

Instant Pot Asparagus Recipe (1)

Why This Recipe Works

My parents instilled such a love for veggies in me at a young age. Or maybe I just plain loved veggies, I’m not sure which. Either way, I loved them then and still love them today. Bring on all the green yumminess! Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, broccoli.. I could eat them at every meal like they were candy.

Usually when we prepare asparagus we throw them into a skillet with a little olive oil, but sometimes that space on the stove top is needed for other things. This is where the Instant Pot swoops in to save the day! I love being able to situate my pressure cooker out of the way (sometimes not even in the kitchen) so I have space to do other things.

Instant Pot Asparagus cooks PERFECTLY. It’s tender but not too tender. It is flavored perfectly and it is of course the perfect side to accompany any meal on the planet.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Asparagus– Select asparagus that is smooth to the touch and still is firm to the touch.
  • Salted butter – The added salt will help bring out the veggie’s flavor in conjunction with the garlic and lemon.
  • Garlic – Use fresh garlic and mince it or use a garlic press.
  • Lemon – Use fresh if at all possible, it’s just better tasting.

How To Make Instant Pot Asparagus

Step 1

Set Instant Pot to saute. Add the butter and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until soft and fragrant. Add the salt, pepper and asparagus and give the mixture a stir. Pour 1 cup of water over the top.

Step 2

Place the cover on the pot and set valve to sealing position. Set timer to 0 minutes on low pressure setting (pressure cook setting). It will take the pressure cooker around 5 minutes to build up pressure before it begins cooking.

Step 3

When cooking is done, do a quick release and allow the float valve to drop.

Step 4

Transfer the asparagus to a serving dish and serve immediately!

Instant Pot Asparagus Recipe (2)

Recipe Notes

  • Avoid using high pressure for this recipe or for any veggie that isn’t super sturdy. Using low pressure will prevent super-sogginess.
  • Feel free to use a steamer rack or steamer basket to put the asparagus in for cooking. When cook time is done, be sure to pour the garlic sauce over the top.
  • Add seasonings of choice to the garlic mixture when sauteing.
  • Butter and olive oil can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
  • Replace the water with chicken broth for an even more flavorful side dish.

How Long Does Asparagus Last

If you have green stalks staring at you from inside your refrigerator and you don’t know whether to toss or eat your asparagus, click over to learn more!

Instant Pot Asparagus Recipe (3)

FAQ About Asparagus

Is asparagus good for you?

One medium spear contains approximately 3 calories and approximately 0.6 grams of carbohydrates. Even better it’s a great source of fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and K.

Can asparagus be eaten raw?

You can enjoy asparagus cooked, raw and marinated.

How do you season asparagus?

Butter or oil, salt and pepper is a great place to start when seasoning steamed asparagus! To take them to the next level, consider cooking them with fresh minced garlic or garlic powder, as well. Cooking them with bacon makes a delicious combo!

Can dogs eat asparagus?

It is not toxic to dogs and safe for them to eat. When consumed raw, it may cause gas or stomach upset if too much is consumed.

When is asparagus in season?

The peak month for asparagus is in April, however it’s typically available February through June.

How do you know when asparagus has gone bad?

There are several ways to determine if your asparagus is going bad: the once firm stalk is limp, the green will darken and almost look black. Moldy spots may appear and a pungent smell can come up.

Best Recipes To Make In An Instant Pot

  • Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes
  • Best Chili Ever
  • Instant Pot Green Beans
  • Chicken Burrito Bowls in an Instant Pot
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Broccoli Cheese Soup

Delicious Thanksgiving Sides

  • This is the BEST Homemade Cranberry Sauce! Be sure to use whole berries to your sauce to make this a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving or holiday table!
  • This Classic Sweet Potato Casserole is great on your Thanksgiving table and also a perfect side dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
  • This is the Best Green Bean Casserole for your table! It is a traditional holiday staple, yes, but also great any time of the year as a delicious side dish.
  • This delicious Crockpot Stuffing with Leeks and Sausage is made easier in a slow cooker! The addition of leeks and sausage makes it unique and delicious.
  • Tater Tot Hotdish is the perfect comfort food. Whether it’s the main dish or a side, everyone at the table will be satisfied. This Midwestern staple is easy to make and fills everyone up.

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If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!

Instant Pot Asparagus Recipe (4)

Instant Pot Asparagus

Instant Pot Asparagus is easy to make and makes a great side dish for any meal. Cooks perfectly every time and tastes amazing with sauteed garlic.

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Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 94.92kcal

Author: Megan Porta

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 bunch asparagus ends trimmed
  • 1 cup water
  • juice from 1 lemon

Instructions

  • Set Instant Pot to saute. Add the butter and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until soft and fragrant. Add the salt, pepper and asparagus and give the mixture a stir. Pour the water over the top.

  • Place the cover on the pot and set timer to 0 minutes on low pressure (pressure cook setting). It will take the IP around 5 minutes to build up pressure before it begins cooking.

  • When cooking is done, do a quick release and allow the float valve to drop.

  • Transfer the asparagus to a serving dish, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve immediately!

Notes

  • Avoid using high pressure for this recipe or for any veggie that isn’t super sturdy. Using low pressure will prevent super-sogginess.
  • Feel free to use a steamer rack or steamer basket to put the asparagus in for cooking. When cook time is done, be sure to pour the garlic sauce over the top.
  • Add seasonings of choice to the garlic mixture when sauteing.
  • Butter and olive oil can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
  • Replace the water with chicken broth for an even more flavorful side dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 94.92kcal | Carbohydrates: 11.07g | Protein: 0.68g | Fat: 5.85g | Saturated Fat: 3.66g | Cholesterol: 15.26mg | Sodium: 350.01mg | Fiber: 0.85g | Sugar: 7.79g

Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!

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Instant Pot Asparagus Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why you shouldn't snap the ends off asparagus? ›

It is not necessary to trim asparagus. On some spears, especially fresh, pencil-thin stalks, the woody ends may tenderize once cooked. But on larger stalks, the ends of the asparagus are often woody and dense—Which makes them difficult to chew, no matter how soft the asparagus is after cooking.

What are 2 appropriate methods of cooking asparagus? ›

Steamed, Simmered or Blanched
  • Steamed. It's easy to cook asparagus in a steamer. ...
  • Simmered. Simmering asparagus is another easy way to cook asparagus quickly, and a good option if you don't own a steamer. ...
  • Blanched. Some recipes, such as spring pasta dishes, call for blanching asparagus.

Should asparagus be soaked in water before cooking? ›

I trim the ends and then rinse the stalks and let them sit in cold water for five minutes. It hydrates the asparagus, and they cook more quickly, for they are already wet with some moisture within them. Do not soak them for thirty minutes, you are not trying to get them soggy.

What spice or herb goes well with asparagus? ›

Asparagus
  • Spices: smoked paprika, chipotle chili & cumin.
  • Fine herbs: rosemary, basil, dill, marjoram, Mediterranean oregano, thyme, cilantro, etc.
  • Spices: Allspice, curry, ginger, pepper, paprika, cayenne, mustard,
  • Fine herbs: basil, sage, bay leaf, oregano, parsley, savory, tarragon.
Jul 10, 2015

What's the best way to cook 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!

What is the most popular way to eat asparagus? ›

Asparagus develops a rich flavor when roasted, making this one of the most popular ways to eat the vegetable. Wash and trim spears, lightly peel the base of tougher stalks, and pat dry. Place on a baking sheet and mist or drizzle with olive oil, rolling each spear to coat.

Should you snap asparagus before cooking? ›

For many people, the easiest way to eliminate these woody stems is to break them off by bending them until they snap in two. The conventional wisdom is that this natural snap-off point is where the unpalatable toughness ends, and the tender asparagus begins. This is one snap decision that's dead wrong.

Is it better to blanch or steam asparagus? ›

One easy way to cook asparagus is to blanch it. Not only is it quick, but blanching also helps retain the vegetable's vibrant green color. Plus, blanched asparagus results in a crisp-tender texture, perfect for recipes like Asparagus Salad with Eggs & Jambon de Bayonne and Tarragon Scallops on Asparagus Spears.

How many stalks of asparagus should you eat? ›

For asparagus, a standard serving size is six medium spears, a 1/2 cup of pieces, or just over three ounces cooked.

Why do you have to wait 3 years to eat asparagus? ›

Once 2 years have past your asparagus has enough root mass/energy to push out more spears that you can harvest without removing all the energy from the roots and so it would survive you harvesting some of them. once it has been rooted for 3 years you can harvest more heavily.

Should I cut the tops off my asparagus? ›

If you have issues with disease or insects, it's best to cut the tops off of your asparagus. You should not need to remove the entire fern. Before the new spears appear in spring, remove the old tops.

Should you cut or snap asparagus when harvesting? ›

Harvesting can be accomplished by breaking the spears off or using a pronged knife. If not using a tool, break the spears off by hand near the soil level. If using a special pronged knife to cut below the soil surface: Cut carefully to avoid damaging the neighboring developing spears and the crown.

Can you eat the tough ends of asparagus? ›

Although there's nothing wrong with eating the asparagus ends, you may want to ditch them anyway due to their tough, chewy texture. Snapping the end off of one or two stalks first will help you figure out where to cut the rest of the stems.

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