how to cook a pork roast on the grill

These methods for how to cook asparagus come straight from our Test Kitchen. From roasting and grilling to sauteeing and air-frying, there's something for every preferred way of cooking.

When spring rolls around, there's nothing better than spears of fresh asparagus to accompany a weekend brunch or weeknight dinner. And with dozens of asparagus recipes that call for different cooking methods, it's worth learning how to cook asparagus using various techniques.

From oven and stovetop methods to grilling to Instant Pot cooking, this guide will help you master multiple ways to cook asparagus.

How to Cook Asparagus in the Oven

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Whether you're roasting or broiling, cooking asparagus in the oven is one of the most popular methods.

How to Roast Asparagus

This Roasted Asparagus recipe serves 12 people. To make it, preheat the oven to 400°F and arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until crisp-tender.

For more ideas, try these other roasted asparagus recipes.

How to Broil Asparagus

This Balsamic Broiled Asparagus recipe is quick to make and serves four people. To start, coat the asparagus in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Then arrange it in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it about 4 inches under the broiler. Broil for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender.

How to Cook Asparagus on the Stove

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From blanching and boiling to sauteeing and steaming, there are many ways to cook asparagus on the stove.

How to Blanch Asparagus

To blanch asparagus, briefly boil it before transferring it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. You'll want to blanch asparagus before freezing it or pickling it. (Here's how to make pickled asparagus.)

Some recipes, like this Asparagus with Horseradish Dip, call for blanching as the main cooking method.

How to Boil Asparagus

To make boiled asparagus, start by bringing a saucepan of water to a boil. Next, add the asparagus and boil for 8 minutes or until it's tender. Drain in a colander and do not rinse.

Editor's tip: Be careful not to overcook the asparagus when you're boiling it—otherwise it'll turn into a mushy mess!

How to Saute Asparagus

This Sauteed Asparagus with Mushrooms recipe only takes 15 minutes to make and serves four people. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus (and mushrooms, if you'd like) and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes or until tender.

How to Steam Asparagus

You can steam asparagus in a frying pan or skillet, like in this Garlic Parmesan Asparagus recipe. Simply fill a large skillet with about 1/2 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Add the asparagus, and cover and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes until it reaches your ideal tenderness. Then drain, season and serve!

Other Ways to Cook Asparagus

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Between grilling, air-frying and cooking in an Instant Pot, some of the best ways to cook asparagus use appliances other than your oven and stove.

How to Grill Asparagus

This Grilled Asparagus recipe takes 20 minutes to make and serves four. Slathered with barbecue sauce, it's the perfect side for a summer cookout.

Start by boiling the asparagus in a large skillet for 4 to 6 minutes. Then grill the spears uncovered over medium heat for 2 minutes, turning them once. Slather on barbecue sauce and grill for 2 additional minutes.

For another grilled asparagus recipe, try Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus.

How to Air-Fry Asparagus

To make our Air-Fryer Asparagus recipe, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Coat the asparagus in a mixture of mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a greased tray in the air-fryer basket and cook for about 4 to 6 minutes or until lightly browned.

Editor's tip: Cooking asparagus in an air fryer is very similar to roasting or broiling it. If you're looking for something more deep-fried, try our Fried Asparagus recipe.

How to Cook Asparagus in an Instant Pot

Cooking asparagus in an Instant Pot is a way of steaming it. Arrange the asparagus on the steaming rack of your Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Close and seal the lid, and set the time to zero minutes on high pressure. By the time the pressure builds, your asparagus will be perfectly steamed.

(Learn more about how to cook asparagus in an Instant Pot.)

Tips for Cooking Asparagus

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These asparagus tips come from our culinary experts in the Taste of Home Test Kitchen.

How to Choose Asparagus

April and May are peak months for picking up asparagus at the grocery store or farmers market. Look for firm, straight spears with closed tips and crisp stalks. You're likely accustomed to green asparagus, but look for white asparagus, too!

How to Prepare Asparagus

Rinse the stalks well in cold water. Snap off the ends as far down as they will easily break when you gently bend them, or cut off the tough white portion. If you're working with large stalks, use a vegetable peeler to gently peel the tough area of the stalk from the end to just below the tip. If the tips are large, scrape off some scales with a knife.

For more tips, follow our step-by-step guide to how to prepare asparagus.

How to Store Asparagus

It's best to use asparagus within a few days of purchasing it. To store it for a bit longer, place bundled stalks upright in a cup filled with 1 inch of water (like flowers in a vase) and refrigerate. Or, wrap the cut ends in moist paper towels, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

How to Freeze Asparagus

Stock up on asparagus in the spring, when it's plentiful and inexpensive. Then, freeze it to use throughout the fall and winter.

To freeze asparagus, blanch it first. Next, let it cool and store it covered with water in containers in the freezer. Once you thaw it, it'll taste fresh-picked.

Recipes to Add Asparagus To

The methods listed above are great when it comes to cooking asparagus on its own for a side dish. But there are more ways to use asparagus—you can also incorporate it into dishes like salads, pastas and stir-fries.

We love this Fontina Asparagus Tart, Radish Asparagus Salad and Feta Asparagus Frittata. For something creamy, try these asparagus soup recipes!

More Asparagus Recipes to Love

Sausage Pasta with Cajun Cream Sauce

I needed to use up some ingredients in my refrigerator, so I threw together this dish with a cajun cream sauce. It's delicious and everyone loves it. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Rosemary Salmon and Veggies

My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night, while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this rosemary salmon meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Creamy Asparagus Chowder

Although this soup is best when made with fresh asparagus, you can use frozen or canned. I like to blanch and freeze asparagus in portions just right for this recipe so I can make our favorite chowder all year. —Shirley Beachum, Shelby, Michigan

Savory Waffles with Asparagus, Gruyere and Onion

I took one of our family's favorite puff pastry recipes, which uses a similar mix of ingredients, and translated it to savory waffles. It's a change of pace from sweeter fare. Served with a ham steak and fried eggs, it makes a fabulous meal. Feel free to add maple syrup or a spicy glaze. —Leslie Ponce, Miami, Florida

Veggie Nicoise Salad

More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish...and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois

Creamy Pasta Primavera

When I think of springtime, asparagus comes to mind. This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of tender, crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake

I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It's all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Roasted Asparagus Risotto

This recipe's wow factor makes it perfect for special occasions. To save time, the asparagus and prosciutto can be roasting while the rice cooks on the stovetop. They'll be ready to stir into the risotto by the time the rice is done. —Deonna Mazur, Buffalo, New York

Green Salad with Shrimp and Wine Vinaigrette

This veggie and seafood salad is light and versatile—you can use whatever vegetables you prefer. —Cecilia Flowers, Nashville, North Carolina

Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan Supper

This is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We enjoy using zucchini or squash in the summer, and you can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Asparagus Turkey Stir-Fry

When people try this dish, they ask for the recipe, just as I did when I first tasted it when visiting a friend's home. Tossed in a delicious lemon sauce, this simple skillet dish is sure to satisfy on the busiest of nights. It's a great way to use leftover turkey. —May Evans, Corinth, Kentucky

Shrimp Pasta Primavera

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. So when I invite that special guy to dinner, I like to prepare something equally wonderful. This well-seasoned pasta dish has lots of flavor, and it won't hurt your budget! —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland

Tangy Asparagus Soup

A dollop of creme fraiche makes this pretty soup an ideal starter for an elegant spring dinner party. A cheese crisp on the side is the perfect finishing touch. —Jamie Concannon, Plymouth, California

Farmers Market Pasta

When we moved into our house, little did we know that we had a wild asparagus patch. For decades, that little patch has given us plenty of asparagus. This recipe can be used almost any time of year, with almost any assortment of vegetables the season has to offer. By cooking without butter or oil, you can cut fat and calories, but the flavors are still there. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan

Asparagus 'n' Shrimp with Angel Hair

We've all heard that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It's easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland

Artichoke & Lemon Pasta

While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Turkey Club Roulades

Weeknights turn elegant when these short-prep roulades with familiar ingredients are on the menu. Not a fan of turkey? Substitute lightly pounded chicken breasts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Baked Monterey Chicken with Roasted Veggies

Everyone asks me for this baked monterey chicken. Roasting the veggies brings out their sweetness. They're delicious with fettuccine, rice or mashed potatoes. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

Asparagus Beef Lo Mein

This springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California

Lemony Vegetables and Pasta

My refreshing pasta dish comes together in 30 minutes. Its simplicity and flavor combinations are typical of authentic Italian cuisine. Buon appetito! —Erin Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah

Chicken Veggie Skillet

I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Asparagus, Bacon & Herbed Cheese Pizza

A zesty pizza that's especially nice with spring asparagus but lovely all year round when you add mozzarella and bacon. — Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan

Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry

With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn't bother my husband's food allergies. Check out our guide if you're new to tofu. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington

Salmon Vegetable Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

A bounty of vegetables keeps this salad light on calories, while salmon makes it hearty enough for a meal. It's become a springtime staple at our house. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Asparagus Ham Dinner

I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska

Stir-Fried Scallops and Asparagus

Served over quick-cooking ramen noodles, this stir-fry is perfect for busy families on hurried weeknights. Not only do we love the taste, but it comes together in about half an hour. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio

Ham and Asparagus Casserole

With hard-cooked eggs and asparagus, this family-favorite casserole is perfect for all occasions. But it's especially nice for springtime brunches. —Donetta Brunner, Savanna, Illinois

Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon

This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

Baked Cod Piccata with Asparagus

It takes longer for the oven to preheat than it does to prepare this delicious, good-for-you dish. While it's baking, I throw together a quick salad. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

Turkey Asparagus Stir-Fry

Twenty minutes is all you'll need to make this quick stir-fry. Lean turkey, asparagus and mushrooms make it super nutritious, too. —Darlene Kennedy, Galion, Ohio

Chicken Sausage & Gnocchi Skillet

I had a bunch of fresh veggies and combined them with sausage, gnocchi and goat cheese when I needed a quick dinner. Mix and match your own ingredients for unique results. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan

Asparagus Shrimp Linguine

My family really enjoys asparagus and shrimp. We often have this on busy weeknights because its healthy and cooks quickly. —Ehnes Wannetta, Eagle Bend, Minnesota

Pesto Chicken & Asparagus

With only five ingredients I can put a beautiful meal on the table for family or guests in very little time. I use store-bought pesto, which makes preparation quick and easy. This is a one-skillet dish, and it's also the only way I can get my 3-year-old son to eat asparagus. —Brooke Icenhour, Easley, South Carolina

Ham It Up Primavera

I adapted this recipe from a cookbook my husband and I received when we got married. We love all the veggies, especially the fresh asparagus.—Angelia Holland, Plano, Texas

Grilled Pineapple Pork & Vegetables

Celebrate spring with a tasty grilled dinner. The pork takes just an hour to marinate, so you'll enjoy a little hands-free time with this carefree meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Bow Ties with Sausage & Asparagus

We love asparagus, so I look for ways to go green. This pasta dish comes together fast on hectic nights and makes wonderful leftovers. —Carol Suto, Liverpool, New York

Dilled Chicken and Asparagus

If a delicious chicken and rice entrée is what you're craving, look no further than this mild herb-flavored rice dish with tender asparagus. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Roasted Vegetable Frittata

The great thing about frittatas is that I can make them with whatever I have available in my garden and in the pantry. This version uses spring produce to its advantage. Roasting really intensifies the natural sweetness of the asparagus and onion, and the earthiness of the potatoes. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Mediterranean Shrimp 'n' Pasta

Sun-dried tomatoes and curry take center stage in this pasta dish. This is one of my husband's favorites for special occasions. — Shirley Kunde, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Pasta with Asparagus

Many terrific recipes change hands at my ladies' bridge group's monthly get-togethers. That's where I discovered this zippy, tempting dish. The garlic, asparagus, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes create an irresistible taste combination. —Jean Fisher, Redlands, California

how to cook a pork roast on the grill

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-cook-asparagus/

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