White asparagus is a delicious and tender spring vegetable that requires some special preparation before cooking. In this article, we will explore the essential steps for cooking white asparagus in oven and on stove.
1. What is Special About White Asparagus?
White asparagus is exactly the same species as green asparagus, but it is grown differently. The asparagus shoots are covered with dirt or straw as they grow so they are not exposed to sunlight. This prevents the production of chlorophyll that makes the spears green.
The lack of chlorophyll gives white asparagus a milder, more delicate flavor than green varieties. The covered growth also keeps the stalks tender. White asparagus also has a shorter season during early spring.
2. Do You Have To Peel White Asparagus Before Cooking?
Yes, you need to peel white asparagus before cooking it. The peels are too fibrous and woody to be eaten.
Start by snapping off the bottom of the asparagus spears where they naturally break. Then using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, peel the skin off the stalks starting about 2 inches below the tips. The top parts of the spears don’t need to be peeled.
Peel gently to avoid bruising the delicate stalks. The spears can be peeled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple days before cooking. Just wrap the peeled asparagus in damp paper towels and put it in a plastic bag.
3. How To Cook White Asparagus in Oven ( Roasted Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 bunch white asparagus, peeled and ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Roast for 15-20 minutes until fork tender. Shake the pan halfway through for even cooking. For thicker asparagus, you should roast them in 25 minutes for tender stalks
Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the spears. You can add grated parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Serve warm
4. How To Cook White Asparagus on Stove (Sauteed Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 lb white asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the trimmed and cut white asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Transfer the sautéed white asparagus to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
The delicate flavor of white asparagus shines when simply prepared. Cooking in the oven and on the stove are easy ways to cook white asparagus to bring out its best qualities. I hope that after reading this article you know how to cook white asparagus perfectly at home.
