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    Home » Sides » Paper Towel Microwave Asparagus

    Paper Towel Microwave Asparagus

    Published: May 28, 2012 · Modified: Oct 19, 2023 by Eric Samuelson

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I take Alton Brown's Microwave Steamed Asparagus method and spice it with some amazing flavors that can't believe came out of a microwave.

    Raw Asparagus wrapped in a wet paper towel

    Have you ever wondered if you can microwave asparagus?

    Of course you can right.

    You open up the microwave door, stick in some asparagus, close the door, enter some time and there you go.

    Your microwave isn't going to blow up or asparagus is going to magically disappear.

    That's not the question I want to ask/then answer here. I am asking can you SUCCESSFULLY cook asparagus in the microwave and have it turn out good?

    And that answer is...

    YES YOU CAN!

    The method I use comes from an episode of Alton Brown's Good Eats.

    The equipment you need - a roll of paper towel (and your microwave of course)

    Microwaved Asparagus on a wet paper towel
    Asparagus cooked the wet paper towel method in the microwave comes out looking bright and green.

    ?‍? Wet Paper Towel Method

    All you have to do is wrap a pound of trimmed asparagus up in 3-4 paper towels.

    You need to wet down the paper towels with no more than ¼ cup of water.

    You need to be careful not to get the paper towels too wet or they will break. So if you a have spray bottle that is the best way to wet the towels.

    Asparagus in the microwave wrapped in a wet paper towel
    t took 4 minutes to microwave my asparagus. It may take more or less depending on the power of your microwave.

    ⌚ How Long To Microwave

    Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. The item really depends on how powerful your microwave is and what texture you want your asparagus to be.

    Make sure to carefully remove the asparagus with tongs as it will be hot to touch.

    Get all of our asparagus recipes

    ? Why Do It?

    There are plenty of asparagus cooking options available so why even bother microwaving asparagus? Why not just steam or boil it?

    If you have ever seen boiled asparagus it ends up looking an unappetizing drab green.

    Steaming asparagus works out better. Downside - it does take some time and if it's a hot day you might not want evaporating water raising the humidity level of your kitchen.

    By microwaving it in a paper towel you allow the water found in the asparagus to naturally steam it. The paper towel keeps everything moist and a beautiful shade of green.

    And the asparagus is ready for another use, like chopped up for a quiche or in a salad or whatever you like. It's really the most convenient way to cook asparagus if you are going to use it in another dish.

    RELATED - When and How Long is Asparagus Season?

    Microwave asparagus with cured sumac from Burlap & Barrel
    You gotta try this Cured Sumac from Burlap & Barrel on the asparagus. It adds great flavor with a lemony touch!

    ? How to Season

    I recommend just some kosher salt if you are planning to use that asparagus as an ingredient for another dish.

    Now if you are going to use it for a side dish, well then you are in the right place as I have some great ideas.

    • Freshly cracked pepper
    • Lemon zest
    • Freshly grated nutmeg
    • Grated hard cheese like Parmesan or Percono Romano
    • Smoked salt
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    Microwave asparagus with sumac and Pecorino Romano cheese on a white plate
    Doesn't this asparagus look good?

    All of these would really elevate your asparagus game.

    How I like to season asparagus takes it to a different galaxy.

    I have discovered Cured Sumac. This stuff will make your asparagus taste like you added lemon to it even thought you haven't. Sumac also brings spice and bitterness. My favorite sumac comes from Burlap & Barrel, a single origin spice company that works directly with growers.

    ? More Asparagus Recipes

    Pasta with Seaweed and Asparagus Pesto

    Asparagus Ends Soup

    Roasted Asparagus

    Toasted Couscous with Asparagus Pesto

    Microwave Asparagus with Sumac & Pecorino Romano

    An easy to make side dish of asparagus enhanced with quality ingredients.
    No ratings yet
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    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: asparagus, microwave, sides, sumac
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 4 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 9 minutes minutes
    Servings: 3 people
    Author: Eric Samuelson

    Ingredients

    • 1 bunch asparagus 1 to 1 ½ lbs
    • ¼ cup Extra Virgin olive oil
    • ¼ cup Pecorino Romano cheese
    • 1 tsp cured or dried sumac
    • kosher salt to taste

    Instructions

    • Cut the bottom 2 inches of the asparagus stalks off. They are too tough. They can be saved for stock making.
    • Roll out the paper towel. Just get it slightly damp with water.
    • Lay the asparagus out in a single layer. Add the salt and sumac.
    • Roll up the paper towel with the asparagus inside.
    • Place in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes or until the asparagus is tender.
    • Allow to sit in the microwave for 1 minute before removing. Use tongs to remove it.
    • Gently unfold the towel and allow any steam to escape.
    • Place into your serving dish. Drizzle on the oil and sprinkle on the cheese.
    • Serve hot.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @eatlikenooneelse or tag #eatlikenooneelse

    ? How I Microwaved Asparagus at Work

    I want to leave you with this true story. when I used to work at Whole Foods Market on a couple occasions I would buy asparagus before break time.

    Then during my dinner break I would get some paper towel and microwave it in the break room. It was a quick way to add some veggies to my dinner.

    You could even do it in your own work place. You would be the coolest person ever, despite the weird looks you might get.

    This post includes affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. These are products and services I recommend because I use or trust them. Cookies will be used to track the affiliate links you click.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathleen Horn

      March 16, 2020 at 6:33 pm

      This was great, so fast, easy and delicious!

    2. Eric Samuelson

      March 18, 2020 at 7:41 am

      You are welcome. I am glad to help.

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    Nice to Meet You,

    Hi! I'm Eric : Father of 4, living just south of Ann Arbor, MI. I'm a reformed picky eater finding a new way to not conform. Eating what's in season is my jam (I also make it!)

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