How to Blanch Asparagus

How to blanch asparagus! Cook until completely soft and light green, then plunge into an ice bath.

Here’s a particularly useful method for the home cook: blanch asparagus! This method preserves these vegetables so they remain bright green and tender: perfect for adding to salads, pasta, pizza, frittatas, and more. We know from experience that steamed asparagus or fried asparagus do not keep as well as blanched ones. You can also go straight from blanched asparagus to freezing. Ready to start?

The method: how to blanch any vegetable

Blanching might sound like something Julia Child would do, but it’s not really applicable to modern home cooking. on the other hand! This handy method can be used for many vegetables: as a step before freezing, or to cook something like green beans for a hearty Salad Niçoise main course.

brightening is a cooking method in which vegetables are cooked until tender and crispy, and then dunked in ice water to stop the cooking process. The ice water helps keep the veggies as colorful as possible, and you’ll find that it turns the spears a nice green. Some experts say ice water isn’t technically necessary, but we like using it because it tastes better (we think).

Cut the asparagus first

The only prep step to know how to blanch asparagus? cut it! You need to cut off the hard, woody ends of the asparagus. It’s quick and easy with a chef’s knife; That’s how it’s done:

• Align the entire asparagus in the same direction.
• Using a chef’s knife, cut off the ends just where the green part starts to turn white.

How To Blanch Asparagus (And For How Long)

When it comes to asparagus, all you need to know is when to blanch it! Then you don’t even have to use a prescription. Remember it and you’ll never have to read it again. Here’s what you need to know:

• Cut the asparagus first. If you plan to cut into chunks, you can do so before or after cooking.
• How long to blanch asparagus? About 3 minutes, depending on thickness, until tender and crispy. Blanch fine stalks for up to 2 ½ minutes and thick stalks for about 4 minutes.
• Immerse yourself in an ice bath. Place in a bowl of ice water for 1 minute. Then drain and season!

How to freeze asparagus after blanching

After blanching the asparagus, you can freeze it straight away. Here’s what to do:

• Place the blanched asparagus tips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze 1 to 2 hours until firm. Then place in a freezer-safe container. That’s it!

storage information

How long does blanched asparagus keep? It will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days. Or freeze it right away and you can keep it for 3 months or more.

Ways to use blanched asparagus

What is the best way to use blanched asparagus? We have many ideas! Blanching gives these vegetables a nice light green color and they keep well in the fridge. This makes it ideal for tossing in salads or pasta throughout the week. Here’s what you should try:

And that’s it! Let us know what you think and what recipe you use for your blanched asparagus.

More asparagus recipes

Do you have more asparagus? We recommend trying the following:

This recipe for blanched asparagus is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.