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–+ servings
Cooked asparagus on a white platter topped with salt and pepper.
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Instant Pot Asparagus

Instant Pot Asparagus is done from start to finish in 5 minutes making for an easy weeknight side dish.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 15kcal
Author Katie

Equipment

  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Instant Pot
  • 1 Wire Rack

Ingredients

  • 1 pound asparagus
  • ⅛ teaspoon Salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Trim about 1 inch of the asparagus ends off. Then was.
  • Place a wire rack in the bottom of an Instant Pot. Place the trimmed asparagus on top then season with salt and pepper. Pour in the 1 cup of water.
  • Place the lid on top of the Instant Pot, make sure the valve is sealed. Select STEAM for 0 minutes. As soon as the Instant Pot beeps and the time is done carefully force the pressure out.
  • Remove the asparagus immediately and serve.

Notes

  • Selecting the right asparagus: Look for firm, bright green thicker asparagus spears with closed tips. Avoid wilted or discolored ones. I don't recommend using the skinny asparagus for this recipe.
  • Cleaning and trimming: Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim off the tough ends by snapping them off at their natural breaking point or by cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
  • Steaming vs. sautéing: While you can sauté asparagus in the Instant Pot, steaming is a healthier and faster option. It helps retain the vibrant green color and the crisp texture.
  • Using a steamer basket: Place a steamer basket in the Instant Pot and add water to the bottom. This helps to elevate the asparagus above the water, ensuring it steams rather than boils. If you don't have a steamer basket -- no worries. Use the elevated wire rack like I did above.
  • Seasoning options: Asparagus has a delicate flavor that can be enhanced with various seasonings. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  • Cooking time: Asparagus cooks quickly in the Instant Pot. Set the cooking time for 0 minutes. Yes, you heard this correctly. It will take about a minute or two to get up to pressure and that will steam the asparagus during that time.
  • Quick release: After the cooking time is complete, use the quick-release method to stop the cooking process immediately. This helps to prevent overcooking and keeps the asparagus crisp.
  • Serve immediately: Asparagus is best enjoyed when it's hot and fresh. Serve it immediately to preserve its texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 5g | Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 572IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg