Instant Pot Steamed Asparagus
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Last Updated on February 2, 2021 by Lisa Johnson
Steaming vegetables is not a difficult thing to do, but it does require pots and pans with boiling water. Or you could always cook it in the microwave, but you risk your asparagus turning to mush! Well this Instant Pot Steamed Asparagus is the answer to your hassle-free vegetable steaming desires. I am not kidding, you will be shocked at how simple this recipe is!
For even more delicious pressure cooker recipes, check out the Instant Pot Recipes page.
If you are anything like me, vegetables have a much higher probability of getting cooked if the process is super simple…and this Instant Pot Steamed Asparagus is super simple!!
How to make Steamed Asparagus in an Instant Pot:
Place asparagus in a steaming rack, set inside your pressure cooker insert and add the water.
Twist the lid into the Locked position, turn the knob to the Sealing position. Plug in the Instant Pot, press the Steam button and adjust the cooking time to 2 minutes*.
When the timer beeps, turn Off the pressure cooker and carefully release the steam. Lift the steamer basket out of the Instant Pot and place asparagus in a serving bowl.
Season as desired and serve immediately. This Easy Blender Hollandaise Sauce is perfect poured on top, or served on the side as a dip.
Easy, right?
Recipe Notes:
- I used this Silicone Steamer Basket {affiliate links} and this Instant Pot®.
- If your asparagus stems are thin, reduce cooking time to 1 minute* and check to see if they done. If they are very thin, cook for “0” minutes. They will cook while the pot is building pressure, then shut off.
- You can cook any amount of asparagus for the same amount of time.
- Yes, any brand of pressure cooker will work, but I have not used any other brand and cannot guarantee your results will be the same or that you will have the same buttons…so think of these as guidelines {said in a British, pirate voice}
***This recipe was made using a 6-Quart IP Duo Instant Pot – if you have an 8 quart or a 6 quart Instant Pot that is less than 2 years old, you may need to cook for “0” minutes. The newer versions are much more temperamental and cook hotter causing BURN notices, and vegetables to turn to mush more easily.***
I made this Instant Pot Steamed Asparagus to serve with my Classic Eggs Benedict.
and this weekend I will be making even more to serve with Steak Oscar…I can’t wait!!
Enjoy!!
Instant Pot Steamed Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus (rinsed and tough ends removed)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Place asparagus in a steaming rack, set inside your pressure cooker insert and add the water.
- Twist the lid into the Locked position, turn the knob to the Sealing position.
- Plug in the Instant Pot, press the Steam button and adjust the cooking time to 2 minutes. ***see note below***
- When the timer beeps, turn Off the pressure cooker and release the steam.
- Lift the steamer basket out of the Instant Pot and place asparagus in a serving bowl.
- Season as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cooking time does not include the time needed for the pressure cooker to build steam, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- I used this Silicone Steamer Basket {affiliate links} and this Instant Pot®.
- If your asparagus stems are thin, reduce cooking time to 1 minute* and check to see if they done. If they are very thin, cook for “0” minutes. They will cook while the pot is building pressure, then shut off.
- You can cook any amount of asparagus for the same amount of time.
- If you have an 8 quart or a 6 quart made after 2017 you may need to cook your asparagus for “0” minutes. The newer pots are much more temperamental and cook hotter than the original models.
- Yes, any brand of pressure cooker will work, but I have not used any other brand and cannot guarantee your results will be the same or that you will have the same buttons…so think of these as guidelines.
I love asparagus! I’ll have to try this way next time. I need to get one of those silicone inserts for my instant pot. Thanks for linking up to #HomeMattersParty
Tried this tonight and ended up with seriously mushy asparagus.
Sorry to hear that Susan. Next time try “0” minutes. There seems to be huge a difference in times with different Instant Pots, especially the newer models and the 8 quart…they cook faster for some reason.
As author suggests, variations in model and age are certainly a factor.
Other things to keep in mind:
Altitude above sea level affects times.
On the Duo, “less, normal, more” settings. Manual says use “less” for vegetables on steam mode.
Temperature of water you pour into the pot.
Tried this tonight on two minutes with medium-sized asparagus systems (not too thin, not too thick). They came out perfectly – crisp at stems, tender at the tips. Tossed them with butter and an extra sprinkle of salt, right out of the instant pot. Delicious.
I followed the directions, but cut my asparagus in one inch pieces. My asparagus was not cooked through. I steamed it another 2 min and still not cooked so I steamed for 2 more min.
I may go back to cooking it on the stove top. Can’t figure out why it took so long.