How To Reheat Asparagus [Tender Spears, Take Two!]
Asparagus are a healthy slide that pair well with most dishes. However, leftover asparagus can sometimes become mushy and soggy while also losing the outside crispness and the inside tenderness. In this post, we walk you through 5 different ways how to reheat asparagus
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable and there are several simple ways you can reheat it to restore or even enhance its natural sweetness and flavor. Reheat in an air fryer, oven, microwave, grill, or skillet this is very similar to how to reheat fried mushrooms.
To find out more on the best way to reheat asparagus, read on.
1. Reheating Asparagus in an Air Fryer
An air fryer is arguably the best way to reheat asparagus. You get a crispy outside without any of the greasiness or the sogginess of oil frying. Additionally, the insides remain tender and the flavor regains its freshness. To reheat asparagus in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius)
- Place your asparagus in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd.
- Close the basket and let the asparagus heat up for one or two minutes.
- More than two minutes and the asparagus will come out overcooked and mushy. So, it’s better to reheat for a shorter time rather than longer.
2. Reheating Asparagus in an Oven
When you’re cooking your dinner in the oven, adding your asparagus toward the end of your cooking cycle can result in a perfectly reheated side dish. The steps are:
- Your oven temperature should be at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius)
- Take some aluminum foil and place it on a kitchen table
- Put your asparagus inside the foil
- Add some extra virgin olive oil or lightly spray with cooking spray. This helps add moisture to the leftover asparagus
- Fold the foil in a pouch, lightly closing the ends so there’s a little gap on both ends where some steam can let through
- Place into the oven for about 5 minutes
- The asparagus should come out just as delicious as they were the first time
- If you want the asparagus to come out with a just roasted effect, remove the foil after 5 minutes and let it stay 3 to 5 minutes longer
3. Reheating Asparagus on A Grill
Reheating asparagus on a grill is just as easy as in an oven. The process is similar too. Here are the steps to follow:
- If you already have your grill going, wait until about 10 minutes before your main meal or entree is ready.
- Place your asparagus in aluminum foil.
- Spread a dash of olive oil over the asparagus.
- Fold the aluminum foil around the asparagus and lightly crimp the sides to let in some air
- Place on top of the grill for between 5 and 10 minutes.
- Open the aluminum foil, let the asparagus breathe for a minute then serve
4. Reheating Asparagus in A Skillet
Shallow frying or sautéing the asparagus in a skillet is a great way to add in some flavor. You can add some seasoning to add some depth. The process is:
- Place your skillet on the stove top on medium heat
- Place a cube of butter to melt
- Add your asparagus in one layer. Do not overcrowd the skillet
- Stir gently for 2-3 minutes
- Add some seasoning, a clove of garlic, and a bit of chili for additional flavor
- Stir for another minute then serve hot
5. Reheating Asparagus in A Microwave
The microwave is the most convenient method for reheating asparagus. However, you need to be careful not to overcook the asparagus to a mushy texture. To reheat asparagus in a microwave:
- Place the asparagus sticks on a microwave-safe plate, preferably in one layer
- Place some damp kitchen towels on top of the asparagus. This will help the asparagus retain moisture and be tender on the inside.
- Microwave on high temperature for about 20 seconds.
- Remove the plate of asparagus and let rest for ten seconds before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any questions about reheating asparagus? We’ve got answers!
Can You Reheat Asparagus Multiple Times?
Yes, you can reheat asparagus more than once. However, after the first reheat, subsequent reheats may result in a mushy or soggy dish.
How Do You Store Reheated Asparagus?
When you have leftover asparagus, first wait for it to cool down to room temperature before you store. Place the cooked or reheated asparagus in an airtight container before placing inside the fridge. They should last 4 to 5 days.
How Do You Freeze Reheated Asparagus?
When you freeze cooked or reheated asparagus, it is likely to be mushy when you later reheat. Hence, only freeze reheated asparagus if you intend to repurpose it to something else such as for making soup.
To freeze cooked or reheated asparagus, place them in a zipped plastic bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible. Place it in the freezer and it should be good for at least 2 more months.
Conclusion
So there you have it! With these diverse reheating methods at your disposal, you can say goodbye to soggy, sad asparagus leftovers. Remember, the key is to prioritize gentle heat and minimal moisture. Whether you choose the quick zap of the microwave, the gentle warmth of the oven, or the transformative power of a pan-fry, you can enjoy reheated asparagus that retains its vibrant flavor and crisp texture.
Bonus Tip: Get creative! Use your reheated asparagus to breathe new life into dishes like frittatas, omelets, stir-fries, or even salads. With a little ingenuity, leftover asparagus can become a delicious and versatile ingredient in your kitchen.
Happy reheating!