This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you ever wondered how to boil asparagus, you came to the right place. This recipe is so simple and delicious your kids will be able to make it on their own.

You all have been there, trying to multitask, making dinner and getting the kids ready for practice or an evening event.
Somedays I wish cooking would take less time and I would not have to spend many hours making just one meal, until I discovered this recipe.
Since then, I have been creating recipes that would allow more time to spend with family and less in the kitchen.
Check out this boiled scallops recipe as an example!
Table of Contents
What is boiled asparagus?
It really is just that. Boiling asparagus in water until it is soft and tender, adding a few simple seasonings to taste, and voila, it is done.
Asparagus is sometimes compared to broccoli because of its bitter earthly flavor as well as having the same crunchy texture.
When boiling asparagus, the bitter flavor decreases and a sweeter taste comes in as a replacement.
Adding salt and garlic to your boiled asparagus merges the flavor into a warm, savory comfort food.
This is the absolute best boiled asparagus recipe to accompany those cozy nights or even a weekend dinner party.
Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is so easy and is a great way to introduce your little ones to the kitchen.
You may also like this boiled okra recipe next!
Why will you love this recipe?
Who would have thought boiled asparagus would be so delicious? I sure did not. This recipe was just coincidental.
I was in a hurry one day and just decided to throw my asparagus in a pot, so I would not have to continue to check on it. Knowing my family will eat anything, I just plunged in and did it.
I was surprised when I pulled it out of the pot a few minutes later, and it actually tasted good. Since then, it has been a family favorite and perfect for when I need to make a quick side dish.
It is so easy and scrumptious. This will be your new favorite way to eat asparagus.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Get my full disclosure here.
How to boil asparagus
What you will need:
- A large Dutch oven. I use a seven qt, but any pot large enough to keep from crowding the asparagus will work.
- Water for boiling
- Garlic – because why not?
- Sea salt – or any salt you have on hand. If you use fine table salt, I’d suggest using half the amount recommended.
Boiled asparagus recipe
To get started, gather a bunch of fresh asparagus from your local market or grocery store. Choose firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips for the best taste.
Add the water to a large dutch oven and bring it to a boil uncovered with the garlic and salt.
While the water is coming to a boil, rinse the spears under cold water before cutting the stem side of the asparagus off, about an inch up from the base.
Use a slotted spoon to carefully place asparagus into the boiling water. Be careful not to overcrowd the spears to ensure even cooking.
Cook for approximately four and a half minutes before removing them to a plate to cool. The cooking times will vary based on the size and thickness of your asparagus.
Serving suggestions
After the asparagus is cooked, drain the water and place it in a serving dish. Add additional salt for an extra seasoned flavor. Feel free to add any of your own seasonings or top it with a little butter.
For a quick hearty meal, try making this boiled pork chop recipe along with your boiled asparagus. These dishes pair perfectly together and make a mouth-watering meal that is filling and nutritious.
Boiled asparagus also pairs well with a juicy t-bone steak, roasted chicken, or your favorite pasta dish, which is this dutch oven lasagna in our house.
Tips
- Take care not to drop the vegetable in so no boiling water splashes out.
- Any pot or cast iron large enough to fit asparagus will work for boiling.
- Keep the lid off while cooking
- You’ll need enough water to fill the pot with one to two inches of liquid.
Helpful cooking tools
This simple recipe only requires a dutch oven or pot for cooking and a cutting board for prepping. Fewer dishes for cleanup is a dream for anyone in the kitchen.
FAQs
How long does it take to boil asparagus? Just 5 minutes in boiling water is all it takes to transform this healthy vegetable into a delicious side.
Is boiled asparagus healthy? Yes! Asparagus is full of vitamins and low in calories!
Can I boil frozen asparagus? You can use this same method for frozen asparagus and cook for an additional thirty seconds or until soft. Boiling asparagus from frozen will result in the skin peeling slightly, and it will be softer than the tender, crisp bite you would get from fresh asparagus.
Wrapping up
If you ever find yourself in need of a quick, tasty recipe, I hope you give this one a try. Also, be sure to let me know how you enjoy this boiled asparagus recipe! Any feedback is always greatly appreciated!
And if you are looking for a few great recipes to go with this, try one of these below!
- Simple dutch oven pulled chicken
- Boiled chicken thighs
- Pork cottage roll recipe
- How to boil plantains
- Boiled zucchini
If you tried thisย Boiled Asparagas Recipeย or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟ย star ratingย and let me know how it went in the 📝ย commentsย below. Thanks for visiting!
Boiled Asparagas
Ingredients
- 6 cups of water
- Fresh asparagus spears
- 4 cloves of fresh garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
Instructions
- Add the water to a large 7 qt dutchย oven and bring it to a boil uncovered with the garlic and salt.
- While the water is coming to a boil, cut the stem side of the asparagus off, about an inch up from the base.
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully place asparagus into the boiling water. Be carefulย not to overcrowd the spears to ensure even cooking.
- Cook for approximately four and a half minutes before removing them to a plate to cool.
Notes
- Wear oven mitts and use a slotted spoon to place the asparagus in the boiling water and remove it.
- Take care not to drop the vegetables in so no boiling water splashes out.
- Any pot or cast iron large enough to fit asparagus will work for boiling.
- Keep the lid off while cooking
- You'll need enough water to fill the pot with two inches of liquid.