Learn how to cook perfectly crisp and tender asparagus in the Instant Pot every time with this easy and fail-proof recipe!
Asparagus is a perfect springtime veggie. And while it's easy to cook on the stovetop, there are times when it’s just more convenient to use the Instant Pot. It’s easy, quick, hands-off, and reliable.
Cook perfectly crisp-tender asparagus in less than 15 minutes with this quick and easy recipe.
Ingredients you'll need
To get started, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Fresh asparagus (I like to use spears with medium thickness when making this recipe). Rinse and dry before trimming the ends of each stalk.
- A cup of water
- A few optional ingredients to add flavor, such as lemon juice, fresh herbs, extra-virgin olive oil (or melted butter), sea salt, and black pepper
You'll also need the following tools:
- Knife
- An Instant Pot (I use both the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart and Instant Pot DUO 6-Quart with great results)
- A steamer basket or trivet
- Tongs
How to cook Instant Pot asparagus
1. Add ingredients to Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the stainless steel insert before placing the trivet or steamer basket inside. Then, carefully arrange the asparagus in the steamer basket.
2. Pressure cook: Cook on High Pressure for 0 minutes.
3. Quick-release steam: Once the pressure cooker reaches pressure, immediately quick-release the pressure and carefully remove the lid.
Note: Release pressure as soon as your pressure cooker beeps to indicate it's come to pressure. Otherwise, you’ll end up with mushy vegetables.
3. Remove: Using tongs, remove the cooked asparagus.
4. Add dressing and serve: In a separate plate, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss and serve.
Serving suggestions
Prepared asparagus can be served in endless ways. Here are some of my favorites:
- Side dish: It’s such a versatile side dish and easy to serve with any main dish. Toss with extra-virgin olive oil (or butter), salt, and pepper. Or infused with more flavors, such as garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon juice.
- Add dressing: Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette, lemon tahini sauce, or balsamic vinaigrette.
- With a grain: Serve with rice (jasmine rice, black rice, or brown rice) or another grain (quinoa or wheat berries)
Commonly asked questions
How do I store leftovers? Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. Since it doesn't reheat well, I prefer to chop it up and add it to my salads or bowls.
What size Instant Pot did you use? I’ve tested this recipe on both my Duo Mini 3-Quart and DUO 6-Quart with great results. However, you may need to tweak your settings based on preference, the size, model, and brand of your pressure cooker.
More pressure cooker recipes
- How to Cook Perfect Quinoa in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Chickpeas
- Indian Chickpea Curry
- Perfectly Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Are you looking to cook other vegetables in your pressure cooker? Check out beets, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it turned out. Save this easy recipe for later by pinning it to your favorite recipe Pinterest board, and be sure to tag me on Real + Vibrant’s Instagram to show me your creation!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 cup water
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and dry before trimming the ends of each stalk.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the stainless steel insert of the Instant Pot before placing the trivet or steamer basket inside. Then, carefully arrange the asparagus onto the steamer basket.
- Cook on High Pressure for 0 minutes.
- Once the pressure cooker reaches pressure, immediately quick release the pressure and carefully remove the lid.
- Using tongs, remove from the Instant Pot.
- In a separate bowl, drizzle cooked asparagus with extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Donna says
I was looking for ideas, for my asparagus and came upon this recipe. Needless to say, this recipe is EXCELLENT! SO YUMMY! (I didn’t have lemon juice, so I tried lime juice), and it was delicious! I will use lemon juice next time, but I think either would be fine. Thank you so much for this recipe! It is now my go to for all…asparagus!!!😋
James Riley says
Recipe say cook for 0 mins ?
Rick says
Absolutely perfectly cooked. A little sea salt and butter made them delicious! Asparagus were crunchy and soooo tasty.
Franny says
So easy to make - thank you!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you!
Michelle says
I really need to get my instant pot so often. I never thought of using it just to steam veggies. Great photos here!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Michelle!
Ashley says
Wow! Who knew it could be so fast?! Thanks for the tip about releasing the steam immediately!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
It's pretty quick! Thanks, Ashley!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Going to make it again for a family gathering this weeI made this recipe last weekend and it was incredible! Thanks so much for sharing.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you!
Katie says
Made this for my family and it was a hit!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Katie!
Anita says
What a neat way to prepare steamed asparagus. And I love your suggested dressing. 🙂
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Anita! So glad it was helpful.
Kaitlin says
My steamed asparagus always comes out soggy but this technique made all the difference!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Katilin!