SAUCES FOR STEAMED ASPARAGUS RECIPES

Steps:

• Set up a steamer, fill the bottom with water and bring to a boil. If the asparagus are very thick, peel them. Start about 2-inch down from the tip of the stalk and peel. It is not necessary to peel thin asparagus. Cut the asparagus to fit into your steamer basket. Cover and steam until the asparagus are bright green and tender, but still somewhat crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes for thick asparagus and 3 to 5 minutes for thin asparagus. Remove from the steamer and season with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• Trim the asparagus: Trim the bottom 1 to 1 1/2-inches of woody stem from the bottom of the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus.
• Dampen the paper towels: Dampen 4 large paper towels with 1/4 cup water. Wring out any excess and stack the paper towels on top of each other. Lay the asparagus on the paper towels in a single layer.
• Season the asparagus: Sprinkle the asparagus with the salt.
• Roll the paper towels around the asparagus: Roll the paper towels into a bundle with the asparagus. You should have a spiral of asparagus with paper towels in between.
• Microwave the asparagus: Place the bundle in the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. Check for doneness — the asparagus should be tender crisp. Microwave for 1 minute more on high if needed.
• Remove from the microwave using tongs: Using tongs, carefully remove the asparagus from the microwave.
• Serve: Dress the warm asparagus with a pat of butter or hollandaise sauce.