Tired of mushy or undercooked asparagus? Say hello to your new secret weapon: the Instant Pot! This recipe delivers perfectly tender-crisp asparagus every single time, infused with the rich flavors of garlic butter and salty Parmesan cheese. It’s an elegant, keto-friendly side dish that’s ready in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
• 1 lb (450g) trimmed fresh asparagus
• 3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• 3 tbsp (42g) softened butter
• 3 tbsp (21g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) water
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Prepare the Foil Packet: On a large piece of foil, place the trimmed asparagus and peeled garlic cloves in the center. Dot the top with the softened butter. Curve the edges of the foil upwards to create a packet, ensuring the butter won’t leak out during cooking.
3. Set Up the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot’s inner liner. Place a steamer basket or trivet inside, then carefully set the asparagus foil packet on top of it.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and turn the pressure release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Steam” function and cook for the default time of 8 minutes.
5. Release the Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a “Quick Release” by moving the pressure valve to the “Venting” position. Wait for the float valve to drop completely before opening.
6. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the lid and lift out the foil packet. Transfer the hot asparagus to a serving plate, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 108
• Total Fat: 9.1g
• Net Carbs: 1.3g
• Protein: 3.2g
• Fiber: 2.2g
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Asparagus
• For the best texture, choose asparagus spears that are uniform in thickness. This ensures they all cook at the same rate.
• Don’t skip the foil packet! It steams the asparagus in the garlic butter, infusing it with incredible flavor and making cleanup a breeze.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness of the butter.
• For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the foil packet before cooking.
FAQ
Q: How long do you cook asparagus in the Instant Pot
A: For perfectly tender-crisp asparagus, cook on the “Steam” function for the default time of 8 minutes, followed immediately by a Quick Release of the pressure.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a steamer basket
A: Yes, you can use the trivet that came with your Instant Pot instead of a steamer basket. The goal is to keep the foil packet elevated above the water.
Q: Why is my Instant Pot asparagus mushy
A: Mushy asparagus is typically caused by overcooking. To prevent this, it is essential to use the Quick Release method as soon as the cooking cycle ends. Letting the pressure release naturally will continue to cook the asparagus and make it too soft.
Q: Is this Instant Pot asparagus recipe keto-friendly
A: Absolutely! With only 1.3g of net carbs per serving, this garlic butter and Parmesan asparagus is an excellent low-carb and keto-friendly side dish.
