How to Blanch Asparagus

Blanched asparagus is perfectly crisp-tender in texture and can be enjoyed as is or stirred into risotto, mac and cheese, salads, and more! This post will explain How to Blanch Asparagus, the benefits of this cooking method, and the many ways to use it. 

What Is Blanching? 

Before we dive into the ins-and-outs of blanching asparagus, it’s important that you understand what blanching even is! 

In essence, blanching is the process of cooking raw asparagus at a rolling boil for a short amount of time. 

The blanched asparagus is immediately plunged into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and keep each stalk beautifully crisp-tender (otherwise the carryover heat would cause them to overcook!). 

In this post, I’ll be discussing blanched asparagus specifically as it relates to eating it immediately, but know that many people also blanch asparagus in preparation for freezing it. 

Blanching asparagus for freezing slows the enzymes in the vegetable from breaking it down in the freezer, prevents loss of flavor, and also protects the texture. 

Blanching vs Boiling 

Blanched asparagus and boiled asparagus are similar but distinct dishes. Here’s what you should know: 

• Boiling asparagus requires a longer cook time and cooks the asparagus until very tender. You don’t need an ice bath if boiling asparagus. 
• Blanching asparagus takes just a couple minutes. The short cook time is intended to only partially cook the asparagus until crisp-tender. Blanching can be used as a step in freezing asparagus or it can be seen as a unique cooking method to enjoy asparagus right away. When blanching asparagus, an ice bath is essential to prevent it from cooking further once removed from the boiling water. 

Tools Needed to Blanch Asparagus 

Blanched asparagus is quick and simple to make, but you should have a few specific tools on hand before starting this recipe. 

• Large pot: Choose one that’s large enough to comfortably hold the amount of asparagus you plan on blanching. 
• Chef’s knife: A larger knife makes it easier to remove the woody ends of the asparagus faster. 
• Cutting board: For removing the ends of the asparagus spears. 
• Slotted spoon: Makes removing the asparagus from the pot of boiling water easier and safer. 
• Large mixing bowl: Necessary for making an ice bath, which is part of the blanching process. 
• Colander: You’ll need to drain the blanched asparagus after it sits in the ice bath.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Blanching asparagus calls for just a handful of basic ingredients, the star being the asparagus! Here’s what you’ll need:  

• Fresh asparagus 
• Water
• Salt 

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Blanch Asparagus 

Once the asparagus is added to the boiling water, the blanching process finishes in mere minutes. As such, I recommend having the ice bath ready to go before you start cooking the asparagus! 

The basic instructions for blanching asparagus are as follows: 

1. Wash the asparagus under running tap water to remove any dirt or debris. 
2. Using a chef’s knife, trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. You can also snap the ends of the asparagus spears off one by one using your hands, if desired.  
3. Fill a pot ⅔ full with water (use one large enough to hold however much asparagus you’re blanching). Add salt. Heat over high heat until boiling. 
4. While the water comes to a boil, prepare an ice bath. To do this, simply fill a large mixing bowl with tap water and ice cubes. 
5. Once the water comes to a boil, transfer the trimmed asparagus to the pot. 
6. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes to blanch. (Thinner spears require less time, thicker spears require more time.)  
7. Remove the asparagus from the boiling water using a slotted spoon. Immediately transfer to the ice bath. Let it sit in the ice bath for 1 minute. 
8. Drain the asparagus (a colander is great for this!). Serve as desired. 

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

How Long to Blanch Asparagus? 

Thinner asparagus spears will need just 2 to 3 minutes in the boiling water, while thicker spears will need to boil for closer to 4 minutes.  

Tips for the Best Blanched Asparagus 

• Trim off the woody ends — No amount of blanching or boiling will make the thick, tough ends of the asparagus spears palatable! 
• Choose asparagus that’s not too thick — Thinner spears taste better and are more tender. Also look for spears that are vibrant green in color and not mushy at all. 
• Use a pot large enough to hold the full asparagus spears lying down — If the asparagus is crowded in the pot, it won’t blanch evenly. If you don’t have a large enough pot, you may cut the spears in half so they fit comfortably in the pot. 
• Cook just until crisp-tender — When in doubt, err on the side or more crisp than more tender. Overcooked asparagus is mushy and unpleasant to eat! 
• Salt the water! You want to season the asparagus as it blanches. It’s the same logic as salting pasta water; you want the asparagus to be well seasoned before serving it or using it in recipes. 

Ways to Eat Blanched Asparagus 

Crisp-tender blanched asparagus tastes delicious with a few cracks of salt and freshly ground pepper. You can also add it to various recipes, such as pasta, salads, and more!  

• Top with Hollandaise sauce 
• Top with a poached egg 
• Season with salt, pepper & lemon juice 
• Use in baked egg muffins 
• Top with lemon walnut dressing 
• Use to make cold asparagus salad
• Add to your favorite spring pasta or risotto 
• Stir into your favorite mac and cheese (add near the very end of the cook time) 
• Use as a pizza topping
• Add to any green salad
• Throw into a stir-fry (at the very end of the cook time)
• Top with bacon bits
• Add to eggs Benedict 
• Serve as part of a crudité platter

Using Blanched Asparagus

The trick to using blanched asparagus in other recipes is to always add it near the very end of the cook time.

You want the asparagus to remain crisp-tender. If you cook it again in a skillet or in the oven, the asparagus will become mushy. 

For that reason, I don’t like adding blanched asparagus to dishes like quiche or frittatas. The already blanched asparagus + the lengthy quiche / frittata cook time would result in mushy, unpalatable asparagus. No, thanks! 

Storage Instructions 

After blanching, the asparagus can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. 

Take care to drain the asparagus very well and to pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel if you plan on storing it for later. 

How Long Does Blanched Asparagus Last in the Fridge? 

It will keep up to five days if patted dry and stored in an airtight container. 

Can Blanched Asparagus Be Frozen? 

Yes! In fact, asparagus must be blanched before freezing it, so you’re already halfway there! 

Let the asparagus sit in the ice bath for 2 to 3 minutes longer, or until completely cool. Then, pat dry with a clean kitchen towel before sealing in a freezer bag, freezer vacuum bag, or freezer-safe container. 

It will last up to three months in the freezer if stored correctly. 

Try Making Blanched Asparagus at Home! 

Next time you have an abundance of fresh asparagus on hand, try blanching it! 

Did you love the crisp-tender asparagus? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your blanched asparagus!

More Asparagus Recipes: 

Prosciutto and Asparagus Puff Pastry Pizza might sound fancy but they are super simple to prepare and packed with the flavors of fresh asparagus, prosciutto, sun dried tomatoes, ricotta, and parmesan.

Oven Roasted Asparagus is drizzled with a tasty lemon walnut dressing for simple, delicious and heart-healthy side dish.

This salmon en papillote recipe is essentially a fancy foil dinner. Salmon is cooked in parchment paper with asparagus, potatoes, and herbs — so easy and delicious! 

This easy Asparagus Tart has a light buttery puff pastry crust and cheesy filling. Serve this savory tart as an appetizer, side dish, a light meal, or part of a brunch spread. 

This Pea and Asparagus Risotto Recipe is a delicious dish for springtime. This spring risotto features leeks, fresh asparagus, fresh peas, and mascarpone cheese with a touch of fresh lemon and parmesan cheese.

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