This Is The Absolute Best Way To Cook Asparagus

Some vegetables are so easy to cook no matter what method you approach them, but asparagus is not quite so simple to prepare. Asparagus can be tough, woody, and even stringy if it isn't prepared and cooked right. While you might love it sauteed in butter with almond slivers or grilled alongside your main, there's another way that's better and faster to cook the green spears. And when you are trying to get dinner done and on the table as soon as possible, it will help make that happen. 

The best way to cook asparagus that you've probably never tried is dry-charring, according to Serious Eats. The method is faster and uses less fat since it is done dry. The reason this is the best method all comes down to the texture of the cooked vegetables you're left with, which is crisp yet tender. So, it'll be excellent with other vegetables like snap peas or green beans, too.

To dry-char asparagus, it is cooked through conduction, which happens when the vegetable is in direct contact with the pan itself. That means no butter or oil is added to the pan either. By skipping the fat, the pan can reach a higher temperature without smoking or burning. Besides, you might be thinking you'll miss the flavor a fat adds to the asparagus, but you'll love not having to clean up any splatter on your stovetop afterward. It's really a win-win for you.

So, to dry-char asparagus, all you have to do is heat a pan on the stovetop. It's best to avoid a flame to prevent burning (via Washington Post). Next, just drop the asparagus in the hot pan and don't move the vegetables around. Once the asparagus begins to sweat, flip it over in the pan and let it cook on the other side. Once it's completely cooked, take it off the stove and serve.

Give dry-charring a try and see how you like it. You just might move beyond your go-to method for cooking the tricky vegetable.