How To Make Asparagus in a Cast Iron Skillet

Asparagus is one of the most delicious vegetables out there—when prepared correctly. Asparagus is incredibly versatile: it can be sauteed, simmered, roasted, shaved raw, grilled, and more. We love to roast asparagus in a cast iron skillet, because this cooking method rids asparagus of its natural bitterness, and brings out all of the delicious flavor that asparagus has to offer.

Cooking asparagus in a cast iron skillet concentrates its flavor rather than diluting it, which can happen when steaming or boiling the vegetable. Asparagus is delectably fresh and sweet, and it requires very few ingredients and seasonings to be the perfect side-dish at your dinner table.

Is cooking in cast iron a healthy option?

Cooking in cast iron is a healthy way to cook vegetables because it actually emits nutrition into your food, while at the same time being void of harmful chemicals often found in other sorts of non-stick cookware.

Choosing cast iron cookware is a great source of iron in your diet—cooking asparagus on a cast iron skillet can increase the iron content in food, and become a simple way to bring more of this nutrient into your life. Cast iron is also naturally non-stick, when seasoned correctly, which allows you to avoid the potentially harmful chemicals that are often found in other types of non-stick pans.

How to cook asparagus in a cast iron skillet?

The recipe below is a super simple way to cook asparagus while preserving its flavor (which can be lost when steaming or boiling the vegetable). Here are a couple tips for getting the most out of the vegetable:

How do I know when asparagus is done cooking?

One of the downsides to cooking asparagus is that if overcooked, the flavor and texture can be ruined. Make sure not to overcook your cast iron asparagus; if following the recipe above, you likely won’t need to cook your asparagus for longer than 10 minutes.

Well-cooked asparagus should be a vibrant green and slightly soft to the touch, while still maintaining some of its firmness and crispness. If your asparagus starts to become a more brown-ish shade of green, you might have overcooked it. When boiling or blanching asparagus for different sorts of recipes—this vegetable fares well being thrown into an ice bath after boiling to help stop the cooking process, as the heat from the boiling water can continue cooking it even after removed.

How long do cooked asparagus last?

Cooked cast iron asparagus is best eaten the day of cooking, but it can last in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure you seal your cooked asparagus in an airtight container so that it stays as fresh as possible.

Recipe ideas to make with cast iron made asparagus

Our asparagus on a cast iron skillet recipe is a great vegetable to enjoy alongside a variety of different proteins. We love to enjoy cast iron asparagus alongside our Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops, Chicken Under a Skillet, and for a great starch option to pair with your asparagus, our Cast Iron Rice Pilaf.

For another delicious Field Company asparagus recipe, try out our Asparagus & Feta Strata—this dish a delicious mini-skillet breakfast for fans of baked eggs and savory french toast.