Looking for a cheap, easy, and delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your meals? Look no further than canned asparagus! In this article, we’ll explore different methods of cooking canned asparagus and provide you with simple recipes for the air fryer, oven, and stove. Say goodbye to mushy asparagus and hello to crispy, flavorful spears!
Canned Asparagus Recipes
Let’s start with the best ways to cook canned asparagus:
- Air fryer
- Stove top
- Oven
You can use any brand of canned asparagus, such as Green Giant, Del Monte, or Roland. The cooking methods we’ll discuss will ensure that your canned asparagus turns out crispy and delicious, regardless of the brand you choose.
Canned Asparagus Ingredients
Canned asparagus typically contains just a few simple ingredients:
- Asparagus
- Water
- Salt
Most canned asparagus already has enough salt, so there’s no need to add more. However, you can enhance the flavor by sprinkling some black pepper or grated Parmesan cheese on top after cooking.
Canned Asparagus in Air Fryer
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing canned asparagus in the air fryer:
- Drain the canned asparagus well and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
- Spray them with non-aerosol cooking spray and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, checking on them after 5 minutes. No need to flip them!
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired, and enjoy.
The air fryer will dry out the asparagus, resulting in crispy ends and a less mushy texture.
Canned Asparagus in the Oven
If you prefer using the oven, follow these instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Drain the canned asparagus and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Place the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Spray them with cooking oil spray and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes on a rack positioned ⅓ down from the top of the oven.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired, and enjoy.
Baking the asparagus in the oven will give it a slightly different texture compared to the air fryer, but it will still be delicious.
How to Cook Canned Asparagus on the Stove
If you prefer cooking on the stove, try this simple recipe:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Drain the canned asparagus and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Place the dried asparagus in the skillet and pan fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- Sprinkle with black pepper while cooking.
- Plate the asparagus and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
For a grilled flavor, use a stovetop grill instead of a traditional outdoor grill.
Canned Asparagus Nutrition Facts
Wondering about the nutritional value of canned asparagus? Here’s what you need to know:
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1170mg (51% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 6g
Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable that is high in fiber, iron, and potassium. It’s a great addition to any diet, whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or vegetarian lifestyle.
What to Do with Canned Asparagus
Besides eating canned asparagus straight from the can, you can get creative with how you incorporate it into your meals. Here are some ideas:
- Top a salad with canned asparagus
- Add it to pasta dishes
- Make a canned asparagus soup
- Create a canned asparagus casserole with toppings like crushed crackers or crispy onions
- Use it in a frittata with eggs
- Experiment with pickling canned asparagus for a unique flavor
How Long Can Asparagus Last in the Fridge?
If you have leftovers or opened cans of asparagus, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep them in covered food-safe containers to maintain freshness.
Expert Tips from a Dietitian
Canned vegetables are a budget-friendly and convenient way to incorporate more fiber-rich, low-calorie veggies into your diet. While they may have higher sodium content, you can reduce it by rinsing the veggies thoroughly with cool water. Canned asparagus is a great addition to a weight loss plan, as it is low in calories and high in nutrients.
FAQs
- Where to buy canned asparagus? You can find canned asparagus at most major supermarket chains, such as Super Walmart or Aldi.
- Is canned asparagus as good as fresh? While fresh asparagus may have a crisper texture, canned asparagus is available year-round and offers convenience and affordability.
- Is canned asparagus keto-friendly? Yes, canned asparagus is suitable for low-carb and keto diets, as it contains only 6 grams of net carbs per can.
- Is canned asparagus good for diabetics? Canned asparagus can be enjoyed as part of a diabetic diet. However, it’s important to choose varieties with no added salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- Is canned asparagus low FODMAP? No, canned asparagus is not low FODMAP, as it contains fructose and fructans, which are high in FODMAPs.
Other Canned Food Recipes
Looking for more recipes featuring canned ingredients? Check out these options:
- Potatoes from a Can
- Canned Tamales
- Baked Canned Sardines
- La Choy Chow Mein in a Can
- How to Cook Canned Corned Beef Hash
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