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Slow Cooked Asparagus
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This is a great way to cook fresh asparagus that isn't as tender to cook by other methods. It's perfect for those thicker stalks, just be sure to trim off the tough woody ends.
serves/makes:
ready in:
2-5 hrs
2-5 hrs
2 reviews
2 comments
ingredients
2 pounds fresh asparagus, washed and tough ends removed
1 can (14.25 ounce size) fat-free chicken broth
1 tablespoon Butter Buds Sprinkles
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
directions
Snap any woody ends from the asparagus.
Lightly grease a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Combine the broth, butter buds, and garlic salt in the slow cooker until mixed.
Place the fresh asparagus in the slow cooker, it's ok if the asparagus isn't covered in the broth or you can cut it in half to fit. The steam that forms inside will cook any exposed parts that aren't covered by liquid.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the asparagus is tender.
crock pot notes
Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.recipe tips
Arrange the asparagus spears so they cook evenly.
For added flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus before serving.
If you like your asparagus more crisp-tender, reduce the cooking time.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the asparagus before serving for a fresh, zesty flavor.
For a richer flavor, consider using regular chicken broth instead of fat-free.
Keep leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
What are Butter Buds Sprinkles, and is there a substitute?
Butter Buds are a butter-flavored seasoning. You can substitute with another butter-flavored seasoning or if calories aren't a factor, a small amount of melted butter.
Is it possible to overcook the asparagus in a slow cooker?
Yes, cooking too long can make the asparagus mushy, so it's best to check it after 3 hours.
Can I add other seasonings to the recipe?
You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
Can I cook the asparagus on high for a shorter time?
Yes, you can cook on high for about 2-3 hours, but the texture may be slightly different.
How do I prepare the asparagus before cooking?
Rinse the asparagus and snap off the woody ends before placing them in the slow cooker.
Can I double this recipe in the same slow cooker?
Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate more asparagus without overcrowding.
Is it necessary to cut the asparagus to fit in the slow cooker?
It's not necessary, but cutting them can help them fit better and cook more evenly.
tools needed
Slow Cooker: Obviously essential for this slow-cooked asparagus recipe. Hard to make this dish without one.
Non-Stick Cooking Spray: To lightly grease the slow cooker before adding the asparagus, preventing any stickiness and making cleanup easier. You can also use olive oil or another oil to grease the slow cooker.
Whisk: While not specifically mentioned in the recipe, a whisk may be handy for mixing the broth, butter buds, and garlic salt together before adding the asparagus. Because nobody wants a clump of garlic salt ruining the dish.
what goes with it?
Parmesan Crusted Chicken: the light and delicate taste of the asparagus will balance out the richness of the Parmesan crust on the chicken.
Creamy Parmesan Risotto: Add the cooked asparagus (works well with leftover asparagus) to a creamy risotto, creating a contrast of flavors and textures.
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken: The bright, fresh flavors of the asparagus will be a great accompaniment to the zesty, herbaceous chicken.
Seared Scallops: The delicate scallops will be beautifully enhanced by the slightly sweet and tender asparagus.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc: When you're looking to match the vegetal, green notes of asparagus, you can't go wrong with a zesty Sauvignon Blanc. Its crisp acidity and citrus notes will complement the garlic and cut through the richness of the Butter Buds.
Gruner Veltliner: Here's a little-known match made in heaven. Gruner Veltliner, with its slight peppery note, plays well with green vegetables. The wine's herbal and citrus undertones will pair beautifully with the asparagus.
Chablis: Thinking of keeping it classy with a touch of buttery goodness without actual butter? A Chablis, with its minerality and lean profile, brings a refreshing contrast to the dish.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Gin and Tonic: With its botanicals, a gin and tonic can mirror the herbal qualities of asparagus, creating a refreshing and cleansing palate experience.
Dry Vermouth: If wine's not your scene, but you still want sophistication, a chilled glass of dry vermouth on the rocks with a twist can echo the herbal and green notes of the dish.
Wheat Beer: Believe it or not, the light and often citrusy flavors found in a good wheat beer can complement the asparagus without overwhelming it. The beer's slight sweetness and bubbles might just make you see this green spear in a whole new light.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Lemon Water: Sometimes simplicity wins. The bright acidity of lemon water can mirror the zestiness of the wine pairings and keep your palate refreshed.
Cucumber Sparkling Water: Cool, crisp, and slightly vegetal, cucumber sparkling water could be the non-alcoholic mirror to the Gruner Veltliner's pairing with asparagus.
Green Tea: A mild, slightly grassy green tea (hot or cold) can complement the asparagus by echoing its green, vegetal nature without stealing the show.
nutrition data
33 calories, 0 grams fat, 6 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in fat.
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reviews & comments
What's butter bud?? ,🤔 Never heard of it....
Butter Buds are a shelf stable butter flavoring (that's the brand name, another is Molly McButter). They are lower in calories, cholesterol, and fat than real butter.
Haven't tried yet, hence the 4 star review. This looks to be exactly what I need. Will be trying tomorrow, using butter versus butter buds (?) and home made stock. If it works as good as I hope/expect it to, I'll be back here changing the 4 star to a 5 star review! 🙂
We don't allow star ratings for recipes that aren't actually tried (so this was changed to be a comment only). Definitely come back and let us know how it turned out for you once you make it!
April 23, 2017
I agree about not using good fresh asparagus. I had bought a couple of bunches from the store and was going to just steam them but they weren't that great (too tough) so I tried this and it made them really tender and edible. I used regular broth though and added butter not the butter buds (didn't have that). Drained them before serving and sprinkled with shredded asiago cheese. And I only cooked on low for about 5 hours and they were good.
October 26, 2013
This worked great for some less fresh asparagus I had. I knew it was going to be a little on the woody side and thought the low cooking time might be just what it needed. I stood the asaparagus upright in my crock (small crock) and let it cook that way. Turned out great. I will do this again. I don' tknow that I would use really good fresh asparagus because that is so tender that you wouldn't really want to overcook it but this is good for less fresh or maybe even frozen that you want to try to make softer.