Try a third way
Use a heavy, lidded casserole dish. Place the spears in a single layer in the dish with 2 tablespoons of water, sprinkle with a heavy dusting of Parmesan cheese and cook at full power in your microwave for around two minutes.*
*That time is for "baby" asparagus, the thin spears. For the thicker spears you may have to adjust time cooked up by 30 seconds to a minute.
I served this to my folks for Easter dinner along with some panko crusted lamb chops and they loved it. Bright green, firm and flavorful with just a tiny bit of "crunch".
