Roasted Asparagus ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food
This roasted asparagus recipe is quick, easy, simple and so flavorful! This veggie comes out crispy on the outside and tender inside. They are loaded with fresh garlicky flavor. Serve with chicken, beef, pork, steak, or with pasta. Roasted veggies have never been so easy!
This roasted asparagus recipe is the best way to cook asparagus! This delicious green veggie is plump, tender, and crispy. Oven-roasting asparagus yields perfectly cooked veggies. They are great as a healthy and easy side dish, appetizer, or snack. They are bursting with juicy, garlicky flavor!
For other green side dish recipes, check out charred broccoli with honey mustard. Collard greens are also delicious, as is this green bean casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This easy roasted asparagus recipe is quick and easy.
- It is perfect for busy weeknights as a simple and flavorful side dish.
- Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and earthy flavors.
- Combining olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic enhances the naturally mild taste.
- Roasted asparagus goes well with favorites like grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or pasta.
- It can also be used in salads, omelets, or as a topping for pizzas or bruschetta.
- There are many ways to dress up roasted asparagus.
- Consider a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or serving them with pan-fried oyster mushrooms.
- The vibrant green color of the roasted asparagus is so pretty on the plate. This recipe is a real showstopper!
- Roasting veggies makes them more flavorful and delicious.
- This recipe is naturally sugar-free, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs.
What is Asparagus?
Asparagus is a nutritious veggie belonging to the lily family. They have slender spears with tightly closed, pointed buds at the tip.
Asparagus come in different colors like green, white, and purple. Green is the most common variety.
Known for its pretty specific flavor, asparagus are earthy and sweet, with a hint of bitterness.
Roasted asparagus is hearty, savory, and garlicky.
Health Benefits
Asparagus offers lots of health benefits.
They are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K. These contribute to a healthy immune system, improved vision, and cell function.
Asparagus is also packed with minerals like folate, iron, and potassium.
Additionally, asparagus is a great source of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
They are also low in calories and naturally fat-free.
Asparagus is great for many diets and lifestyles. They are generally considered very healthy and a great addition to any menu.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list.
Choose firm asparagus, vibrant in green color. Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim off the tough ends before using.
Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. It helps coat the asparagus evenly and adds a pleasant richness when roasted. If needed, replace with melted refined coconut oil or avocado oil.
A little salt and pepper add flavor without being overpowering.
Use minced fresh garlic cloves or pre-minced garlic for convenience. This adds a delicious garlic flavor!
Taste & Texture
Asparagus has a distinct taste and texture that sets it apart.
Its flavor is earthy, slightly bitter, and subtly sweet.
The tender stalks offer a delicate and crisp texture, while the tips tend to be more tender and succulent.
How to Make
Step 1
First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Place the trimmed asparagus in an even layer on a baking sheet with rimmed edges.
Step 3
Drizzle olive oil on top. Sprinkle sea salt, pepper, and minced garlic on top.
Step 4
Use your hands to evenly coat the veggies in oil and seasonings.
Step 5
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the asparagus.
Step 6
Finally, remove the pan from the oven. Serve!
Expert Tips for Success
Choose good-looking asparagus. Look for fresh asparagus with firm stalks and closed tips.
Thicker asparagus spears are more tender and have a sweeter flavor. Avoid any wilted or limp-looking asparagus.
Toss with oil and seasonings. Toss the asparagus gently to ensure even distribution of the oil and seasonings.
Roast in a single layer. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
Roast to perfection. Place the asparagus in the preheated oven and roast for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the spears are tender and slightly browned.
Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, as thinner spears may cook faster.
Customize the flavors. Feel free to experiment with additional flavorings like lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, or toasted almonds. These can add a refreshing citrusy note, a cheesy richness, or a delightful crunch to the roasted asparagus.
How to Trim Asparagus
- Hold an asparagus spear with both hands near the cut end and the middle part. Gently bend the spear until it naturally snaps. This breaking point shows where the woody part ends and the tender part begins.
- A knife is also fine to use. In this case, place the asparagus spear on a cutting board and carefully trim about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom end. Cut it at a slight diagonal angle for a pretty aesthetic.
- Repeat the process for all the asparagus spears in the bunch. Make sure to trim each one to a consistent length.
- Once trimmed, discard the tough ends or save them for making vegetable broth or soup!
How to Serve & Store
Serve this roasted asparagus as an appetizer or a healthy side dish.
Asparagus is a lovely accompaniment to fish (check out this easy walnut-crusted salmon) and chicken.
Roasted asparagus pair well with crock pot chicken or even these air fryer chicken breasts. I always make asparagus to go with chicken. Everyone loves this healthy family dinner!
Storing roasted asparagus is easy. After roasting, allow the asparagus to cool completely to room temperature.
Next, transfer to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Aluminum foil works too.
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Proper storage will preserve it for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
When ready to enjoy again, either serve the roasted asparagus cold as a salad component or reheat it.
Add leftovers to a skillet with a little olive oil. Sauté until warmed.
The texture of roasted asparagus may change slightly upon refrigeration, becoming softer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The roasting time for asparagus depends on the thickness of the spears and personal preference. Generally, as a guideline, roast asparagus at a high temperature, around 425 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 10 to 15 minutes. Thicker asparagus may require a slightly longer cooking time.
The best way to roast asparagus is to preheat your oven to a high temperature. Next, prepare the asparagus by trimming and tossing it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven until tender and slightly browned.
No, there is no need to soak asparagus before roasting. Soaking asparagus can cause it to become waterlogged and affect the texture and flavor.
This depends on personal preference. Roasting asparagus creates caramelization and gives it a slightly crisp texture.
Sautéing asparagus in a hot pan with oil or butter can result in a more lightly browned texture.
Asparagus is a seasonal vegetable, and its peak season varies depending on the region. In general, asparagus is in season during the spring months, typically from March to June in the northern hemisphere. However, availability may vary, and you can often find asparagus in grocery stores throughout the year, thanks to global sourcing. Asparagus is oftentimes offered as a frozen vegetable. Check your local grocery store. My local grocery store carries frozen asparagus all year long.
Equipment Needed
Baking Pans: These large baking pans are great for roasting veggies. They have rimmed edges.
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Enjoy this roasted asparagus recipe!
