Description

Roasted Asparagus – Simple & Delicious is a fresh, vibrant side dish featuring tender asparagus spears roasted to crispy perfection on the outside with a tender bite inside. This easy-to-make recipe enhances the natural sweetness and smoky notes of asparagus using just a few simple ingredients, making it a healthy, versatile accompaniment to a wide variety of meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus spears, firm and bright green
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1–2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients

1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for spice)
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or dill)
2 tablespoons toasted almonds or pine nuts (for garnish)
Balsamic reduction or nutritional yeast (vegan-friendly drizzle)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a high enough temperature for a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse asparagus thoroughly and pat dry. Trim off 1-2 inches of the woody ends to avoid toughness.
Season the Asparagus: Place asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder or minced garlic. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Arrange for Roasting: Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding for even roasting and crispiness.
Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, shaking or flipping the spears halfway through to brown evenly.
Add Finishing Touches: Remove from oven, then if desired, zest a lemon over the asparagus or squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness just before serving.

Notes

Choose uniform asparagus spears to ensure even cooking.
Do not soak asparagus before roasting; dry spears roast better and become crispier.
Use high-quality olive oil to enhance flavor and browning.
Start checking asparagus at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Add freshly ground black pepper last to retain pungency.
Variations include adding Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or vegan-friendly drizzles like balsamic reduction or nutritional yeast.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes instead of using a microwave to preserve texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 pound
Calories: 70
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: roasted asparagus, easy side dish, healthy vegetables, gluten free, quick vegetables, oven roasted asparagus