The Best Way To Make Roasted Asparagus: Super Fast & Easy!
Recipe Overview
Overview
Roasted asparagus is one of those delightful side dishes that can elevate any meal with minimal effort. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of ingredients to create a dish that is both healthy and flavorful. The process starts with preparing the asparagus by trimming the woody ends, which can be done easily by bending the stalk until it snaps at the right point. This method ensures that you get the best part of the vegetable without any tough bits.
Once trimmed, the asparagus is arranged on a baking sheet, drizzled with olive oil, and seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The choice of garlic powder is particularly clever, as it avoids the risk of burning that fresh garlic can have at high roasting temperatures. Tossing the asparagus to coat it evenly ensures that every piece is seasoned perfectly.
Roasting at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 20 minutes allows the asparagus to become tender while still retaining a slight crunch. The addition of a fresh squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the asparagus. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile, making it a fantastic accompaniment to proteins like chicken, fish, or steak.
Overall, this roasted asparagus is a must-try for anyone looking to add a simple yet delicious vegetable side to their meals. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce and can be easily adapted with different seasonings or served alongside various main dishes.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Line a sheet pan with foil.
Tip: Use foil for better browning on the asparagus.
Trim the woody ends off of the asparagus by bending until it breaks.
Tip: Bending the asparagus helps trim it at the natural breaking point.
Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Drizzle about two tablespoons of olive oil over the asparagus.
Add a quarter teaspoon of sea salt, a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Tip: Freshly cracked pepper is more delicious than pre-ground.
Tip: Garlic powder is preferable to minced garlic for roasting to avoid burning.
Toss the asparagus to coat it evenly with the oil and seasonings.
Roast the asparagus in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 20 minutes.
Tip: Ensure asparagus pieces are touching the pan for even roasting.
Slice a lemon into wedges while the asparagus is roasting.
Tip: Cut off the ends of the lemon first to remove seeds easily.
Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving plate using tongs.
Squeeze lemon juice over the roasted asparagus before serving.
Tip: Squeezing lemon on roasted asparagus brightens the flavors.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Roasting asparagus at high temperatures enhances its natural sweetness and flavor.
- •Using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic prevents burning during roasting.
- •Asparagus is in season during spring, making it the best time to enjoy this vegetable.
- •Trimming asparagus by bending it helps find the natural breaking point for optimal cooking.
