This simple Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe is the perfect vibrant side dish to any meal! It comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it an ideal addition to your weeknight dinners.
Hey there! How are ya?! BIG TIME asparagus lover over here! And that goes for whether it’s seared, steamed, air fried, grilled, or roasted. Orrrrr, wrapped in prosciutto or bacon. Seriously, I’m all about that asparagus life! It’s such a vibrant green veggie that tastes just as delicious on its own as it does in several other tasty dishes.
IMHO, asparagus adds the perfect crunch and texture to any plate. And the best part is that it’s super easy to cook and not hard to make taste incredibly delicious! You can jazz it up with some lemon zest and herbs, throw some garlic into the mix, or keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
With the beautiful sun shining over here in BC and asparagus season upon us, what better time than now to perfect the art of roasting it! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think and you’ll be a pro in no time!
I love this simple roasted asparagus recipe for how easily customizable it is and all the different ways you can serve it. Pair it with your favourite proteins for a complete and satisfying meal. Toss it with pasta for a quick and flavourful pasta dish. Or add it to salads for an extra burst of freshness and crunch. The options are seriously endless!
So, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply in need of the perfect veggie side dish for your homemade steak dinner, this quick and easy recipe has got you covered. And let’s not forget about the health benefits—packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, asparagus is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
So, go ahead, bask in the sunshine of asparagus season and let this simple yet elegant side dish take center stage on your table all Summer long!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS ROASTED ASPARAGUS RECIPE
The beauty about oven roasted asparagus is that you can really do whatever you want to it and experiment with a variety of different flavours. However, a simple base of olive oil, salt, and pepper is always a good place to start and will consistently produce delicious results.
Let’s discuss each ingredient in a little bit more detail down below:
- Asparagus: The obvious star of the show in this roasted asparagus recipe. Asparagus is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin K, folate, and vitamin C. It’s also a good source of fiber, antioxidants and minerals like potassium and manganese.
PRO TIP: While fresh asparagus typically yields the best results, using frozen asparagus can still result in a tasty roasted dish. Just be sure to thaw and dry it properly and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Olive Oil: Adds flavour to the asparagus and helps them cook beautifully and evenly in the oven. Also helps any seasonings or spices better adhere to the spears. As always, good quality and extra virgin works best in this recipe. However, if you’re looking for a more neutral taste and flavour, avocado oil is also a good option.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhance the overall flavour of the asparagus. Salt not only adds flavour but also helps to enhance other flavours in the dish. Pepper adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish, complementing the natural sweetness of the asparagus.
- Garlic: Optional in this recipe. Garlic infuses a savoury, aromatic flavour into the oven roasted asparagus. It also offers various health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure. If you don’t have any fresh garlic on hand, feel free to use garlic powder instead. You’ll need 1/2 a teaspoon insead of the 2 fresh cloves.
HOW TO ROAST ASPARAGUS IN THE OVEN (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this easy recipe for roasted asparagus in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Choose fresh asparagus. Look for firm, bright green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips. Avoid any that appear wilted or have mushy stems. EXTRA TIP: While fresh asparagus typically yields the best results, using frozen asparagus can still result in a tasty roasted dish. Just be sure to thaw and dry it properly and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Trim the ends. Before roasting, trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears. You can do this by snapping off the ends where they naturally break or by cutting them with a knife. This ensures that you’re left with tender, flavourful asparagus.
- Pat the asparagus dry before roasting. This removes excess moisture, preventing steaming during roasting and ensuring a crispy texture.
- Evenly coat with olive oil. Make sure to evenly coat the asparagus spears with olive oil to ensure they roast evenly and develop a nice caramelized exterior. I like using my hands for this and tossing the spears in the oil and seasonings directly on the sheet pan!
- Season generously. Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Season the asparagus with salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using) to enhance its natural flavours. Since there are such few ingredients in this roasted asparagus recipe, you want to make sure that the asparagus is properly and entirely seasoned before roasting.
- Use a hot oven. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps to quickly roast the asparagus, resulting in tender spears with a slight crispiness (and in a short amount of time!)
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures that they roast evenly and allows for optimal caramelization. Work in batches in you have to.
EXTRA TIP: Do your best to make sure there is a touch of space between the spears on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause the asparagus to steam rather than roast, resulting in a less desirable texture.
- Check for doneness. Keep an eye on the asparagus while it’s roasting to prevent overcooking. The spears should be tender and bright green but still slightly crisp. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus, so start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark. Be careful not to overbake or they’ll become mushy and bitter.
- Serve immediately. Roasted asparagus is best served hot out of the oven. Enjoy it as a vibrant side dish alongside your favourite main course.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Blanching asparagus before roasting is optional and depends on personal preference. Blanching involves briefly cooking the asparagus in boiling water, then immediately transferring it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This method can help to preserve the vibrant green color of the asparagus and slightly soften it before roasting.
However, blanching is not necessary for roasting, and skipping this step can result in slightly firmer spears with a more robust texture. I personally don’t do it. However, ultimately, whether or not to blanch before roasting is up to you and the desired outcome you want to achieve with your dish.
Knowing when roasted asparagus is done is essential for achieving the perfect texture. The easiest way to tell if roasted asparagus is done is by its appearance and texture. The spears should be tender yet still slightly crisp, with a vibrant green colour. You can test for doneness by piercing the thickest part of a spear with a fork or knife—it should easily penetrate the flesh.
Additionally, you can gently squeeze the spear; it should yield slightly but still have some firmness. Be careful not to overcook, as asparagus can quickly go from perfectly tender to mushy. Keep an eye on the asparagus while it’s roasting, and start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time (about 10 or so minutes in). With practice, you’ll develop a sense of when the asparagus is just right for your taste preferences.
If your oven roasted asparagus is turning out soggy, there could be a few reasons for this. One common culprit is excess moisture. When the asparagus spears are not properly dried before roasting or if they’re overcrowded on the baking sheet, they can steam rather than roast. This can result in a soggy texture instead of the desired crispiness.
Additionally, overcooking the asparagus can also lead to a soggy outcome. Asparagus is best when it’s tender yet still slightly firm. If it’s left in the oven for too long, it can become overcooked and lose its texture. To prevent soggy asparagus, make sure to pat the spears dry before roasting, arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet with some space between each spear, and keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven to prevent overcooking.
To store leftover roasted asparagus, first let it cool to room temperature. Then, place the asparagus in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the roasted asparagus by laying it out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. When reheating, either use the oven or a skillet to help retain its original texture and flavour.
LOVE ASPARAGUS? THEN YOU NEED TO TRY MY PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED ASPARAGUS RECIPE NEXT!
MORE GREEN VEGGIE FAVOURITES
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ROASTED ASPARAGUS RECIPE
This simple Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe is the perfect vibrant side dish to any meal! It comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it an ideal addition to your weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 Bunch of Asparagus, tough ends trimmed
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the trimmed asparagus in a pile on the baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil on top and then add the salt, pepper and garlic, if using. Toss to coat evenly (I like using my hands for this). Arrange them in a single layer (not overlapping).
- Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy (no need to flip).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 63Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 75mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.
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