Perfectly Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Parmesan
Recipe Introduction: The Perfect Roasted Asparagus Awaits
Fancy a super easy, yet utterly delicious side? You know, something that even you can't mess up? Then you need to try my asparagus recipe ! Honestly, this roasted asparagus is so good, it'll become your new go-to.
A Classic Dish, Elevated
This asparagus side dish isn't some fancy new invention. It's been around, but I've tweaked it to make it absolutely perfect! Originating from the Mediterranean, oven-roasted asparagus has always been a simple, healthy way to enjoy this spring vegetable.
It’s easy side dish recipes like this that make cooking a joy. This recipe is rated easy. Prep takes 5 minutes .
Roasting? Just 12- 15 minutes . That's it! You'll get 4 servings of pure deliciousness.
Why This Roasted Asparagus Rocks
Let's talk benefits. Asparagus is packed with vitamins. It's a nutritional powerhouse! This garlic roasted asparagus , or even the vegan version, is incredible for a quick weeknight dinner, or even a fancy Sunday lunch.
What makes this recipe special? Simple! It's the tender crisp asparagus and the zesty lemon parmesan combo. The balance of flavours is unreal.
I even sometimes add roasted asparagus balsamic glaze , because oh my gosh is it tasty!
Time to Gather Your Bits:
Ready to get started? First, grab your lovely asparagus! The thicker spears work best for roasting. Remember to also add olive oil, salt, and pepper, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese.
We want that roasted asparagus with parmesan taste!
Ingredients & Equipment for Roasted Asparagus Perfection
Right, let's talk shop. To nail this roasted asparagus recipe , you don't need fancy gear or weird ingredients. Just some good quality produce and a few kitchen staples, yeah?
Main Ingredients Deets
- Asparagus: 1 pound (454g) . Look for spears that are firm, bright green, and snap easily. Avoid the limp, sad-looking ones. Honestly, nobody wants floppy asparagus, do they?
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Extra virgin is the way to go for that extra flavour kick.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) kosher salt.
- Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (0.75g) freshly ground black pepper. Freshly ground makes a HUGE difference, trust me.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it, alright?
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons (12g) , freshly grated. The pre-shredded stuff? Nah.
Seasoning Notes - Time to Get Spicy!
For this asparagus side dish , the magic is in simplicity. Salt and pepper are essential. The lemon juice adds a nice zing and helps brighten the flavours.
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth.
If you are feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Or, if you're going the vegan roasted asparagus route, nutritional yeast can give you a cheesy flavour.
Garlic powder works too.
Out of lemon? Lime juice works in a pinch, it's cool.
Equipment Needed - Keep it Simple!
All you need is a baking sheet/sheet pan to achieve great oven-roasted asparagus . Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze, but it's not essential.
I'm all about making life easy, you know?
If your asparagus spears are super thick, a vegetable peeler can help peel the bottom third of the stalks for even cooking.
But honestly, most of the time you can skip it. This easy side dish recipe doesn't need to be complicated.
Sometimes, when I'm feeling lazy, I just toss the asparagus with the oil and seasoning right on the baking sheet.
Less washing up, you know? I hope you will be enjoying this roasted asparagus with parmesan !
Let's Talk Roasted Asparagus : Your New Favourite Easy Side Dish Recipes
Honestly, who doesn’t love roasted asparagus ? It's quick, easy, and makes even the fussiest eater feel like they're getting their greens.
It's one of those easy side dish recipes that's always a winner. Plus, it's so much better than boiled, am I right? I used to think asparagus was boring until I tried oven-roasted asparagus .
Now, it's a staple!
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first, let's get organised. Wash your 1 pound (454g) of asparagus. Then, snap off the tough ends. Time saving tip: Just bend a spear, and it will naturally break where it needs to.
Grab your 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) of salt, 1/8 teaspoon (0.75g) of pepper, 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice and 2 tablespoons (12g) parmesan.
If you want even cooking, peel the bottom third of thicker spears with a peeler.
From Raw to Ready: step-by-step How to Cook Asparagus
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . This is key for getting that tender crisp asparagus .
- Toss the asparagus with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure every spear gets a good coating.
- Spread the asparagus in a single layer on your baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them!
- Roast for 12- 15 minutes , flipping halfway. You want them tender crisp and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately!
Garlic Roasted Asparagus Pro Tips & Tricks:
- Don't Overcrowd: Give those spears space. Steamed asparagus is not what we're after. You wanna roast 'em, not steam 'em.
- Watch the Clock: Ovens can be temperamental. Start checking around the 12-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Nobody likes mushy asparagus. Aim for that tender crisp asparagus !
- Drizzle with roasted asparagus balsamic glaze after roasting for a touch of sweetness and tang. For a vegan roasted asparagus , omit the Parmesan cheese. Consider a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour alternative.
So there you have it. Perfectly roasted asparagus with parmesan that will impress even your mother-in-law. Go on, give it a go and let me know how it turns out! This asparagus recipe will surely become one of your go to recipes.
Recipe Notes
Okay, let's chat about some extra bits that'll make your roasted asparagus game strong. Honestly, these are the things I've learned from actually making this recipe a gazillion times.
It's all about perfecting that tender crisp asparagus , you know? I was inspired to create a foolproof asparagus recipe after many undercooked and overcooked batches.
Serving Like a Pro
Listen, presentation matters! Don't just chuck it on a plate. Arrange your beautiful roasted asparagus with parmesan artfully. Maybe fan it out a bit, or lay it alongside a lovely piece of grilled salmon.
A squeeze of extra lemon and a final sprinkle of Parmesan? Oh my gosh, yes! As for sides, this goes with everything .
Grilled chicken, a juicy steak, or even as part of a fancy salad. I love it with something simple like spaghetti aglio e olio.
It’s a restaurant worthy asparagus side dish , promise.
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? Pop that oven-roasted asparagus in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 3 days.
Reheating? Honestly, I prefer it cold in salads, but if you must, a quick zap in the microwave or a toss in a warm pan will do.
Freezing isn't ideal, it tends to get a bit mushy.
Variations on a Theme
Fancy a change? A drizzle of roasted asparagus balsamic glaze is amazing ! Or how about some garlic roasted asparagus ? Just toss in some minced garlic before you roast it.
If you're going for a vegan roasted asparagus version, just skip the Parmesan. It is still amazing. Seasonally, you can add toasted almonds for a nutty crunch in the spring.
It's all about adapting to your own tastes, innit?
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
So, each serving of this easy side dish recipes clocks in at around 80 calories. You are also getting about 5g of protein, 6g of fat, and 4g of carbs.
But more importantly, asparagus is packed with vitamins and minerals, and it's good for you!
Right then, that's all folks!. So what are you waiting for? Go and whip up some roasted asparagus .
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my roasted asparagus from getting mushy?
The key to perfectly roasted asparagus is not overcooking it! Make sure your oven is hot enough (400°F/200°C) and spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not roasting.
Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes you want it tender crisp, not floppy like that time you forgot about the Yorkshire puddings!
Can I roast asparagus that's not perfectly fresh?
While fresh asparagus is always best, you can still roast asparagus that's a little past its prime. Give it a good wash and trim off any woody or dried out ends. Roasting might help salvage it, but the texture might be a bit softer than if you used super fresh spears.
Think of it like trying to revive a wilting houseplant sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it's worth a go, innit?
What's the best way to store leftover roasted asparagus?
To store leftover roasted asparagus, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, but be aware that it may lose some of its crispness. Leftover roasted asparagus is great in salads, omelets, or frittatas.
Just like those Boxing Day leftovers, you can give it a new lease on life!
Is there anything else I can add to my roasted asparagus for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Roasted asparagus is a blank canvas for flavour. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting adds sweetness and tang. Consider tossing it with minced garlic or red pepper flakes before roasting for a bit of a kick.
For a vegan option, try sprinkling nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour or adding a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon. It's like customising your full English - everyone has their favourite tweaks!
I don't have Parmesan; what else can I use on my roasted asparagus?
No Parmesan? No worries! Pecorino Romano is a great substitute, offering a similar salty and sharp flavour. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, nutty taste. You could even try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch and nutty flavour.
Think of it as swapping the cheddar in your cheese toastie experiment and find what you like best!
How does the nutrition change if I add balsamic glaze or garlic to my roasted asparagus?
Adding balsamic glaze or garlic to your roasted asparagus will change the nutritional profile slightly, but generally, it's not a huge difference. Balsamic glaze will add a small amount of sugar and calories, while garlic contributes negligible calories but offers potential health benefits.
It’s all about moderation, though! It's kind of like adding a dollop of jam to your scone it's a treat, but doesn't suddenly make it unhealthy, as long as you enjoy in moderation.
Perfectly Roasted Asparagus With Lemon Parmesan
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 80 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
