Oven Roasted Asparagus: A Simple, Delicious Side Dish
Asparagus is a spring vegetable that's both nutritious and delicious. This simple oven-roasted asparagus recipe is perfect as a side dish for any meal. It's quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, highlighting the natural sweetness of the asparagus. This recipe is also easily customizable to your taste preferences!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions: Garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepping the Asparagus:
- Trim the asparagus: Snap off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus spears. You can easily do this by bending the spears until they naturally break.
- Wash and dry: Rinse the asparagus under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them roast evenly and prevents steaming.
Roasting the Asparagus:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss with olive oil and seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add any optional seasonings here – a sprinkle of garlic powder and lemon zest is always a good choice!
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don't overcrowd the pan; this ensures even roasting.
- Roast until tender-crisp: Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it, as ovens vary.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately: Roasted asparagus is best served hot and fresh.
- Pair with your favorite protein: It complements grilled chicken, fish, steak, or even tofu beautifully.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: A fresh squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors.
- Garnish with parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami touch.
Tips for Perfect Oven Roasted Asparagus:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy asparagus.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker asparagus spears may require a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Try different herbs, spices, or even a balsamic glaze.
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