How To Bake Asparagus In The Oven

This easy recipe comes with easy-to-find ingredients. Keep it simple and go with simple flavors or like us, go all out and try everything:

• Fresh Asparagus: Get a bunch of asparagus from the store. Any thickness is fine but make sure they are bright green and fresh.
• Olive Oil (1/2 tablespoon): Go for cooking oil that has a high smoke point. Opt for something like extra virgin olive oil. It coats the asparagus and adds a rich flavor.
• Seasoning: Keep it simple with just salt and pepper. Or add spices like chili pepper flakes and paprika for some heat.
• Garlic: It's time for the aromatics. We add fresh 2-3 cloves of minced garlic. You also go with garlic powder if you want. Add 1/2 teaspoon.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): This is optional. Take ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese for this recipe. It adds a nutty and cheesy flavor.

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
• Mixing Bowl
• Knife and Cutting Board

Get your ingredients ready and follow these simple steps to start baking the asparagus:

Instructions

Step 1

Start by taking an appropriate baking sheet and sprinkle some corn flour. This dries the tray and prevents asparagus from sticking. Otherwise, you can spread it with a little olive oil.

Step 2

Clean the asparagus and lay them parallel to each other on the baking tray. Trim the hard woody bottom part of the vegetable using a sharp knife. Or simply peel off the outer hard layer with a vegetable peeler.

Step 3

Lay the trimmed asparagus onto the baking sheet. Add the olive oil and coat each and every stalk evenly. Then season it with salt, pepper and other seasoning.

Add the minced garlic or garlic powder and toss again. Again, check if each stalk is well-seasoned. Put the seasoned asparagus on the tray in such a way that they are overlapping.

Step 4

Put the tray inside the oven and roast for 12 to 15 minutes. Check halfway and flip the asparagus spears so they cook through. You may either shake the baking tray or do it with tongs.

To make sure they are done, stab one of the spears with a fork. If they are bright green, tender and have a slight burnt end, your asparagus is ready to serve.

Step 5

Finish your cooked asparagus with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for serving. Let the asparagus cool down and transfer it to a serving platter. Let it cool and transfer the baked asparagus onto a serving platter. Optional: squeeze lemon juice and lemon zest over the top for some brightness.

It will take about 12-15 minutes until asparagus is baked. The cooking time, however, depends on the thickness of the spears. Bake them for longer if you want tender and crisp asparagus.

The thin spears will be done in about 10-12 minutes; the medium spears may take about 15 minutes. The thicker spears need to be cooked for 18 minutes.

Check if the asparagus is done at about 10 minutes from baking, but just to make sure they don't overcook. They will be ready once they are easily pierced with a fork and slight crispiness on the ends.

• Choose Fresh Asparagus: It starts with the asparagus itself. Go her firm and bright green spears. Thinner spears are tender and usually cook evenly.
• Trim Properly: Trim the woody ends of the asparagus with a sharp knife. This part is fibrous and tough to eat sometimes.
• Single-Layer Arrangement: Layer the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Maintain some distance between the asparagus spears so that they cook evenly.
• Shake or Turn Halfway: Flip the spears halfway into the baking process with tongs.
• Serve Immediately: Unlike other sides, roasted asparagus is best served immediately. If left to cool down, they might lose their crispiness.

You can store your cooked asparagus in the fridge for future use. Let the baked asparagus cool down and place it inside an airtight container. Next, transfer that to the fridge. It will be good for 3-4 days.

Reheat to Serve - Bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes Heat in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes.

You can also reheat it on a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes to serve.

Asparagus is one of the super-popular side dishes, but in real life, it's quite versatile and goes with a number of main courses, too. Try the following asparagus recipes:

1. Salad Topping: Top your favorite salads with baked asparagus. Chop the asparagus into small-sized bites, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and dressing of your favorite taste. It gives such beauty to any salad and gives it such a great crunch, feel, and just a burst of fresh taste.

2. Pasta and Risotto: Toss it with cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. As a healthier take, it also goes well with a creamy risotto. It adds freshness.

3. Quiches and Frittatas: Breakfasts have never been this alluring. Add chopped asparagus to quiches or frittatas with eggs, cheese, and other vegetables. It adds color and nutrition.

4. Pizza Topping: Why eat plain pizza when you could make it fun? Add asparagus to your favorite sauce and cheese, along with other toppings. This vegetable-with its slight crunch-goes great with other go-to pizza ingredients.

5. Bowls: This is for all the health enthusiasts. Serve baked asparagus with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro to make a healthy bowl. You can also add other roasted vegetables and a source of protein like tofu to increase the health quotient.