Roasted Asparagus Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

Make perfectly crisp and tenderRoasted Asparagusin the oven every time with this easy recipe! Learn how to properly trim the woody ends, coat them in a garlic butter sauce, and quickly bake in the oven so they don’t get soggy. Finish off this healthy side dish with a burst of fresh lemon zest to take it over-the-top!

Perfect Roasted Asparagus Recipe

Sometimes there are dishes I make at home that do not seem initially worthy enough to make an appearance on the site.

They’re either too quick to make…

Don’t need that many ingredients…

Or, quite honestly, I think you all know how to make something similar already!

Like thisroasted asparagus recipe. It’s one of my favorite ways to eat this green vegetable.

Thinking everyone already knew how to roast asparagus in the oven, I was quite shocked to get a text from a good friend asking,

“How long do I bake asparagus?”

It was at that moment I realized: we all have completely different skills and levels when it comes to cooking!

So today I promise you there is no more holding back on sharing recipes or cooking techniques with you lovelies!

You’re getting it all, from the super simplehow-to poststo the more complex and gourmet recipes. And it starts here, with the best way to roast this healthy veggie.

Love asparagus? Be sure to check out this easy Air Fryer Asparagus recipe next!

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this oven-roasted asparagus recipe include:

• Asparagus.You can find fresh asparagus in one-pound bunches in the produce area at your grocery store. Thinner spears will cook more quickly versus thicker spears.
• Lemon.Fresh lemon juice and zest are both used at the end of roasting to give a burst of citrus.(Learnhow to zest a lemon5 different ways—with and without a zester!)
• Garlic.Fresh garlic cloves are a big component of this recipe. While garlic powder can be substituted, it will not deliver the same punch of flavor.
• Oil.Choose a relatively good quality olive oil. Avocado oil or another mild oil will also work.
• Saltand Pepper.Add as little or as much as you’d like depending on your taste preference.

How to Roast Asparagus in the Oven

Below you’ll find the simple steps to make this baked asparagus recipe at home:

Trim the Asparagus

Many people aren’t sure where to trim the asparagus. Thankfully, it’s really quite simple.

You can take a knife and a cutting board to quickly slice at the junction where the light brown turns to green.

But there’s a better and more effective way totrim asparagus:

Pick up one asparagus spear. Hold the spear in both hands and place your thumb at the junction of the light brown and green parts.

Press lightly until you can feel where the asparagus is soft versus where it is hard. Continue pressing until the spear snaps. Repeat this process with the remaining asparagus spears. The woody stems should pop off.

Prepare Asparagus Spears

Choose a large enough sheet pan so that each piece of asparagus is in a single layer with none of them overlapping.

Using a rimmed baking sheet will ensure none of the delicious garlic oil runs off into the oven.The easiest way to save clean up is by lining the sheet with parchment paper before cooking.

Expert Tip:If you want to take it up a notch you can even place the asparagus spears on an oven-safe wire rack. This allows the hot air in the oven to contact the asparagus on all of its sides!

Brush with Garlic Oil

Whisk together the oil, salt, pepper, and garlic that has been crushed with a garlic press. Brushthe mixture over all sides of the spears using a pastry brush. You can also pour it on with a spoon but you will want to rub it all over the spears.

How Long to Roast Asparagus at 350? 375? 400? 425?

Roast asparagus in a preheated oven. Asparagus roasts at 350°F for 13-16 minutes, 375°F for 12-15 minutes, at 400°F for 10-13 minutes, or at 425°F for 10-12 minutes. Cooking asparagus at a high temperature will finish faster, but thin spears might burn so be sure to keep an eye on them!

You will know they are done when they are bright green and tender.

Just before serving, zest half of a lemon and squeeze juice over the asparagus. You can also serve it with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep-Ahead:Wash and trim the asparagus and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in advance.
• To Store:Leftover roasted lemon garlic asparagus will last in a refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, the texture is best immediately after cooking.
• To Freeze:Seal roasted asparagus in freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat:Return to a 350°F oven until heated through. You may also quickly pop it in the microwave.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Snap the ends.Use your fingers to easily break off the tough ends.
• Single layer.Arrange the asparagus on the baking sheet without touching so the edges can get crispy.
• Brush, not pour.Coat the spears with the seasoning mixture using a pastry brush.
• The brighter the better.The asparagus is done when it turns a vibrant green color.
• Add a little zest.Lemon juice is good, but zest will give the most lemon flavor.

What to Serve with Roasted Asparagus

This low-carb and Whole30 side is so amazing because it goes with almost ANY main dish!

A few of my favorite entrees to serve delicious asparagus with includeHoney Balsamic Chicken,Spatchco*ck Chicken, andHot Honey Chicken.

If you prefer seafood for a main course, tryMiso Glazed SalmonorSalmon Piccata.

More Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables is not only super easy, it’s a really healthy way to prepare them. These recipes each make a perfect side dish.

If you haven’t had aWhole Roasted Cauliflower Head, you don’t know what you’re missing.

You can also tryRoasted Broccoli and Cauliflower,Roasted Eggplant, orRoasted Butternut Squash.

Other Easy Asparagus Recipes

If you love this garlic lemon asparagus, you might also enjoy these other easy recipes.

Cream of Asparagusis a unique way to enjoy this veggie.

You can also makeAir Fryer Asparagus,Simple Sautéed Asparagus, or evenBacon Wrapped Asparagus.