Description
This Roasted Asparagus recipe offers a simple, flavorful side dish featuring tender asparagus spears tossed with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roasted until lightly caramelized. Optional finishes include a bright splash of lemon juice and freshly grated parmesan to elevate the flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500 g asparagus (about 1 lb or 3 standard Australian bunches)
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
Optional Finishes
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp parmesan, freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 220°C (430°F) or 200°C fan assisted to get it ready for roasting.
- Prepare the asparagus: Snap the woody ends off the asparagus; they will naturally break at the right point, ensuring you discard the tough parts.
- Toss with seasonings: Place the asparagus on a baking tray, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the finely minced garlic. Toss well to coat evenly, then spread out the spears in a single layer.
- Roast the asparagus: Place the tray in the oven and roast for 7 minutes or until the ends have light color and the asparagus is just tender. For very thick spears, roast for 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep the asparagus from becoming wrinkly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the asparagus from the oven. If desired, toss with lemon juice for brightness, then pile onto a serving platter and grate fresh parmesan over the top before serving.
Notes
- Choose asparagus spears that are firm and bright green for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the clove whole alongside the asparagus.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of asparagus: very thick spears need longer roasting.
- For a dairy-free version, omit parmesan and use lemon juice only.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture, as roasted asparagus can lose its crispness when cooled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 125 g
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
