Pan-Roasted Asparagus is one of the easiest recipes for bringing out the best in this vibrant, fresh veggie. A quick roast (15 minutes) in a hot oven with olive oil creates tender, caramelized spears, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a touch of brightness. Asparagus is simple to prepare and the perfect side for just about any meal.
Enjoy this nutritional powerhouse veggie alongside Old Fashioned Salmon Patties or Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese for a delicious dinner!
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⭐ Why Melinda Loves Pan-Roasted Asparagus
This is an easy way to enjoy some of the first fresh produce of the year.
It brings back fond memories. I grew up in an agricultural community in eastern Washington and could see asparagus fields from the backyard of my childhood home!
Just 5 ingredients! Oven-roasted asparagus is a quick-to-fix veggie side dish that adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
🍋 Ingredients to Have on Hand
Fresh Asparagus: Look for fresh asparagus with firm, straight stalks that stand up on their own. Take a pass on any that are limp or have wilted spears. Ideally, the grocery store or farmer's market will have the fresh asparagus stored upright in a shallow pan of water. This helps ensure freshness.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is best, you'll only need the juice from one-half of a lemon.
Olive Oil: Be sure to use a light olive oil which performs better under high heat.
Scroll to the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
🥗 Substitutions and Variations
Pan-Roasted Asparagus is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh asparagus. But here are a few variations that can help add additional flavors and texture to those perfectly roasted spears.
Balsamic Glaze: Tangy, slightly sweet balsamic glaze is absolutely delicious with asparagus. Simply swap the lemon juice for this after the asparagus is done roasting. Drizzle the balsamic over the spears while they are on the baking sheet, then serve.
Seasoning Salt: Replace regular table salt with your favorite blend of seasoning salt for a subtle seasoning blend.
Parmesan Cheese: After sprinkling the lemon juice on the cooked asparagus, place the spears on a serving plate then dust with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Sauces: Many sauces and condiments go great with cooked asparagus. A splash of soy sauce is delicious, a freshly made Blue Cheese Vinaigrette pairs well with it, and yes, even homemade fry sauce or freshly made tartar sauce are tasty options to serve with asparagus!
⭐ Pro Tip
Wondering how much asparagus to serve? Plan on about ½ pound of asparagus per person. Depending on how thick the asparagus is, that's roughly 6-8 spears for each serving.
♨️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: After bringing your fresh asparagus home, trim the ends by about ½ inch and place the stalks upright in about 2 inches of water. Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare for serving. (Photo #1)
Step 2: When you are ready to make dinner, remove the light-colored base of the asparagus stalks. Hold each stalk with both hands and gently bend it near the middle. The asparagus will naturally snap at the point where the tough portion at the base of the spear meets the tender part. Place the trimmed asparagus in cool water to ensure all the dirt is removed. (Photo #2)
Step 3: Drain the asparagus and pat it dry using paper towels. (Photo #3)
Step 4: Place the stalks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (Photo #4)
Step 5: Use a pastry brush to coat each stalk of asparagus with olive oil. (Photo #5)
Step 6: Sprinkle with salt and pepper. (Photo #6)
Step 7: Bake in an oven preheated to 450°F for approximately 15 minutes, depending on how thick the stalks of asparagus are, thinner stalks will cook faster. Remove the pan from the oven and squeeze about 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice over the asparagus. (Photo #7)
Step 8: The asparagus is ready to eat. Place it on a serving platter with tongs and enjoy! (Step #8)
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, but it takes a little work. After you trim (snap or cut) the ends of the asparagus, boil the spears for 2-4 minutes then place them in a pan of ice water - this stops the spears from cooking any further.
Pat the spears dry then arrange them on a plate or baking sheet and place in the freezer until the spears are frozen solid. (About two hours.)
Transfer the frozen spears to a freezer-safe, airtight container and freeze, plan to defrost and enjoy the asparagus within 6 months.
No, there's rarely a need to peel fresh, green asparagus especially when it's oven-roasted like this. Some folks recommend peeling especially thick spears, to ensure even cooking. But in my experience, it's not necessary.
⭐Pro Tip
Here's how to keep those spears of asparagus fresh longer. Trim the bottom of the spears and stand them upright in a glass bowl with an inch or two of water in the refrigerator. Asparagus is a little like a cut flower, the spears continue to absorb moisture through the ends. This will help keep your asparagus fresh for about a week in the fridge.
🌡️ Leftovers and Storage
Allow the oven-roasted asparagus to cool to room temperature and place the spears in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cold, cooked asparagus is delicious! I like to serve chilled, leftover asparagus spears in salads.
🍽 Other Tasty Side Dishes
Pan-Roasted Asparagus is a simple way to enjoy a delicious, fresh vegetable. Here are more side dishes that will go well with asparagus.
💬 Did You Make This Recipe?
If you make Pan-Roasted Asparagus I'd love to hear how it turns out. Please leave a 🌟 star rating and a comment below. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Recipe
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
(From Melinda) I've been serving asparagus using this recipe for years! The asparagus caramelizes, is tender and perfect every time. I can't wait for you to try it.