Description
Mediterranean-inspired roasted asparagus brings garden-fresh elegance to your table with minimal effort. Crisp spears drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt promise a simple yet sophisticated side dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound / 454 grams)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh lemon juice (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), creating an optimal roasting environment for the asparagus.
- Thoroughly rinse asparagus under cold water, then carefully pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Gently snap off the woody ends of the asparagus by bending each spear, which naturally separates the tender portion from the tough bottom.
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus on a spacious baking sheet, ensuring no overcrowding for even roasting.
- Generously drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, massaging the spears to coat evenly with the seasoning.
- Distribute the asparagus in a single, uncrowded layer to promote uniform cooking and crispy edges.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure consistent caramelization.
- When asparagus turns tender with slightly crisp tips, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.
- For a final flavor boost, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted asparagus just before serving, enhancing its natural brightness and complementing the rich, roasted taste.
Notes
- Trim asparagus smartly by gently bending each stalk to naturally find the tender breaking point, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
- Spread asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and promote even roasting, creating deliciously crispy edges.
- Customize seasoning by experimenting with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or za’atar for a unique flavor profile that complements the asparagus.
- Make this recipe diet-friendly by substituting Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version or using a dairy-free alternative that adds similar umami richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg