Are you tired of searching for simple, healthy dinner sides? Look no further! This step-by-step guide will show you how to cook asparagus in the oven. My method for this oven roasted asparagus recipe is not only super easy but also incredibly delicious! And that’s exactly what we want for dinner, right?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start by choosing the basic ingredients for baked asparagus:
- Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm spears with tightly closed tips. Springtime is when you’ll find the highest quality asparagus. Remember, any thickness will do, just adjust the cook time accordingly.
- Olive Oil: This is a must for roasted vegetables. It helps with browning and adds flavor. You can use regular olive oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil depending on your preference.
- Garlic Powder: This is optional, but it adds great flavor. I recommend using garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic to avoid burning.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Feel free to use kosher salt if that’s what you have on hand.
How To Cook Asparagus In The Oven
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process:
-
Trim: Start by removing the tough, woody ends of the asparagus.
-
Season: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired. Toss everything together, then arrange the asparagus in a single layer again.
-
Roast: Bake the asparagus in the oven until it reaches the desired crisp-tenderness.
-
Serve: Once ready, you can serve your oven roasted asparagus immediately. Enhance the flavor with a squeeze of lemon.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Asparagus
- Cooking Temperature: I recommend roasting asparagus at 400 degrees F. This temperature ensures optimal cooking results.
- To Peel or Not to Peel?: While peeling asparagus is not necessary in this recipe, be sure to trim the tough ends before cooking.
- Storage Instructions: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can enjoy them straight from the fridge, let them warm up to room temperature, or quickly reheat them in the oven, microwave, or on a hot pan.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing roasted asparagus, as it tends to become mushy. However, you can use frozen asparagus in soups or casseroles.
What to Serve With Roasted Asparagus
This oven roasted asparagus recipe pairs perfectly with various main dishes:
- Chicken: Prepare air fryer chicken breast or pan-seared chicken breast while roasting asparagus in the oven. Alternatively, you can bake chicken legs and quickly cook the asparagus.
- Steak: For a steakhouse-style meal, serve your asparagus with a sirloin steak, filet mignon, or ribeye.
- Seafood: Asparagus is an excellent vegetable pairing for fish and seafood. Try it with pan-seared salmon, air fryer shrimp, lobster tail, or sea bass.
- Eggs: Create a delightful brunch spread with coddled eggs or baked eggs in a muffin tin.
These dinner ideas also go well with cauliflower rice, regular rice, or roasted potatoes if you desire a heartier side dish.
More Easy Asparagus Recipes
Roasting is just one way to cook asparagus. Here are some other simple and tasty options:
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
The oven works wonders for bringing out rich flavors in various vegetable dishes!
Remember, cooking asparagus in the oven is an easy and versatile method that yields fantastic results. Give it a try, and enjoy the irresistible taste of perfectly roasted asparagus. For more mouth-watering recipes and helpful cooking tips, visit Ekilove.
