Roasted Asparagus

Perfectly tender and yet slightly crisp Roasted Asparagus with garlic, lemon and Parmigiano Reggiano (aka authentic parmesan) is an amazingly delicious side dish. Within the recipe post are tips in choosing the right asparagus, how to store and roasting times.

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Choosing the Right Asparagus

Fresh asparagus should be firm to the touch and stand upright. Also it should be bright green with tips that have a purple hue.

Avoid asparagus that has gone limp, has a dull coloring or the bottom of the stalks are turning yellow rather than white. These signs indicate that the asparagus is on its way to expiring.

How To Store Fresh Asparagus

Fresh asparagus is absolutely delicious. However, it can go bad fairly quickly compared to other veggies. The best way to extend its shelf life is to trim approximately 1/2-1 inch off of the bottom of the stalks. Once trimmed, store upright in the refrigerator in a wide mouthed glass jar or drinking glass with a few inches of water.

Tools Needed

This asparagus recipe is incredibly easy to make. However, there are certain tools that both make the job easier and are needed in the preparation. Here are the tools starting with the most important.

• Sided Cookie Sheet– These type of cookie sheets (also know as jelly roll pans) are incredibly important when roasting veggies because the pan holds onto the liquids.
• Rotary Cheese Grater– The final addittion of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (authentic Italian Parmesan) tastes absolutely divine on the asparagus. However, grating it can be a bit challenging, The XOXO rotary grater makes it very simple to grate.
• Microplane– Also known as a zester, makes very fine shreds of lemon zest and can be used to grate the Parmigiano Reggiano but with just a bit more effort.
• Chef’s Knife– If there is one knife that is a must have it is the chef’s knife.
• Cutting Board
• Colander (as seen in video)- When cooking larger quantities or preparing odd shaped ingredients a larger colander can be a huge help.

Ingredients Needed

• Fresh Asparagus– For roasting purposes fresh asparagus yields the best results. (See Choosing the Right Asparagus and How To Store Fresh Asparagus sections above for more details.)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil– Because extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and most flavorful, it adds wonderful flavor to the asparagus. Normally extra virgin olive oil is best for lower cooking temperatures. However, since this recipe has a very short cooking time it is fine to use.
• Garlic– Fresh peeled and crushed garlic adds in the best flavor.
• Salt– Using a high quality sea salt like Maldon’s Sea Salt Flakes adds a fresh and clean flavor to any type of roasting recipe.
• Black Pepper
• Lemon Zest– One of the best ways to add a bright citrus punch without excess liquid is to use only the lemon zest on the freshly roasted asparagus.
• Parmigiano Reggiano (aka real authentic Italian parmesan)– The absolute BEST parmesan with amazing flavor, texture and is perfect for the health conscious. Costco by far has the best value on Parmigiano Reggiano.

How To Make

Preparing Asparagus

1. Preheat oven to 425℉.
2. Remove rubber band from asparagus bunch and rinse the asparagus well. Let sit to drain while preparing oil mixture.
3. Whisk together oil, garlic, salt and black pepper.
4. Break or snap off the tough woody ends of the asparagus spears.
5. Place asparagus onto a sided cookie sheet and pour oil mixture evenly over the asparagus.
6. Using hands gently toss the asparagus making sure each spear is coated with oil.
7. Line the asparagus in a single layer on the cookie sheet.

Roasting Time

Roast the asparagus in a preheated 425℉ oven following the roasting times below and making sure to stir halfway through roasting.

• Thin Asparagus– 8-10 minutes
• Medium Thick Asparagus– 11-14 minutes
• Thick Asparagus– 15-20 minutes.

Note: The thickness of the asparagus is purely based on personal preference. It is not a deciding factor is how well the recipe turns out.

Garnishing Asparagus

1. Once roasted transfer asparagus immediately to a platter.
2. Pour excess juices from cookie sheet over asparagus. 
3. Top with lemon zest and freshly grated cheese.

What To Pair With

• Served on top of Smoked Salmon Sandwiches.
• Roasted Garlic Dip dolloped on top of a serving.
• As a side dish next to perfectly cooked Rib Eye Steaks, Easy Broiled Pork Chops or Bacon Wrapped Chicken.
• Roasted Asparagus is amazing next to all kinds of seafood such as Panko Crusted Salmon, Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs or Pan Seared Salmon with Orange Ginger Glaze.

Leftover Uses

This asparagus is absolutely amazing eaten cold the next day, which makes it perfect for packing in work lunches. Additionally, it can be added to cold pasta salads such as Springtime Pasta Salad, Bacon Tortellini Pasta Salad or Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad. One additional option is adding the cold asparagus to green salads such as Strawberry Walnut Salad, Arugula Pear Salad or Avocado Chicken Salad.

More Delicious and Easy Vegetable Side Dishes

Roasted Zucchini Slices

Balsamic Grilled Brussel Sprouts

Sweet Potato Cakes

Mexican Coleslaw with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Italian Sautéed Baby Spinach

Roasted Butternut Squash