Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan

Asparagus spears roasted at 425°F with olive oil and garlic until tender-crisp, then finished with lemon zest, lemon juice and shaved Parmesan. Serves 4.

Steaks searing on a grill
  • Prep 10 min
  • Cook 12 min
  • Total 22 min
  • Yield 4 servings

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus and gives the tips a little crispness. It takes about 12 minutes in a hot oven and almost no preparation: snap off the woody ends, toss with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, and roast.

A squeeze of lemon and some shaved Parmesan at the end make it bright and savory. It pairs with nearly everything on this site, from steak to salmon to roast chicken.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound asparagus
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons shaved or grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Trim. Snap or cut off the woody bottom ends of the asparagus, usually the bottom 1 to 2 inches.
  3. Season. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the asparagus with the olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and spread it in a single layer.
  4. Roast. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, until tender-crisp and lightly browned in spots. Thin spears may be done in 8 minutes; thick ones can take 15.
  5. Finish. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and lemon juice, top with the Parmesan and serve warm.

Tips

  • Choose spears of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
  • To grill instead, toss the same way and grill over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning, laying the spears across the grate.
  • Toasted sliced almonds add crunch.

Questions about this recipe

How long do you roast asparagus at 425°F?
About 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until tender-crisp.
How do you know where to trim asparagus?
Bend a spear near the bottom; it naturally snaps where the tough part ends. Use it as a guide to trim the rest.
Can I roast asparagus ahead?
It is best fresh, but leftovers are good cold in salads.

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