I recently whipped up an easy dish featuring 1 lb of fresh asparagus tossed in olive oil, salt, black pepper and a touch of garlic powder, with lemon wedges on the side. I was truly impressed by these asparagus recipes roasted that brought a burst of natural flavor in under 20 minutes.

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I’ve always been a fan of a quick and satisfying side dish and this oven roasted asparagus truly steals the show Every time I whip up this recipe, I use 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed to perfection and drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over them before sprinkling 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper evenly Also, sometimes I add a pinch of garlic powder for that extra zing Its simplicity is what makes it so versatile; I’ve tried different cooking methods from pan roasting to even a quick stovetop sear but nothing tastes as fresh as when it’s baked in the oven Its crisp edges and tender interiors come together perfectly in under 20 minutes I love serving it with lemon wedges to brighten up the flavors Its a foolproof way to reinvent a classic and prove that sometimes the most basic ingredients can lead to the best results Its my go-to recipe anytime I need a healthy, delicious side dish.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love how quick and easy this recipe is to make. I don’t gotta spend hours in the kitchen, so whenever i crave something healthy, its my go-to.

I also dig the way the asparagus comes out crunchy yet tender. It always feels just right when i bite into it, not too soft and not too hard.

One more thing i like is that its healthy but still packs tons of flavor. It proves that simple ingredients can make the most satisfying dish out there.

Lastly, i appreciate that i can add my own twist with extra garlic or a squeeze of lemon. It makes the whole cooking process feel personal and fun.

Ingredients

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Fresh asparagus offers crisp texture, rich fiber, and vital vitamins to boost your dish.
Olive oil adds smooth, healthy fats, enhancing flavor and promoting crunch while roasting.
Salt balances flavors, drawing out natural taste in asparagus without overpowering dish.
Freshly ground black pepper brings mild spice and aroma enhancing each bite.
Garlic powder, if used, gives a savory punch and warm notes to the dish.
Lemon wedges provide a fresh, tangy kick, brightening the roasted flavors perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional: lemon wedges for serving

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Rinse the asparagus thoroughly and snap off the woody ends.

3. Place the trimmed asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and toss ’em around to coat evenly.

5. Sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, and if you’re using it, the garlic powder too.

6. Arrange the spears in a single layer so they cook evenly.

7. Roast the asparagus for about 12-15 minutes, until they are tender but still a little crunchy.

8. Once done, take ’em out of the oven and squeeze some lemon juice over the top if you like.

9. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty oven roasted asparagus!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven for preheating and roasting the asparagus
2. Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
3. Mixing bowl to toss the asparagus with oil and seasonings
4. Tongs or a spatula for stirring the spears evenly
5. Measuring spoons to get the right amounts of salt, pepper, and garlic powder
6. Optional lemon juicer if you plan to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish

FAQ

Q: Can i use frozen asparagus?

A: Its best to use fresh asparagus 'cause frozen ones can get mushy in the oven. If you must use frozen, just be aware it might not crisp up like fresh spears.

Q: How long does it need to cook?

A: Roast your asparagus at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, depending on how thick your stalks are. They should be tender yet still have a slight crunch.

Q: Can i add other spices?

A: Yup! You can try sprinkling a pinch of garlic powder or even some paprika if you want to give it a bit more flavor. Just keep in mind that the olive oil and salt really brings out the asparagus natural taste.

Q: Should i flip the asparagus during cooking?

A: Its a good idea to toss them halfway through the roast to ensure even cooking and that all sides get that lovely char.

Q: How do i store leftovers?

A: If you have any leftover asparagus, let them cool down and pop em in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to keep the crispiness.

How To Cook Asparagus In The Oven Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: You can swap it with avocado oil if you dont have olive oil handy. Its good for high heat too
Salt: Instead of regular salt, you can try sea salt or even a dash of low sodium soy sauce for a slightly different twist
Freshly ground black pepper: If you’re out of it, white pepper is a decent alternative that still gives your dish some heat
Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic works really well too if you want that extra burst of flavor, just use a bit more since it can be milder
Lemon wedges: If you arent into lemon, a few lime wedges or a squirt of balsamic vinegar can add a unique tang to your asparagus

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you leave enough space between the asparagus on the pan. If they are too bunched up, they might steam rather than roast which can make them mushy.
2. Keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven. Every oven is different so they may need a minute or two longer or shorter than the recipe says.
3. Give the asparagus a little extra flavor boost by adding a tiny pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon right after they come out of the oven especially if you like them zingy.