Roasted Asparagus with Lemon, Butter, and Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
Roasted asparagus with lemon, butter, and Parmesan is a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings out the best in fresh asparagus. This quick recipe delivers tender spears coated in bright citrus, savory cheese, and a hint of garlic — perfect for complementing any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus (trimmed)
- 2 to 3 tsp avocado oil
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 3 to 4 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and discard them. Arrange the spears in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet and brush with avocado oil.
- Step 3: Use your hands to evenly coat each asparagus spear with oil. Sprinkle sea salt and garlic powder over the asparagus.
- Step 4: Roast the asparagus on the center rack for 10 to 20 minutes—10 to 15 minutes for thin spears, 15 to 20 minutes for thicker ones—until tender and cooked to your liking.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and immediately top with freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 6: Serve warm, optionally with fresh lemon wedges, as a bright and savory side dish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, melt 1–2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the asparagus before serving.
- Swap avocado oil for olive oil if preferred, which adds a different flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before roasting for a touch of heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a better melt than pre-grated cheese.
Storage
Store leftover roasted asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to avoid overcooking and maintain the texture. Enjoy cold as a salad addition or warm as a side.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Fresh asparagus is best for roasting as it holds texture better. Frozen asparagus tends to become soggy and may not roast well.
How do I know when the asparagus is done roasting?
The asparagus should be tender but still slightly crisp. Depending on thickness, roasting between 10 and 20 minutes at 425°F will achieve this—check by piercing with a fork.
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Roasted Asparagus with Lemon, Butter, and Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Roasted Asparagus with Lemon, Butter, and Parmesan is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with avocado oil, seasoned with garlic powder and sea salt, then topped with fresh lemon zest and parmesan cheese. Perfectly suited for a quick, healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Asparagus
- 1 pound asparagus (trimmed)
Seasoning and Toppings
- 2 to 3 tsp avocado oil
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 3 to 4 Tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven’s temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot enough for roasting the asparagus evenly.
- Prepare Asparagus: Trim the woody, rough ends off the asparagus spears with a knife and discard them. Arrange the spears in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Brush the asparagus with 2 to 3 teaspoons of avocado oil to lightly coat each spear.
- Season: Use your hands to rub the avocado oil over the asparagus so each spear is coated evenly. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder evenly over the asparagus for flavor.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven. Roast the asparagus for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness—10 to 15 minutes for thin spears and 15 to 20 minutes for thicker spears—until cooked to your preference, tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add Final Touches: Immediately after removing the asparagus from the oven, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper, the zest of one lemon, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the spears while they are still hot.
- Serve: Serve the roasted asparagus warm, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges for extra brightness, as a delicious side dish for any main meal.
Notes
- Adjust roasting time based on the thickness of the asparagus to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Avocado oil is used for its high smoke point and mild flavor; other oils like olive oil can be substituted if preferred.
- Freshly grated parmesan yields the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Use fresh lemon zest for a vibrant citrus aroma; avoid the bitter white pith.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, just make sure the asparagus is in a single layer for even roasting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Roasted Asparagus, Lemon Asparagus, Parmesan Asparagus, Healthy Side Dish, Easy Vegetable Recipe
