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Perfect Asparagus Made Easy: The Ultimate Roasted Asparagus Cooking Guide

Perfect Roasted Asparagus

Fresh asparagus is roasted at high heat with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender and lightly browned. Lemon wedges, garlic, and Parmesan provide simple finishing touches.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Fresh asparagus
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
For Serving
  • 1 cut into wedges Lemon
Optional Additions
  • 1 minced Small garlic clove
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the asparagus and dry it thoroughly, then snap or cut away the woody bottom ends, usually removing about 1 to 2 inches.
  2. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between them. Toss with the olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced garlic if using.
  3. Roast thin spears for about 8 to 10 minutes, medium spears for about 10 to 12 minutes, or thick spears for about 12 to 15 minutes. The asparagus is ready when it is bright green, tender when pierced, and lightly browned at the tips.
  4. Finish the roasted asparagus with fresh lemon juice or serve it with lemon wedges. Sprinkle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Dry the asparagus well after washing so it roasts rather than steams. Arrange spears with space between them and group them by thickness when possible, since very thin asparagus can become soft before thick spears are done.