In this post, I’ll share with you how to roast asparagus in the oven for deeper flavor and better texture. This fast and easy roasted asparagus recipe provides consistently delicious results. I consider it the best way to prepare fresh asparagus.
My favorite way to prepare asparagus is oven roasting. This easy method is so simple and so delicious! The roasting gives the tips of the asparagus a salty crunch and makes the stems melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Asparagus is one of the many reasons I love spring. I adore asparagus. It’s so easy to prepare, and its unique flavor compliments a variety of entrée dishes.
Is asparagus healthy?
Asparagus has many health benefits; it’s rich in fiber and a natural diuretic. It’s also high in potassium and folate, both of which are important for heart health. Roasting brings out natural sweetness in the asparagus, and makes it tender but not mushy (like boiling or steaming sometimes does).
Whenever I serve this to dinner guests, I am always asked for my roasting method. This is a great side dish to have in your arsenal; it’s nice enough to serve guests, but also a tasty and healthy treat for a weeknight. Roasted asparagus is quick, delicious, gluten free, and vegan.
How long does it take to roast asparagus?
Asparagus comes in a variety of sizes, so the cook time depends on how large the asparagus stalks are. Larger stalks can take up to 20 minutes (or even longer for very large stalks). Small and thin stalks can roast very quickly. I recommend checking for doneness starting around 8 minutes, and checking regularly thereafter until the proper texture is reached. You don’t want to overcook asparagus, as it can turn out dry and chewy, or very limp.
How to know when roasted asparagus is done?
Asparagus is done roasting when the stalks are tender throughout, with the tips just slightly crisp. Once you reach the perfect level of doneness, it will be slightly crisp on the outside and meltingly tender within.
How to season oven roasted asparagus?
There are so many wonderful seasonings and toppings for roasted asparagus. I enjoy it with simple olive oil, sea salt, and a touch of lemon juice, as written here. You can also add red pepper chili flakes for heat, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or garlic powder for additional flavor and variety.
If you don’t normally enjoy the flavor of this wonderful vegetable, I dare you to try it this way. You might just change your mind.
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Oven Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus (typically one bunch) - I find that larger stalks work best
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or more if needed)
- Salt (I prefer Celtic salt or sea salt)
- Black pepper
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
NOTES
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Wash asparagus and pat dry. Trim off the tough, woody, thick end of each stalk (in larger stalks this tough end may extend higher than on thin stalks). Spread asparagus out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you don't have parchment handy, lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil.Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the top of the asparagus; I use about 1 tablespoon of olive oil for each pound of asparagus. Use your fingers to gently rub each stalk evenly with the olive oil. There should be enough oil to coat all stalks. Sprinkle the asparagus generously with salt and pepper - you may use less or more to taste, or based on dietary preference. At this point you may also add additional seasonings and toppings for flavor variation. Options include spicy red pepper chili flakes, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or garlic powder. Place prepared asparagus in the oven.
- Roast the asparagus for 8-20 minutes. You will know they’re done when the asparagus turns bright green, the stems are tender, and the tips of the asparagus begin to get crisp from roasting. Small or very thin stalks may take less than 10 minutes to roast. Thicker stalks can take up to 20 minutes. Check frequently for doneness to avoid overcooking. Sprinkle cooked stalks with a bit of fresh lemon juice, if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition
It appears there was a glitch in the auto-calculation feature on my recipe program, which was pulling from the recipe card rather than the customized values I had included. I just corrected it, it should reflect the proper values for 1 tbsp olive oil and 3/4 tsp salt now. Thank you for pointing it out!
You are right Mary, thank you for pointing that out. I have corrected the nutrition calculation to include 1 tbsp olive oil. My system auto-generates the calorie information, and sometimes it doesn’t calculate accurately, so I had to manually adjust. This is why I have a note below the nutrition card which reads: “Nutritional information should be considered an estimate only; please consult a registered dietician, nutritionist, or your physician for specific health-related questions.”
Perfectly as described! I have also sprinkled smoked paprika
My son who is anti veggies LOVES these! Thank you!!!!
I am looking for Vegan recipes and came across your site. I can’t wait to try some of them out.
This is delicious! I add lemon zest and a squeeze of the lemon over it prior to roasting. I made this in advance for a party and my male guest helper ate almost a pound of it before the guests arrived— he said he just couldn’t stop! I sent him back to the grocery to buy more . This is a winner method. Easy and fast. 425 for 8-10 minutes, testing them along the way. Yum.
I also find it irresistible! And healthy, too – win, win!
I mixed 1 tbs. olive oil, 1/4 tsp each onion and garlic powder, a dash crushed red pepper, 1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning, and a little salt n pepper. I whisked all together in a bowl and added asparagus and mixed with my hands. I baked at 375 F in a Pyrex dish for 15-20 minutes. We ate the asparagus as a side dish for breakfast. It was superb.
Hi Tori, Just wanted to let you know that today I made 3 of your recipes! Roasted beets (previously I had skinned them first before roasting and now did it your way), then roasted califlower that came out fantastic, and then asparagus on the same baking sheet of the cauliflower! Unfortunately the cauliflower didn’t all make it to the serving dish since I kept eating it! I also sauteed the beet greens with olive oil, fresh garlic (from my garden) and lemon juice/zest. I feel healthier already! Thanks for all the tips!
That sounds good too, Irina! I use fresh ginger fairly often. I think I’m going to try asparagus your way next time. Thanks for sharing! This is why Iove sites like this….Us home cooks can exchange and share ideas without having to have our own TV shows!!
Amen to that, Susan! I’ve learned more than a few great cooking tips from my readers… you all continue to inspire me to be a better cook! 🙂
I am using same recipe, except sprinkle asparagus with salt,lemon juice, garlic and fresh ginger. My daughter loves it.
I also love asparagus roasted in the oven. If you’re open for suggesions to kick it up, here’s how I make it: Grate some fresh garlic over the asparagus (amount depends on how much of a garlic-lover you are, of course). Toast some slivered almonds or pine nuts (both delish!) Roast the asparagus same way you already do. Sprinkle almonds/nuts just before serving. I’ve served it to friends who don’t normally like asparagus, and they loved it!!
Fabulous idea Susan!
Hello!
Just wanted to thank you for your comment, “fabulous idea”. That’s quite a complement coming from you!!
Susan
We eat at least a pound of asparagus a week in our house! My 3 year old loves it roasted just as you have written. Another thing she goes nuts for is when I saute the asparagus and add to scrambled eggs.
Great suggestion Todd! Glad you like the recipe, Marcy and Michelle. It’s really simple, but it’s so delicious… sometimes the best recipes are the easiest! 🙂
I love how few ingredients I need to make such a nice and nutritious addition to my dinner this evening. Your recipes are sooo helpful! My husband and I love asparagus! Thank you much! 🙂 Michelle from Chicago
Simple and elegant! The best! Thanks for reminding us that we can do these healthy and quick side dishes alongside the more involved big ones!!!!
Love your blog!!!!
Marcy
This is a great dish, my wife and I cook a few times a month. We spice it up a bit with Rosemary Olive Oil (home-made) and Red pepper flakes. Not sure if that is kosher, but it sure tastes good!
How did you make your Rosemary olive oil and how did you stiore it? I made some and it got real cloudy so I threw it out?