Craving a delightful side dish that is both healthy and bursting with flavor? Look no further than roasted asparagus spears! This vibrant vegetable offers a delectable crunch and a sweet, earthy taste that will elevate any meal. Whether you prefer them as a simple snack or as a vibrant accompaniment to your favorite dishes, roasted asparagus spears are a culinary delight that is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can easily create a restaurant-worthy dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread out asparagus spears in a large shallow roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Shake roasting pan gently so asparagus is completely coated in oil.
- Roast in oven until spears are just tender. Cooking time will depend on thickness of asparagus, about 10 minutes for medium-thick asparagus. Pencil asparagus will take much less time; thick stalks will take more. Shake pan halfway through cooking time to keep spears from sticking. Just before serving, drizzle asparagus with olive oil and adjust seasoning.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS SPEARS WRAPPED IN SMOKED SALMON
Steps:
- Trim asparagus. Lay spears flat on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper and a little fresh rosemary. Toss asparagus around to evenly coat. Cook in oven for 10 minutes at 400 degrees until golden brown and tender. Wrap each spear with smoked salmon and serve.
### 3 Key Take-Aways Before Roating Asparagus
* **Choosing Asparagus:** Select vibrant spears with tightly closed tips for the best result.
* **Trimming Asparagus:** To maintain the tenderness of the dish, peel off any woody ends of the asparagus spears.
* **Preparing Asparagus:** Toss the spears with a combination of salt, oil, and a touch of herbs or spices for added flavors.
### 3 Keys to Roaring Asparagus
* **Temperature:** Roast the asparagus at a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C), for a quick and even cook, while keeping the texture crisp.
* **Roating Time:** Aim for 15-20 minutes of roasting time, adjusting according to the desired softness of the asparagus.
* **Flip Once:** During the roasting process, remember to rotate the spears once for even cooking and caramelizing on all sides.
### Troubleshooting Asparagus Roasing
* **Undercooked Asparagus:** If you prefer softer asparagus, extend the roasting time in increments of 2-3 minutes.
* **Burnt Asparagus:** To prevent burnt tips, check the spears frequently and remove them from the heat as soon as they are done.
* **Bland Asparagus:** For more flavorful results, consider adding herbs, spices, or a drizzle of citrus before roasting.
### 3 Serving Suggestions for Asparagus
* **Main Dish:** Serve roasted asparagus as a hearty and healthy main dish, paired with grilled protein or a bed of quinoa.
* **Side Dish:** Roated asparagus can be a vibrant addition to a simple grilled or baked meat dish.
* **Appetizer:** Create an easy and delicious appetizer by wrapping roasted asparagus with prosciutto or pancetta.
### 2 Storing and Reheating Asparagus
* **Storing:** Keep roasted asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 6 months.
* **Reheating:** Reheating roasted asparagus is easy. Simply place it in a preheated 300°F (150°C) over for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
### 2 Asparagus and Health: A Nutrional Powerhouse
* **Minerals:** Asparagus is a great source of essential vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and antioxidants.
* **Fiber:** It is also a good source of dietary fibers, which aid in digestion.
### 1 Favorite Variation: Lemon-Pepper Asparagus
* **Citrus Infusion:** Enhance the flavors of your asparagus by adding a squeeze of fresh leman and a sprinkle of black or white peppers before roasting.
### 1 Final Thought: A Versatile and Nutrious Delight!
Roasted asparagus is a versatile and nutrious addition to your culinary repertoire. With its vibrant green color, crispy texture, and rich nutrient content, it is a delightful side dish or a hearty appetizer.