Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon (Printable Version)
Crisp asparagus spears with Parmesan cheese and bright lemon flavor, creating an elegant Mediterranean side dish in minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
→ Oils & Seasonings
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Finishing Touches
05 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 medium lemon, zest and juice
07 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat.
04 - Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until asparagus is just tender and slightly golden.
05 - Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The high-heat roasting method gives you perfectly crisp-tender asparagus with caramelized edges that will convert even the staunchest vegetable skeptics at your table.
- With just 5 minutes of active prep time, this dish delivers remarkable flavor complexity that makes it feel like you spent hours in the kitchen.
02 -
- Thicker asparagus spears actually roast better than pencil-thin ones, maintaining a juicy interior while developing a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Adding the lemon juice right before serving prevents it from turning the vibrant green asparagus into an unappetizing olive color if left to sit too long.
03 -
- If entertaining, completely prepare the asparagus up to the roasting step, then pop it in the oven while your guests are enjoying appetizers for perfectly timed, just-roasted vegetables.
- Save those snapped-off woody ends in your freezer bag of vegetable scraps to make a vibrant green vegetable stock later.