Oven Asparagus
Oven-roasted asparagus with a light olive oil and salt seasoning, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Perfect as a healthy side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Combine asparagus, olive oil, water, and salt in a jelly roll pan.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 7 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 7 minutes or until just tender.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, choose fresh asparagus with firm stalks and vibrant green color. If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter. To enhance the dish, consider adding minced garlic or lemon zest before baking. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs before the final baking stage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roasted asparagus as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Favorite Uncooked Tomato Relish, adding a fresh contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it with quinoa or a light salad. Top with freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to maintain its crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the asparagus mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Asparagus contains roughly 67 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1745mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
While fresh asparagus yields the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus. Simply adjust the baking time, as frozen asparagus may require a few additional minutes to cook through. Make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before mixing with oil and salt.
What can I serve with roasted asparagus?
Roasted asparagus complements a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, pasta, or even as part of a veggie platter. It’s great alongside creamy dishes like Butterscotch Pie With Graham Cracker Crust for a balanced meal. Consider pairing with a light vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.
How do I know when the asparagus is done baking?
The asparagus is done when it is tender yet still slightly crisp. You can test this by piercing a stalk with a fork; it should go through easily but still offer some resistance. Keep an eye on it during the last minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).