Simple Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Flaky Sea Salt

Simple Roasted Asparagus With Lemon And Flaky Se

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 large bunch fresh asparagus (approx. 1 lb or 450 g)
• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
• 1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt or kosher salt
• 1/2 medium Lemon, for zest and juice
• 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
• Wash and Trim: Rinse the asparagus thoroughly and pat completely dry. To trim the woody ends, gently snap or cut the stalks where the tender portion begins. (If using very thick spears, use a peeler to shave a thin layer off the bottom third of the stalk.)
• Season the Asparagus: Transfer the trimmed spears to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the 2 Tbsp (30 ml) of EVOO and toss thoroughly until every spear is lightly coated.
• Add Initial Seasoning: Sprinkle with fine sea salt and black pepper. Toss one last time to distribute the seasoning evenly.
• Arrange for Roasting: Lay the seasoned asparagus out on a baking tray in a single, non-overlapping layer. Use two trays if necessary to prevent steaming.
• Roast: Place the tray in the preheated oven. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes. The asparagus is done when the tips are slightly blistered and the stalks are tender-crisp.
• Finish with Citrus: Immediately remove the asparagus from the oven and transfer the spears to a serving platter.
• Zest and Juice: Grate the zest from half of the lemon directly over the hot asparagus. Squeeze the fresh juice from the lemon half over the spears.
• Final Seasoning: Sprinkle the 1/4 tsp Flaky Sea Salt over the top just before serving. Serve piping hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:110 kcal

Protein:3 g

Fat:8 g

Carbs:6 g

Fiber:3 g

Sodium:200 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Right, Time to Stop Serving Soggy Veg

Right, hands up if you struggle with disappointing side dishes. You know, the dreary green things that are mushy and just sit there unloved? Honestly, we have all been there.

But today, we fix that forever. I promise you this is the absolute Best Roasted Asparagus you will ever make.

Forget boiling or steaming. This simple technique is the ultimate Best Easy Asparagus Recipe .

The Quickest Way to Flavour

This recipe is foundational. It teaches you the single best trick. We are learning How To Bake Asparagus the proper way.

It is not about fancy ingredients. It is about using high heat correctly. High heat coaxes out the natural sugars.

This gives you that gorgeous, slightly sweet flavour.

We use the brilliant oven roasted asparagus sheet pan method . This minimal fuss approach guarantees success. You avoid the faff of complicated steps.

It is genuinely simple cooking. The whole thing is finished in under 25 minutes flat. That includes prep and cooking.

This recipe yields four generous side servings.

Why Roasting is Simply Superior

When you master Baking Asparagus In The Oven , you get results. We want stalks that are both blistered and tender crisp roasted asparagus 400 degrees .

That high temperature of 400° F ( 200° C) is our secret weapon. It ensures the outside caramelises quickly.

Asparagus is brilliant for fibre and vitamins. It is one of those naturally healthy foods. This method makes eating your greens easy.

This isn't just a side dish. It is the essential simple roasted asparagus side dish . It works perfectly with a Sunday roast.

It is also a lifesaver for a quick weeknight supper.

The Flavour Finish That Sings

The real magic happens right at the end. Once the spears are cooked, we add the zest. That lovely roasted asparagus with lemon and flaky sea salt finish makes all the difference.

That burst of fresh lemon cuts through the richness.

Knowing How To Bake Asparagus In The Oven this way is essential. It is a genuine quick 15 minute roasted asparagus recipe .

I stopped messing about with complicated seasonings years ago. I learned that knowing How To Roast Asparagus In The Oven properly is the key.

Trust me, once you taste that lemon and salt pairing, you will never look back. Ready to see the few bits we need?

What You Need for the Perfect Asparagus

Right then, let’s talk gear and ingredients. If you want the title of Best Easy Asparagus Recipe , you need decent produce.

Forget complicated gadgets. This is an oven roasted asparagus sheet pan method , simple as pie.

The Shopping List: Stars of the Show

This recipe proves less is totally more. I once tried adding seventeen ingredients. Honestly, it was a mess. Keep it simple for the tender crisp finish we want.

Grab 1 large bunch of fresh asparagus. That’s about 1 pound (450 g) . Medium thickness is key here. Skinnier stalks burn too quickly. Thicker ones are tough. Get it right!

You’ll need good oil. We use 2 Tbsp (30 ml) of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Use one that tastes nice, because you will taste it. Don’t skimp on quality.

Seasoning Secrets: Flaky Salt Magic

The seasoning is the easy bit. Before we even think about How To Bake Asparagus , toss the spears with fine salt and 1/2 tsp (2 g) of freshly ground black pepper.

Now for the finish that elevates this to the Best Roasted Asparagus . You need fresh lemon. We use the zest and the juice from 1/2 medium lemon .

That hit of acid after roasting is transformative.

My biggest tip? Buy good Flaky Sea Salt . We sprinkle this on after cooking. It doesn't melt in the heat.

It provides a delightful crunch. That’s what makes this roasted asparagus with lemon and flaky sea salt so memorable.

Tools for Roasting Success

You don’t need a non-human vertebrae, just standard kitchen kit!

To truly master How To Roast Asparagus In The Oven , you absolutely need a good baking sheet. I use a standard 13 x 18 inch sheet pan.

Using a single pan is essential for the oven roasted asparagus sheet pan method . Why? Because overcrowding makes steam. We want roasting, not soggy steam baths!

Preheat your oven to a blazing 400° F ( 200° C) . High heat ensures you get that gorgeous caramelization. This makes for a quick 15 minute roasted asparagus recipe .

We aim for tender crisp roasted asparagus 400 degrees every time.

Seriously, that’s it. A pan, a bowl, and simple goodness. This is the ultimate simple roasted asparagus side dish . Stop faffing about and get this Baking Asparagus In The Oven !

Getting Started: Prep for Perfection

Honestly, the hardest part of any cooking is getting organized. But with this Best Easy Asparagus Recipe , prep is a breeze.

Forget complicated steps! We are focusing on making a gorgeous, simple roasted asparagus side dish that’s ready in a flash.

The key step here? Dryness. After you’ve snapped those woody ends (I swear, that little snap is so satisfying!), you need to dry the spears completely.

If they are even slightly wet, the oven will steam them. We want to roast, not boil! That’s why we’re sticking to the oven roasted asparagus sheet pan method .

It’s the best.

Toss your dry asparagus spears in a bowl with 2 Tbsp of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are perfectly coated.

Think of this oil coat as their armor against the intense heat—it helps them brown beautifully.

How To Bake Asparagus In The Oven

This is where the magic happens. We’re using high heat for speed and perfect texture. This method shows you exactly How To Bake Asparagus so it’s never sad and floppy.

1. Heat it High: Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . High heat ensures you get that lovely caramelization.
2. Pan Arrangement is Gospel: Lay your seasoned spears on a baking tray. This is crucial: they must be in a single layer. If they overlap, you’re essentially steaming them. For true crispiness, treat the pan surface like holy ground.
3. Roast: Slide the tray into the preheated oven. We are aiming for a quick 15 minute roasted asparagus recipe .
4. Timing is Key: Roast for 12 to 15 minutes . For thinner spears, pull them at 12 minutes. For thick ones, wait until 15. The goal is tender crisp roasted asparagus 400 degrees . The tips should look slightly charred.

The Finishing Touch: Making the Best Roasted Asparagus

Right, you’ve mastered the art of How To Roast Asparagus In The Oven . But don't stop yet! The finish is what elevates this from "good" to "Oh my gosh, what is in this?"

Immediately remove the spears. Grate the zest from half a lemon right over the hot veg. Squeeze the juice on top. That acidity wakes up the flavour.

Finally, ditch the table salt. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) over the top. This gives you amazing texture.

You have just created the perfect roasted asparagus with lemon and flaky sea salt . Honestly, this is the Best Roasted Asparagus you will ever make.

It's truly a foundational side dish.

Right then, you’ve mastered the core recipe. You’ve made the Best Roasted Asparagus . Honestly, this is the cornerstone of so many weeknight meals.

This section is all about turning that amazing tender crisp roasted asparagus 400 degrees into a perfectly integrated side dish.

This whole process, this quick 15 minute roasted asparagus recipe , is all about making your life easy, you know?

Making it Look Posh (Plating and Pairing)

Plating is easy with this one. Since you nailed the roasted asparagus with lemon and flaky sea salt , the presentation is half done already! I love serving it fanned out on a simple white platter.

The bright green colour just pops against the white. And seeing that flaky salt sparkle? Bliss. It makes a truly beautiful simple roasted asparagus side dish .

Pairing-wise, keep it light. It’s perfect with grilled fish or a classic Sunday chicken roast. If I’m having a slightly posh brunch, I sometimes serve it with poached eggs and a drizzle of homemade hollandaise.

For drinks, a crisp, cold Sauvignon Blanc is the absolute business. It matches the acidity of the lemon perfectly.

Life After the Feast (Storage and Reheating)

Look, let's be real. Asparagus is best straight out of the oven. Like, immediately. But if you do manage to have leftovers—which is a miracle in my house—keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Do not, I repeat, do not reheat this in the microwave. It turns into a sad, soggy mess. To revive that lovely texture from your Baking Asparagus In The Oven session, use the oven roasted asparagus sheet pan method again.

Put the leftover spears back onto a tray and reheat at 350° F ( 175° C) for about five minutes.

It’s the only way to get close to that fresh crispness again.

Mixing It Up (Easy Variations)

This Best Easy Asparagus Recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan, which is brilliant! But sometimes you want a change.

If you’re craving a bit more richness, try a sprinkle of pine nuts and a dash of nutritional yeast before you start How To Bake Asparagus In The Oven .

That adds a nutty, cheesy flavour without any actual cheese. You can also mix up the seasoning! I often throw in a teaspoon of smoked paprika during the oil toss.

It gives a deep, earthy flavour that is fantastic when you are focused on How To Roast Asparagus In The Oven .

The Good Stuff (Nutrition Basics)

One of the best bits about this recipe is how genuinely good for you it is. Asparagus is seriously low in calories but absolutely jam-packed with essential vitamins, especially K and A.

It's also known for being a fantastic source of fiber. It helps balance out those heavier main dishes, making it the perfect guilt-free complement to your meal.

You know, you feel virtuous while eating something that tastes amazing.

So there you have it. You now know the secrets to not just cooking, but mastering the Best Roasted Asparagus .

Whether you call it How To Bake Asparagus or roasting, you’ve nailed a culinary staple that will impress every single time.

Now go forth and conquer dinner!