Oven-roasted asparagus never gets old. Only five minutes of quick prep are required before popping this healthy dish into the oven. What’s not to love?

Roasted asparagus on a baking pan

This oven-roasted asparagus is delicious and simple – just the way it should be. Everyone needs a foolproof, no-fuss baked asparagus recipe in their back pocket for the perfect spear and this is it. With just 3 simple ingredients, this recipe is a no-brainer side dish that’s great for everything from weeknight dinners to fancy dinner parties.

How to Properly Trim Fresh Asparagus Spears

So, you went to the store and you have your bunch of asparagus. Now it’s time to get your spears trimmed and ready for cooking. Follow these easy steps:

  1. Wash the Asparagus: Wash asparagus before you start.
  2. Trim the Asparagus: Trim the spears by cutting off the tough, woody bottom half with a sharp knife. You can also bend the asparagus stalk to snap the woody part off with your hand — it will break off naturally.
  3. Toss the Ends: Toss the ends and use the spears in your favorite recipes.
baking sheet with oil and garlic parsley salt

How to Prepare this Oven-Roasted Asparagus Recipe

Cooking asparagus in the oven couldn’t be easier. The trick is cooking it at the right temperature for the right amount of time to give it a nice bite. Here are two different ways you can cook asparagus in the oven:

Method #1: Quick Broil in the Oven

  • Trim the Asparagus: Trim the woody ends of the asparagus off.
  • Assemble the Asparagus: Place your spears in an even layer on a baking sheet.
  • Season the Asparagus: Sprinkle with olive oil and parsley salt.
  • Broil the Asparagus: Bake on broil for about 5 minutes. Tim loves his spears a little undercooked!
  • Serve the Asparagus: Serve the spears warm or cold.

Method #2: A Longer Roast in the Oven

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  • Assemble the Asparagus: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the pan, parallel to one another.
  • Season the Asparagus: Drizzle the asparagus with extra virgin olive oil and season it with garlic parsley salt. (If you don’t have garlic parsley salt, you can also use garlic powder, black pepper, and salt instead.)
  • Toss the Asparagus: Toss the spears with your hands to coat them.
  • Bake the Asparagus: Roast for up to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Asparagus is done cooking when it’s tender but still crisp and bright green. We find that the sweet spot is around 12 minutes!
Asparagus seasoned on a baking pan

5 Tips for Making Perfect Oven-Roasted Asparagus

These 5 tips will help you roast asparagus like a pro.

  • Roast the asparagus in a single layer. To ensure that the asparagus cooks evenly, make sure to assemble it in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid stacking and overlapping the spears and you’ll be golden.
  • Pull the asparagus out early. To prevent asparagus from getting mushy, take the asparagus out a minute or two before you think it is done. Also, make sure to account for the asparagus cooking a little more as it rests.
  • Add parmesan cheese. Like it cheesy? Sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan on top of your asparagus and let it create a nice crust in the oven.
  • Squeeze on some lemon. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice atop your asparagus for a burst of freshness and citrusy taste.
  • Marinate the asparagus overnight. For extra flavor, prep your asparagus the night before by marinating it in the oil and salt. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop it in the oven and prepare it as directed.

Storing Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Store roasted asparagus in an airtight container or aluminum foil in the fridge for up to a week. The longer the asparagus sits in the fridge, the more likely it is to get soggy and limp, so you must warm it up properly. When you are ready to reheat, simply broil the asparagus on a baking sheet to make it crispy again. Avoid microwaving it, as this will just make the spears rubbery.

What to Serve Alongside Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is a healthy side dish for just about any protein. If you’re in the mood for beef, serve it alongside a juicy cast iron ribeye steak or a roast beef tenderloin. For chicken, we like to do air fryer chicken parmesan or a roasted spatchcock chicken. If you’re going the seafood route, garlic herb roasted salmon is a must. You can even chop it up and toss it into alfredo pasta.

FAQ

Why is my roasted asparagus mushy?

Your asparagus is mushy if you overcooked it. The longer that spears are baked, broiled, or steamed, the soggier they will get. It’s also important to remember that asparagus cooks a bit more as it rests right out of the oven, so it’s always wise to pull it while it’s al dente still. 

How do you cook asparagus so it’s not chewy?

The key to prepping asparagus so it’s not chewy is to store it properly. If you aren’t planning to use the asparagus right away, you must keep the base of the asparagus moist by either storing it in water or wrapped with a damp paper towel. If the base isn’t kept moist, the spear will begin to get weak and the cooked asparagus will be chewy. 

Does asparagus get softer the longer you cook it?

Yes, asparagus gets softer the longer you cook it. The sweet spot for tender, yet firm asparagus is a 5-minute broil or a 20-minute bake in the oven. 

Should you soak asparagus before cooking?

There’s no need to soak asparagus before cooking it. A quick rinse under cold water is more than enough to remove any dirt or grim. 

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Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.