Roast Asparagus in the Oven
Cooking asparagus in the oven is surprisingly simple and delivers fantastic flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash your asparagus spears and snap off the tough, woody ends – they'll naturally break where they become tender. This works for both fresh and raw asparagus.
Simple Roasting Method
On a baking sheet, toss the asparagus with a tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For extra flavor, add minced garlic or lemon zest.
Arrange the spears in a single layer. The cooking time depends on thickness: thin spears take about 8-10 minutes, while thicker stalks might need 12-15 minutes. You want them tender-crisp and slightly browned. For crispy asparagus, you can increase the heat slightly in the last few minutes or ensure they are not overcrowded.
This method is perfect for a quick, healthy side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.
