I don’t know that this Simple Roasted Asparagus really requires an introduction. However, it’s such a frequent player in my menus–both for dinner parties and any-night-of-the-week dinners–that I feel remiss in not giving it its own post. Simple and delicious, this side dish can perfectly accompany an elegant entrée or an everyday one. I like to think of this recipe as a “do no harm” kind of thing (a lot like salmon).
What You Need to Make Simple Roasted Asparagus
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Wire Rack Inserts for Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil – Optional for easier cleanup.
- Gallon-size Zip Top Bag – While you can technically season and oil the asparagus without the bag / on the sheet pan, I like this zip top bag method for more even distribution.
Ingredients
- Asparagus Spears – Just break off the woody end. I do this by gently bending it down towards the bottom and letting it naturally snap where it will.
- Kosher Salt – You can adjust the amount to taste based on your preferences.
- Ground Black Pepper – You can adjust this amount to taste too based on your preferences.
- Avocado Oil – Alternatively, you could use regular olive oil. Just no extra virgin olive oil, please. We’re working at too high a heat for that.
Making Simple Roasted Asparagus
Making this Simple Roasted Asparagus is about as easy as it gets. That’s why it makes a frequent appearance in our weeknight dinner rotation in addition to our dinner parties.
Prepping the Asparagus
You can either prepare the asparagus spears in advance and then stash them in the fridge or get them ready right before you want to roast them.
We’ll start by rinsing 2 pounds of Asparagus and removing the woody ends.
Lori Pro Tip: Personally, I do this by gently bending each spear down towards the bottom and letting it naturally snap where it will. You could also trim them with a chef’s knife. Since the hand version doesn’t take long, saves me two dishes (knife and cutting board), and feels more accurate to me; that method wins.
I toss the trimmed spears into a gallon-size zip top bag and then sprinkle them with 1.5 teaspoons of Kosher Salt and 1.5 teaspoons of Ground Black Pepper. You can adjust the seasoning up or down to taste. Then I seal the bag and shake it until the spears are coated. If I’m prepping in advance, I usually stop at this point and stick the bag in the fridge.
Cooking Simple Roasted Asparagus
When you’re ready to cook the asparagus, you’ll want to preheat the oven to 425°F. I suggest lining a rimmed baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil (for easier cleanup) and inserting a wire rack.
For the asparagus, you’ll drizzle approximately 2 tablespoons of Avocado Oil into the bag, seal it again, and shake to coat. (Sound familiar?) Then you can just spread the spears out on the wire rack in an even layer and roast them at 425°F for 7 minutes.
Related Recipes
Looking for some more simple sides? You might be interested in one of these:
- Broccoli Caesar Salad
- Broccoli with Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan
- Easy Roasted Zucchini
- Garlic Roasted Broccolini
- Green Beans with Garlic and Roasted Red Peppers
- Italian Parmesan Broccoli
- Sautéed Garlicky Spinach
- Simple Caprese Salad
Need some ideas on what to serve with this Simple Roasted Asparagus? Any of these recipes would make great choices:
- Easy Smoky Salmon Filets
- Easy Herb-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
- Lamb Lollipops
- Easy Low Carb Pot Roast
- Braised Beef in Wine Reduction Sauce
- Bacon-Cheddar Meatloaf
For a full menu suggestion, check out my Easy Peasy Summer Dinner Party.
Simple Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Asparagus spears
- 1.5 teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil Or regular olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (see Recipe Notes for alternative Convection Roast temperature).
- Rinse 2 pounds Asparagus Spears, remove the woody ends, and place the spears in a gallon-size zip top bag.2 pounds Asparagus
- Sprinkle in 1.5 teaspoons Kosher Salt and 1.5 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper. Seal the bag and shake to coat.1.5 teaspoons Kosher Salt, 1.5 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
- Drizzle in approximately 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil. Seal the bag again and shake to coat.2 tablespoons Avocado Oil
- Spread the Asparagus out on the wire rack and roast at 425°F for 7 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Equipment
- Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
- Gallon-size Zip Top Bag
Notes
- Convection Roast Alternative
- If you have a Convection Roast setting on your oven and would like to use it, feel free to do so. Just drop the temperature to 400°F instead.
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