Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Chilli Seasoning is a vibrant side dish that effortlessly complements a variety of meals, making it a must-try for spring dining. Serve it with fish, chicken, red meat, and vegetarian dishes as part of a healthy, satisfying meal any day of the week.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Chilli Seasoning

When a friend warmly invited me for a delightful salmon dinner, I knew I couldn’t arrive empty-handed. Since my friends and I often enjoy potluck-style gatherings, I contributed a delicious batch of roasted asparagus which as you may know always pairs well with a good salmon. And yes, roasted asparagus is easily transportable!

Crisp, tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil, then seasoned with grated parmesan, and a pantry staple of garlic and onion powder together with chilli flakes was enough to make my mouth water. Better still roasting the asparagus was a quick and easy solution that saved time when I needed to be out the door ready in an hour.

Quick tip: Buy Asparagus when it’s in season

When asparagus is in season and on sale, it’s a fantastic ingredient to have on hand, adding versatility to your meals. However, be aware that prices can rise significantly when it is out of season. Enjoy this seasonal delicacy while it’s available, but it’s so worth it when it’s not!

What’s to Love About Roasted Asparagus?

Roasting asparagus takes 10 minutes

To roast asparagus in the oven, you only need 10 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or fancy dinners without the hassle of sautéing, which can often result in asparagus becoming soggy and losing its vibrant texture.

Asparagus roasts evenly in the oven

Roasting asparagus amps its natural flavours while keeping the stalks nice and tender but with a bit of crunch. When you pop them in a hot oven for a short time, the sugars caramelize, boosting the flavour and giving them a vibrant green colour. Whether serving it at a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy night in, this roasted asparagus dish is bound to impress!

Roasting asparagus boosts it’s umami flavour

Roasting asparagus intensifies the natural flavours while keeping the stalks tender yet slightly crisp. This method also boosts the veggie’s rich umami flavours, so whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it on a regular night, this roasted asparagus dish will impress!

Roasted asparagus pairs well with grilled fish and meat

Roasted asparagus has a flavour that pairs well with almost anything. It works great as a classy side dish alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, and juicy red meat, or you can even top it with a poached egg for a yummy vegetarian meal. 

How Do You Choose Fresh Asparagus?

• Pick bright green asparagus

Picking fresh asparagus is pretty easy once you know what to look for. Start by choosing a bright green bunch. While there are purple and white varieties, avoid any that seem dull or yellow. Check out the tips—they should be tightly closed and firm. If they feel mushy or are starting to bloom, keep looking. 

• Asparagus should be straight and firm

The stalks should be straight and firm. You can find both thin and thick ones; thinner stalks are usually more tender, while the thicker ones can be tougher. It depends on your preference! If you can, grab some from a local market for the freshest ones.

• Do a snap test for fresh asparagus

You can also do a quick snap test – bend a stalk gently, and if it snaps easily at a natural point, it’s fresh, which masn the rest in that bunch should be as well.

How Do You Store Fresh Asparagus?

To keep fresh asparagus tasting great, try storing it like they do in the grocery store. They usually bunch it up with an elastic band and stand it in water. You can easily copy that at home! Grab a glass or jar, fill it with about two inches of water, and pop the asparagus in. This trick helps it stay nice and crisp for longer.

Also save the elastic bands, because you never know when you will need one. I use mine to tie around chip packets.

How to Prepare Asparagus for Roasting

Wash and dry the asparagus spears

• Wash the asparagus spears under cold running water to remove dirt or gunk.
• Then, grab a bowl and fill it with cold water.
• Dip the tips of the asparagus in there to shake loose any stubborn dirt stuck in those tight little ends.
• Dry them off with a paper towel and spread them on a cutting board. This way, your asparagus will be nice and clean, ready for trimming.

Bend and snap a spear

• Grab one spear and bend it gently until it snaps at the tough woody end – that’s your cue for where to cut the rest. This trick helps you remove most hard parts while keeping the tender bits.

Trim the rest of the asparagus spears

• Since the spears are mostly the same size, use your trimmed one as a guide to cut the others.
• Line it up with the rest of the spears and chop them all to match.

Carbs and Servings Notes in Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is delicious, whether roasted, broiled, or steamed, and is an underrated low-carb veggie that is perfect for anyone watching their carb intake. I love it! It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for anyone trying to eat healthier.

This fantastic dish of roasted asparagus with parmesan and chillies is perfect for sharing. It serves four, with about five spears each. Not only is asparagus low in calories and carbs, but it’s also really versatile, so you’ll want to keep some on hand.

under 5g net carbs per serving

• 7.8g of carbohydrates
• 3.5g of fibre
• 4.3g of net carbs

Ingredient Notes

Asparagus

For this recipe, you’ll need two bunches of asparagus, about 1.5 lbs. Pick fresh asparagus when it is in season, but avoid freezing. Here, I use medium-sized asparagus, not too thin or thick.

Parmesan Cheese

This is a personal preference, but I prefer to use freshly grated parmesan from a block. You can also use parmesan cheese that is already grated. Try to use fresh from the deli counter.

Chilli Flakes

Add a little kick to your asparagus with some chilli flakes, or swap it with paprika or fresh chillies. Alternative heat options include cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning, or paprika, which isn’t spicy but will add some smokiness.

Flavourings

For this roasted asparagus recipe, you’ll need garlic powder and onion powder. There’s no hard and fast rule regarding how many spices you can use, but just be sure not to spice the asparagus too much, as the spices can unnecessarily add salt.

Salt & Pepper

I use as little salt as possible in all my recipes, especially in this one, where you must be careful with the amount of salt added. You can leave out the salt and pepper until after the asparagus has roasted, then taste test and season salt and pepper according to your preference.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To prepare the asparagus spears, coat them lightly with Extra Virgin Olive oil to help the spices stick. Use just enough oil to cover them thinly. You can brush the oil lightly instead of drizzling it over the asparagus. Using too much oil can affect how the asparagus roasts in the oven.

How to Roast Asparagus with Parmesan and Chilli Flakes

1) Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Mix all the spices and grated parmesan in a bowl to coat the asparagus, then set it aside.

2) Lay the asparagus out on the baking tray in a single line. Drizzle or brush the olive oil over the asparagus and gently rub them together to coat them.

3) Then sprinkle the parmesan and chilli seasoning over the spears and roast them in the oven on the middle shelf for about 8 minutes, or until the asparagus feels tender when a fork is inserted.  

4) For skinny asparagus spears, roast for about 5 minutes; for thicker spears, roast for about 12 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly, then serve immediately.

Useful Tips for the Best Roasted Asparagus

• Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure they roast correctly.
• Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature allows the asparagus to roast quickly, achieving a nice caramelization without becoming soggy.
• Identify the woody ends of the asparagus by gently bending one spear until it snaps. Use this spear as a guide to cut the woody ends off the rest of the bunch for uniform tenderness.
• Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking tray, avoiding overcrowding or overlapping the spears. This promotes even cooking and browning.
• Remember that asparagus is naturally flavorful. If adding other spices or flavours, start with less salt to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Roast the asparagus for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. Look for vibrant green colour and slight browning to indicate they’re done.
• Serve the roasted asparagus immediately for the best texture and flavour. If you need to transport them for a potluck, pack them in a foil container with a lid, then reheat them in the oven or under the grill, if possible, for about five minutes to restore warmth and crispness.
• For extra flavour, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus before serving or garnish with toasted nuts or sesame seeds for added crunch. 

How to Serve, Store and Leftover Roasted Asparagus

Citrusy Twist: After roasting the asparagus, consider adding a few thin slices of lemon. This will add a pop of colour and provide a bright, tangy flavour. For an extra zing, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the asparagus before serving.

Nutty Crunch: To introduce a delightful crunch and additional depth of flavour, try incorporating toasted pine nuts, almonds, or cashews. Scatter a handful of your preferred nuts over the asparagus after roasting. Roasting the nuts lightly beforehand will enhance their flavour even more.

Panko Coating: For a crispy texture, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on the asparagus during the last few minutes of roasting. This will give the dish a satisfying crunch while complementing the parmesan and chilli seasoning.

Dry seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different dry rubs or seasonings you have on hand. Options like this Mexican seasoning or Italian herbs can elevate the dish. Just keep an eye on the saltiness of your chosen seasoning, as the parmesan already adds a salty element to the recipe.

Storage: After roasting the asparagus, it’s best to serve it immediately. However, if you need to store leftovers, pack them into a covered container and keep them in the fridge for about one to two days.

Leftovers: They may lose some of their colour and tenderness during this time, but you can still use them in a salad, add them to a cauliflower keto poke bowl, or enjoy them as soldiers with boiled eggs for breakfast.

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