Roasted Asparagus Lemon Parmesan (Printer-friendly)

Tender asparagus spears roasted with lemon zest and Parmesan for a bright, elegant side dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed

→ Oils & Seasonings

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing Touches

05 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 organic lemon)
07 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
08 - Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place trimmed asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over asparagus and toss to coat evenly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Roast in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until tender and lightly golden. Shake the pan halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking.
05 - Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
06 - Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and, if desired, garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less than half an hour from start to finish, which means you can pull together an impressive side dish even on a weeknight.
  • The lemon zest adds a brightness that makes the whole plate come alive without any complicated technique.
  • Roasting brings out a natural sweetness in asparagus that steaming or boiling never quite captures.
02 -
  • Dont skip the parchment paper, it keeps the asparagus from sticking and makes cleanup almost effortless.
  • Add the lemon juice after roasting, not before, or it will turn the asparagus drab and dull instead of vibrant green.
  • If your asparagus spears are thick, add a couple extra minutes to the roasting time so the centers cook through.
03 -
  • Shake the pan halfway through roasting so the asparagus browns evenly on all sides instead of just the bottom.
  • Use a microplane to zest the lemon, it creates fine, fragrant shavings that distribute evenly without any bitter chunks.
  • If you are serving this for guests, arrange the asparagus on a warm platter and finish with the Parmesan and lemon at the table, it looks elegant and the cheese melts beautifully in front of everyone.
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