This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The next time you buy asparagus at the grocery store, use these tips and tricks to make asparagus taste like a restaurant’s. Just a few simple tweaks and additions will transform this spring veggie into a gourmet experience!
Pin this recipe now to save it for later
Pin RecipeGive Your Asparagus the Restaurant Treatment
As soon as the spring weather starts to come around, you know that asparagus season is right around the corner. The spring veggie is perfect for pairing with chicken or beef or eating on its own as a side dish. While it is a super simple vegetable to cook, it can overcook in a flash, turning into a limp, stringy mess. No one wants that!
I’ve found that the key to getting restaurant-quality asparagus is to roast them in the oven. Roasting keeps the stalks firm and gives them a fantastic crispiness on the tips. When you boil or steam asparagus, the flavor is bland and it’s easy to overcook them.
Here’s the best way to roast asparagus to taste like a restaurant’s version.
Picking The Right Asparagus
When picking out a bunch of asparagus in the store, look for bright green asparagus. You want the whole stalk to be green, not just near the top. If they have white ends, you can cut them off.
How To Roast Asparagus
- Prepare. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, line a sheet pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
- Prepare the asparagus. Wash and dry the asparagus. Then, cut off the white, woody ends. (Learn more: How To Cut Asparagus)
- Toss with oil. Toss the asparagus with a drizzle of oil; enough so it’s well-coated.
- Spread out. Arrange the asparagus on the prepared pan so it’s not overcrowded. They will not cook evenly if they are on top of each other, and they’ll steam instead of getting browned and crisp on the ends.
- Roast the asparagus. Bake the asparagus in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, turning the stalks about halfway through the cooking time. (If you have thinner or thicker stalks, the cooking time may need to be adjusted.)
Variations
When you nail the cooking process for asparagus, it is easy to transform the veggie into a super tasty side dish. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve asparagus.
- Add a squeeze of lemon over the top to add a bright flavor, or use lemon zest.
- Sprinkle with your favorite cheese, like feta or Parmesan.
- Top them with toasted nuts to add an extra depth of flavor.
- Toss them with roasted tomatoes to make a tasty side dish.
- Cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to your favorite pasta to make a tasty spring pasta dish.
- Drizzle them with truffle oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan.
More Ways to Cook Asparagus
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy asparagus.
- This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is perfect for springtime get-togethers!
- Asparagus is an unexpected addition to this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta.
- I love making my One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus for an easy weeknight dinner.
