The wonderful flavor of this crisp tender Skillet Roasted Asparagus makes it great quick and easy side dish. Our oven roasted asparagus recipe is simple and basic recipe but there's many ways to season asparagus.
Enjoy more seasonally fresh vegetables cooked in cast iron like our Steamed Corn on the Cob and Parmesan Zucchini Chips.
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What is asparagus?
Known for its long stalks with a pointy floret spear at the top, Asparagus is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Originally cultivated in the Mediterranean through Asia Minor, now it is grown in temperate climates all over the world.
While it can be eaten raw, cooked asparagus is the most common. Boiling, baked, roasted, steamed, sautéed, and stir-fried, there is not just one way to cook asparagus.
Recipe Ingredients
- Asparagus — You'll want a bunch or two of fresh asparagus. Look for bundles that are fairly uniform in size, whether thinner asparagus or those with thick stalks. Asparagus stalks that are similar in size will cook evenly.
- Lemon — Use a fresh lemon vs bottled. You'll be using both the lemon zest and the fresh lemon juice.
- Oil — We used extra virgin olive oil but you could use any neutral flavored oil like safflower, vegetable, or grape seed oil.
- Seasonings — salt and black pepper. For better flavor use freshly ground black pepper.
How to make Roasted Asparagus
Step 1 — No need for knives! Why cut when you snap! First begin to prepare asparagus by washing it and allowing it to fully dry. Trim asparagus by holding the woody ends in one hand and the green stalk in the other. Give it a slight bend and you're feel where it will want to naturally snap.
You can use a knife of course or a vegetable peeler. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2 — Add all the asparagus to a large bowl or a zip-seal bag. Pour in the oil and add the salt and pepper. Seal the bag if using. Toss the asparagus to coat each spear.
Step 3 — Arrange asparagus in the skillet as evenly as you can. Place in the hot oven. Bake for 7-10 minutes uncovered. Very thin asparagus spears will take less time than thicker ones.
Step 4 — Once the perfect roasted asparagus is done, drizzle the fresh lemon juice and toss. Garnish with freshly grated lemon zest.
Flavor variations for Skillet Roasted Asparagus
- Salt and pepper is classic but along with swapping in freshly ground black pepper, you could use kosher salt instead of table salt.
- Freshly minced garlic or garlic powder.
- Bolder seasonings like cumin, paprika, or red pepper flakes.
- Chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Drizzle melted butter over the roasted asparagus.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar (or a balsamic reduction or balsamic glaze) over the vegetable.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the spears.
- Toss with sesame seeds or roasted pine nuts for a bit more texture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes you can. Before roasting, make sure they are completely dry, with no ice crystals clinging to them as they won't roast well but become rather soggy.
It's really a matter of personal preference. thicker asparagus has more vitamins and fiber than thinner stalks. Some say thin asparagus is sweeter, and we prefer the thinner ones, but it's up to you.
Yes, any baking dish or sheet will do. If using a baking pan, we recommend a rimmed baking sheet so none of the spears roll off.
Store any leftover roasted asparagus in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Get the Recipe
Skillet Roasted Asparagus
Equipment
- 10-inch cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 20 asparagus
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Trim or snap the asparagus woody ends off and place the spears in a bowl or zip-seal bag.
- Pour in the oil and add the salt and pepper. Seal the bag if using. Toss the asparagus to coat each spear.
- Evenly arrange asparagus in the skillet and bake for 7-10 minutes uncovered.
- Once done, drizzle the fresh lemon juice and toss. Garnish with freshly grated lemon zest. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Flavor variations
- Salt and pepper is classic but along with swapping in freshly ground black pepper, you could use kosher salt instead of table salt.
- Freshly minced garlic or garlic powder.
- Bolder seasonings like cumin, paprika, or red pepper flakes.
- Chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Drizzle melted butter over the roasted asparagus.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar (or a balsamic reduction or balsamic glaze) over the vegetable.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the spears.
- Toss with sesame seeds or roasted pine nuts for a bit more texture.
Nutrition
Dutch Oven Daddy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Ashley
This is such an easy side dish! Perfect for serving with grilled steak or chicken.
Katherine
These asparagus were so easy in the skillet and we loved the burst of lemon on them.
Paula
This method of cooking asparagus was so delicious! Will definitely be making it this way from now on.
Dina and Bruce
We love the lemon zest in here!
Jackie
What of my favorite veggie! They turned ouyso crunchy!
Gianne
The asparagus turned out perfectly tender with a deliciously crisp edge, and the simple seasoning really brought out its natural flavors. This dish has quickly become a favorite in my household for its ease and tasty results!
Angela
Such a great recipe and the lemon compliments the asparagus perfectly. This was a great side dish for our BBQ this evening. Thanks!
Chris
Another great cast-iron recipe! We topped with a little parmesan and served as a side with our steaks and even the kids liked it!
Kathleen
Fresh, vibrant ingredients make this easy steamed asparagus an amazing side dish to go with any meal.
Kim
So good! The lemon is perfect for the asparagus. Very versatile side dish and delicious!
Mahy
This is my favorite side, and your way of preparing it simply amazing. Fantastic instructions!
Paula
This skillet asparagus was so tasty! Perfect texture too.
Justine
This is fantastic. Super simple, but tastes amazing.
Elisa
Love this Skillet Roasted Asparagus recipe, is easy to make and delicious. I will prepare this for dinner. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Tara
Oh yum! Such a delicious and easy way to prepare asparagus. I especially love the addition of the lemon.
Dee
Everyone enjoyed this so much! Thanks for giving me a way to enjoy asparagus again.