Roasted Asparagus with Black Pepper
A simple, elegant side dish. Tender-crisp asparagus spears roasted with olive oil, salt, and a generous crack of black pepper, ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for any meal.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare the asparagus
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the asparagus spears and pat them dry thoroughly.
- Trim off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus stalks.
Season the asparagus
- Place the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
- Toss gently with your hands to make sure each spear is evenly coated.
Roast the asparagus
- Arrange the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
- Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until the spears are tender-crisp and slightly browned.
- The exact time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears.
Garnish and serve
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot asparagus, if using.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For even cooking, choose asparagus spears that are similar in thickness.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Roasting in a single layer ensures the asparagus gets nicely browned instead of steaming.
- 3Patting the asparagus completely dry before adding oil helps it get crispier.
- 4For a bit of extra flavor, add a clove of minced garlic or some red pepper flakes when tossing with oil.
- 5Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They're great chopped up in salads or omelets.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of roasting for a cheesy, savory crust.
ketoKeto
This recipe is naturally keto-friendly. Serve with a dollop of garlic aioli for extra healthy fats.
quickQuick
Use an air fryer instead of the oven. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Asparagus is an excellent source of Vitamin K, essential for bone health and blood clotting, as well as Vitamin A and C.
Good Source of Fiber
The dietary fiber in asparagus supports digestive health and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Packed with Antioxidants
It contains antioxidants like glutathione, which helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, roasted asparagus is very healthy. It's low in calories and a great source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. Roasting is a healthy cooking method that requires minimal oil.
