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Crispy Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Brown Butter and Parmesan

crispy roasted asparagus - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring crispy roasted asparagus drizzled with nutty lemon brown butter and topped with savory Parmesan cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Trim the asparagus by snapping or cutting off the woody ends, about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet, with tips pointing the same way.
  5. Roast for 12-15 minutes until the stalks are tender and tips are crispy, checking at 12 minutes.
  6. While the asparagus roasts, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat, swirling often until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and lemon juice immediately.
  7. Transfer roasted asparagus to a serving platter, drizzle with lemon brown butter, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes to melt and crisp the Parmesan, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure asparagus crisps instead of steams. Watch the butter carefully to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and crisping. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine and Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus, roasted asparagus, lemon brown butter, Parmesan, easy side dish, crispy asparagus, healthy side, quick recipe