Perfectly Baked Asparagus at 400F
Recipe Introduction: Ace Your Asparagus!
Ever get that craving for something green and good for you? Honestly, same! Let's talk baked asparagus 400 . It's so easy, even I can't mess it up.
Plus, it tastes amazing and is healthy.
This dish is total comfort food with a bit of class. We're talking crisp tender stalks. They get a beautiful bite and a fresh flavour.
It's like bringing a bit of spring right to your plate!
Okay, Right Then! Let's Bake Some Asparagus
Asparagus has been around for ages. It was a delicacy even back in Roman times. This recipe? Super simple. It only takes like 20 minutes, start to finish.
This serves about four people, so it's fab for a family dinner.
Main Benefits: Healthy and Delicious
Asparagus is packed with vitamins. It's a great source of Vitamin K, important for bone health. It's also low in calories.
Making it great if you are health conscious. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe is special because it’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof.
What's not to love?
Ready to learn how to transform these green spears into pure deliciousness? Let's get to the ingredients, shall we? If you are planning great sides for steak it would be a great option!
What You'll Need to Make This Magic Happen
First, grab 1 pound of fresh asparagus. Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil comes next. Add half a teaspoon of kosher salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper.
Also, you may want to add lemon, because oven-roasted asparagus with lemon is amazing.
Let's Talk Variations and Tweaks:
Feeling adventurous? Try tossing the asparagus with minced garlic. Then you will have cheesy garlic asparagus . Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes for extra flavour.
If you are trying to be healthy asparagus recipes are a great option. There are tons of ways to play around, so get creative!
Ingredients & Equipment: Asparagus Edition
Okay, right then! Let's get this strategy sorted. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood SEO chef, whipping up the perfect blend of for this baked asparagus recipe.
And honestly, the ingredients are so simple, you probably have most of them already. I mean who doesn't love Asparagus And Cheese ?
Main Ingredients for Perfectly Baked Asparagus 400
Here’s what you'll need for my easy oven-roasted asparagus with lemon recipe. This serves about 4 people.
- 1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus. Quality counts! Look for bright green, firm stalks. Avoid limp or bendy asparagus.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil. This is key for that lovely roasted flavor.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) kosher salt (or sea salt). Don't be shy, salt enhances the flavor!
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) freshly ground black pepper. Freshly ground makes a huge difference.
- Optional: 1 lemon wedge per serving. A squeeze of lemon just brightens everything up.
Seasoning Notes Time to Level Up!
Salt and pepper are essential, of course. For cheesy garlic asparagus just toss with minced garlic. It makes a huge difference, trust me.
Asparagus and Cheese is a great way to get picky eaters to eat their greens. Add some grated Parmesan cheese.
Quick sub: out of black pepper? A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick!
Equipment Needed Keep It Simple
You really don’t need much for this. This is also one of those Great Sides For Steak .
- Baking sheet. A standard baking sheet works perfectly.
- Vegetable peeler (optional). Only needed if your asparagus stalks are thick, and you want to peel the bottom inch.
- Tongs. For tossing and arranging the asparagus.
- Small bowl. For tossing the asparagus with oil and seasoning.
That’s all folks. No fancy gadgets needed. Honestly, this is why this easy asparagus side dish is one of my go-to's on a busy weeknight.
It is also a Healthy Asparagus Recipes side. Enjoy your baked asparagus 400 !
Perfectly Baked Asparagus 400 : A Cracking Side Dish!
Honestly, roasting vegetables is my favorite. You know? It's so easy and elevates them. Did you know that the average Brit consumes about 2.
5kg of asparagus per year? Crazy, right? But for real, nothing beats simple oven-roasted asparagus with lemon . It's just brilliant.
Prep Steps: Essential "Mise en Place"
First things first. Okay, right then! Let's get this strategy sorted. Wash your asparagus. Next, snap off the tough ends.
They'll break naturally, don't force it. Peel the bottom inch of the thicker stalks if you fancy, just using your peeler.
This is essential mise en place . It saves time later. Remember, safety first! Watch those fingers when snapping the ends.
The Magic: Baking the Asparagus at 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Pop the asparagus into a bowl. Drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Season with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper. Toss it all about.
- Lay the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don't overcrowd them!
- Bake for 10- 15 minutes . Asparagus should be bright green and slightly tender. They should give slightly when pierced with a fork. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Asparagus Game
Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of roast. For a cheesy asparagus recipes , sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese during the last five minutes.
It is great Asparagus and Cheese . Fresh is best. Always. If you are doing a great sides for steak , this is perfect.
You can also make this dish ahead of time. Just undercook it slightly and reheat before serving. Don't forget to try it as sides with steaks easy .
This recipe is also perfect for people looking for healthy asparagus recipes
So, there you have it, my friends. Perfectly baked asparagus 400 , ready in a flash. Enjoy. And don't forget the lemon. It really does make all the difference!
Recipe Notes: Ace Your Baked Asparagus 400 Game!
Alright, right then! Let's get this strategy sorted. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood SEO chef, whipping up the perfect blend of for this baked asparagus recipe.
Honestly, this baked asparagus 400 recipe is foolproof! I've made it a gazillion times. It’s quick and easy.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters, right? For a simple yet elegant plating, arrange the oven-roasted asparagus with lemon spears in a criss cross pattern.
Top with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You could even add a lemon wedge for extra zing.
This easy asparagus side dish pairs incredibly well with so many things! I'm thinking great sides for steak , like a juicy ribeye.
Or maybe alongside grilled chicken or salmon. For a full meal, try it with lemon risotto. Complementary beverages? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even just some sparkling water with a slice of lemon will do the trick.
Storing: Keep it Fresh
If you have leftover Cheesy Garlic Asparagus (I'd be surprised if you do!), pop it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
I wouldn't recommend freezing Asparagus And Cheese , because it will lose its texture.
To reheat, just toss it back in a pan over medium heat or give it a quick zap in the microwave. Honestly, though, it’s best fresh from the oven!
Tweaking the Classics: Variations
Want to mix things up? Add some minced garlic before baking for extra flavor. Or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes. That makes it Cheesy Asparagus Recipes !
For a vegan option, ensure your oil is plant based. You can substitute canola or avocado oil for olive oil if you like.
If you're out of lemons, a splash of white wine vinegar does the trick! These are great to make Healthy Asparagus Recipes .
Nutrition Lowdown
Each serving of our baked asparagus 400 recipe is around 80 calories. You also get 3g protein, 7g fat, and 2g fibre.
Asparagus is packed with vitamins and minerals. It's a good source of vitamin K and folate.
Okay, right then! So you have some sides with steaks easy to make. Give this roasted asparagus recipe a go, you won’t regret it! It’s super easy and incredibly tasty. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my baked asparagus at 400 is done perfectly? I don't want it mushy!
That's the million dollar question! You're aiming for tender crisp, like a perfectly al dente pasta. Start checking your baked asparagus 400 at around 10 minutes. It should be bright green and give slightly when pierced with a fork. If it's still firm, give it another couple of minutes.
Remember, it will continue to cook slightly even after you take it out of the oven, so slightly undercooked is better than mushy!
Can I use thinner or thicker asparagus stalks when baking at 400 degrees? Does it affect the cooking time?
Absolutely! The thickness of your asparagus will affect the baking time. Thinner stalks will cook faster, so check them as early as 8 minutes. Thicker stalks will need a bit longer, perhaps closer to 15 minutes.
Keep a close eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly it's all about achieving that tender crisp texture, innit?
I'm trying to be healthy, what's the best way to store leftover baked asparagus 400?
Good on you for thinking ahead! Store leftover baked asparagus 400 in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave. Be aware that reheating can make it a little softer, so you might want to use it in a salad or omelette instead of serving it as a side dish.
It's a cracking way to add some greens to your lunch!
What if I don't have olive oil? Can I substitute something else for my baked asparagus 400 recipe?
No worries, a bit of kitchen improvisation never hurt anyone! You can absolutely substitute olive oil with other oils that have a high smoke point, such as canola oil or avocado oil. They'll provide a similar result when baking the asparagus 400.
Just avoid using oils with strong flavors, like sesame oil, as they'll overpower the delicate taste of the asparagus.
Can I add any other seasonings to my baked asparagus 400 besides salt and pepper?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! A little minced garlic tossed with the asparagus before baking adds a lovely aroma and flavour. You could also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist. Red pepper flakes are a nice addition if you are into it!
Just remember to start with the base recipe first and then adjust to your own taste.
I often overcrowd my baking sheet. Does this matter for my baked asparagus 400?
It does indeed! Overcrowding the baking sheet can cause the asparagus to steam instead of roast, resulting in a less than-ideal, soggy texture. To ensure perfectly baked asparagus 400, arrange the spears in a single layer with a little space between them.
If you have a lot of asparagus, bake it in batches or use a larger baking sheet. Remember, giving them space allows the heat to circulate and creates that lovely slight char we're after.
Perfectly Baked Asparagus At 400f
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 80 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |