Looking for an amazingly flavorful side dish? Try this citrusy lemon butter asparagus. Baked in the oven to perfection.
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With the holidays right around the corner, I am always up for trying new side dishes. Asparagus is one of those vegetables that I do enjoy but prefer it crisp and not soggy. This lemon butter asparagus is baked in the oven just like this delicious sheet pan salmon and asparagus. I believe this cooking method lends to the perfectly crisp tender texture.
In addition to the texture being just right, the flavor is amazing too. The asparagus is marinated in melted butter and lemon juice before placing in the oven which gives it such a splash of citrus flavor. This baked asparagus tastes amazing with just these 3 simple ingredients but feel free to customize. There are so many different things you can add to enhance the flavor profile.
I enjoy sprinkling some shredded parmesan cheese at the end of baking and broiling on high until it browns for 2 to 3 more minutes. The savory cheese pairs so well with the citrus flavors. If you want more simple, flavorful and tasty side dishes, check out these sweet potatoes, maple glazed carrots and this vegan friendly vegetable ratatouille.
Ingredients
- Asparagus: Fresh and firm bunches of asparagus with closed tips and that stand up straight. The ends will need to be trimmed off.
- Butter: Use unsalted melted butter over the asparagus.
- Lemon: The juice from one will give it hints of citrus flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste and to season.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Gather up your freshly trimmed asparagus along with the other pantry staple ingredient to make this simple yet flavorful side dish. We will also be using a 2-quart baking dish.
Place the asparagus in the baking dish. Pour in the melted butter and lemon juice. Toss to coat the asparagus in the lemon butter. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Remove the asparagus from the refrigerator while the oven heats. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. For added flavor, sprinkle on some shredded Parmesan cheese at the end of baking and broil on high until it browns, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Hint: Ensure that the asparagus spears are evenly coated with olive oil before roasting. This not only helps them cook more uniformly but also enhances their flavor and crispiness.
Variations
There are several ways to customize this baked asparagus to your liking. Here are a few suggestions you might like to try:
- Add aromatics: Chopped shallots, diced onions or minced garlic can add loads of fragrant flavor to the asparagus.
- Add some crunch: Top the asparagus with toasted almonds or if you are looking for a little sweetness add these candied almonds.
- Add fresh herbs: Herbs are a great way to change up the flavor profile. Some favorites for this dish are dill, thyme, and basil. They pair so well with the citrusy butter.
- Add some protein: Crisp bacon bits, small pieces of prosciutto or shredded parmesan cheese add hints of savory taste providing a nice contrast to the citrusy flavors.
- Make it spicy: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the asparagus to give it some spice.
- Make it vegan: Swap out the butter for vegan butter to make this vegan friendly.
Tips
Top tip: Use a fresh lemon. The juice from a fresh lemon will be tangy and vibrant in flavor. I don’t recommend using bottled lemon juice.
- Use fresh asparagus. The asparagus should be firm and stand up straight. The tips should be closed, and the spears should not be wilted.
- Trim the asparagus. Cut off the ends of the asparagus with a sharp knife before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Place asparagus in a single layer so that they can bake evenly.
- Let sit in the refrigerator before putting into the oven. The asparagus will marinate and absorb the butter and lemon juice lending to the buttery citrus flavor.
- Pre-heat the oven. Remember to preheat while the asparagus is marinating in the refrigerator.
- Check for doneness. The asparagus are done when they are crisp yet still tender. This can be determined by using a fork at around the 12 minutes mark.
Serving suggestions
Whether you are enjoying as a side dish for Thanksgiving or alongside a weeknight meal, oven baked asparagus is a very versatile dish that compliments many other dishes.
Baked asparagus is a side dish that goes well with all the other side dishes. If you are having a small gathering over for the holidays it can accompany dishes such as these green beans with garlic butter, or these garlic mashed potatoes. This time of year, I always enjoy them with a side of this butternut squash. The citrusy flavors from the asparagus are truly mouthwatering.
Lemon butter asparagus also goes perfect with any meat-based dish. From chicken to beef and even seafood, asparagus pairs well with all. I suggest you try it with this meatloaf or this shrimp and tomato pasta. It also tastes wonderful with the BBQ chicken thighs and a side of mac and cheese.
Storage
Let cool, then store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a microwave oven and heat until warmed through.
FAQs
This is completely optional to preserve the bright green color. You don’t have to do it before placing in the oven.
Yes, asparagus can be cooked a variety of ways. The most common are roasting, sautéing and grilling. To sauté, heat butter in skillet then sauté the asparagus for 5-7 minutes or until crisp tender. To grill, place asparagus on a preheated grill and grill for 2-3 minutes each side until tender.
The asparagus should be crisp tender when done and you can use a fork to determine. It should not be too hard or too soggy.
Yes! To make sure that it doesn’t get too soft when reheating, initially slightly undercook it when making ahead of time. This way when you warm it up, it will be crisp tender.
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Recipe
Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus washed with the ends cut off
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Parmesan optional
Instructions
- Place the asparagus in a 2-quart baking dish. Pour in the melted butter and lemon juice. Toss to coat the asparagus in the lemon butter. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Remove the asparagus from the refrigerator while the oven heats. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
- For added flavor, sprinkle on some shredded Parmesan cheese at the end of baking and broil on high until it browns, about 2 to 3 minutes.
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