How to Cook Asparagus (Simple Recipe!)

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If you’re wondering how to cook asparagus you’ll love this Simple Broiled Asparagus. Big on flavor and easy on prep!

How to Store Fresh Asparagus and Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus are some of my popular posts regarding asparagus. Check them out!

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Simple Broiled Asparagus

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook than you probably know that I bought a huge quantity of asparagus and strawberries from Bountiful Baskets this past weekend. Mmmm. It’s been a tasty week.

I’ve been busy getting the asparagus into the freezer (how to on the way!), and we’ve been enjoying it nightly with dinner. This is such and easy and simple asparagus recipe that I had to share. If you are new to the vegetable, this is a great introduction because you just can’t go wrong. It takes less than 15 minutes and they are cooked to asparagus perfection. Serve with some grilled chicken and rice pilaf and you have yourself a meal fit for a king.

Really, the simple asparagus recipes are the best. Why cover up a good thing?

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I tried to make a balsamic reduction to drizzle on top but I cooked it too long and made balsamic vinegar taffy! And yes, I threw a chunk in my mouth to taste it…. blech! It’s not a typical candy flavor for a reason and the recipe isn’t here for the same reason. It was just bad. I ended up picking off the glaze (yes, it was that stiff) after I took the picture. Lesson learned, keep it simple and just broil the veggies and let them be!

What do I look for when choosing asparagus?

Choose slender asparagus that is no larger than a pencil. The fatter the asparagus the more woody in texture it’ll be. The tips should also be closed tight and a bright color.

How do I store asparagus?

Store asparagus properly. Most bunches are bound together with a rubber band. As soon as you are home, remove that band. This helps to prevent bruising and that tight band can cause a rubbery texture. Store the loose asparagus in a produce bag in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

Which part of the asparagus do you cut off?

Asparagus have a natural breaking point. Gently bend the asparagus and you’ll feel where it wants to break then simply snap off. You can cut multiple at time by using a knife. Remove the tough, white looking ends. Typically about an inch down.

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How to Cook Asparagus

Simple Broiled Asparagus


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  • Author: Melissa Griffiths-Bless This Mess
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x

Description

If you’re wondering how to cook asparagus you’ll love this simple recipe for classic roasted asparagus. Big on flavor and easy on prep!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed off
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh lemon juice, optional

Instructions

  1. Adjust the oven rack so that is it 6 inches from the broiler/heating element of your stove. Turn on the broiler and let the oven heat. Toss the asparagus in oil and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lay the spears out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Let the asparagus broil for around 10 minutes until they are tender and just a little browned. Sprinkle with lemon juice before serving.

Notes

Choose slender asparagus that is no larger than a pencil. The fatter the asparagus the more woody in texture it’ll be. The tips should also be closed tight and a bright color.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

If you love asparagus, try these recipes:

You’ll love this Simple Broiled Asparagus. Big on flavor and easy on prep!

About Melissa

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6 Comments

  1. We made this for dinner last night and added 1 1/2 T grated Parmesan and 1 minced garlic clove. Sooooo good.

  2. Just bought a big bunch today to have with dinner tomorrow. Seeing the asparagus show up is such a sign of spring for me! Mmmmm…balsamic taffy 😉

  3. We just got the same extras from Bountiful Baskets! Asparagus in the freezer and in jars (blog post on the freezing), jam from half of the strawberries and strawberry lemonade concentrate from the other half. We also got pineapples, which are almost ripe enough to dehydrate 🙂 Spring canning is so much more fun that fall canning!

  4. Besides the EVOO and the salt and pepper we like to shake on some Parmesan cheese too. Still simple, but super yummy.