Cooking the asparagus in the oven will create a deep flavor and make the asparagus stalks softer. In addition, cooking these vegetables is actually quite easy.
Ingredients
For a portion of 4 people
- 450gram asparagus
- 15-30mL olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing the Asparagus
Step 1. Choose fresh asparagus
Ripe asparagus will be bright green in color and the stalks are quite hard and inflexible.
- Pay attention to the ends. The top end should be tight, while the bottom end should be moist.
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Choose asparagus with thick stalks. Thick stems tend to have a finer texture when cooked in the oven. But that doesn't mean a slightly thinner stem can't be used.
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Step 2. Clean the asparagus
Clean the asparagus with water and rub the stalk with your finger.
Focus on the ends because that's where most of the dirt and grime sits
Step 3. Cut and discard the bottom end
Hold the stem with one hand just near the bottom end, about 5cm where the stem color is starting to fade. Use your other hand to break the ends.
- You can also use a knife if you find it difficult to use your bare hands. Use a serrated knife to keep the knife from slipping from the handle and slicing your fingers.
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You can save the ends of these stalks for making broth. But if not, throw it away.
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Part 2 of 4: Baking or Roasting Method
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 204 degrees Celsius
Prepare a regular baking tray and grease it with oil or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2. Mix the asparagus with the oil in a large plastic bag
Place the asparagus in a large, sealable plastic bag and add the olive oil to the stalks of the pasaragus. Seal the bag and shake the bag until all the asparagus is coated in oil.
Step 3. Place the asparagus on the grill tray at a distance from each other
Do not let anything touch each other or pile up.
Step 4. Season the asparagus with salt and pepper
Sprinkle the seasoning on the asparagus while turning it over so that all parts are exposed to the seasoning.
Step 5. Grill the asparagus until soft
If your asparagus is thick enough, it will take about 20 minutes for the asparagus to soften.
Alternatively, you can also roast the asparagus for about 12 minutes or until it is soft and still has a savory sensation when you bite into it
Step 6. Serve while warm
Remove the asparagus from the oven and cool before serving.
Part 3 of 4: Broiling Method
Step 1. Heat the broiler
Turn on the broiler for five minutes or so to make sure the broiler is hot enough.
- Most borers only have an “on” and “off” option on the button. Some also have “high” and “low” buttons. If your broiler has that button, select "low".
- Note that your oven will heat up faster for broiling purposes than for baking.
Step 2. Place the asparagus on the grilled broiler tray
Do not let any asparagus touch or accumulate.
You don't actually have to use a barred tray. But a tray like this will allow air to circulate through the food at the bottom of the tray, thus preventing the oil from getting too hot and burning
Step 3. Sprinkle oil on the asparagus
Make sure all parts of the asparagus are evenly exposed to the oil. Turn the asparagus over while sprinkling it with oil to cover all the parts.
Step 4. Season with salt and pepper
After the oil, sprinkle the salt and pepper evenly in the same way.
Step 5. Bake for five minutes or until done
Insert the tray into the top of the oven, which is about 10 to 13 cm from the top of the oven heater.
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Check the asparagus after five minutes have passed. If the stalks can be pierced with a knife, the asparagus is done. If not, flip the asparagus over and bake for another five minutes.
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Step 6. Serve while warm
Remove the asparagus from the oven and let it cool. Serve while still warm.
Part 4 of 4: Variations
Step 1. Add additional seasoning before cooking it
If you want a deeper, richer taste, use a few different spices besides salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle 0.25 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to make a nice aroma.
- For a spicy taste, you can add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or 0.25 teaspoon of red pepper powder.
Step 2. Improve the taste of the asparagus after removing it from the oven
Some cider or vinegar can be added to freshly cooked asparagus for added flavor.
- Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon or lime juice for a fresh taste.
- For a sharp sweetness, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Italian vinegar.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a great taste as well as an eye-catching look.
- Add 60mL of toasted almonds to the asparagus and spread evenly.
- You can also use 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds for an Asian flavor.
