This Lemon Parmesan Asparagus is an ideal side for any meal — crispy, savory, and delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights: prep takes about two minutes and it roasts or broils in roughly seven.
When evenings are busy, I need dinner to be fast, healthy, and satisfying. I focus on meals with good protein and plenty of vegetables, and asparagus is a favorite in our house. This lemony, Parmesan-topped version is so good I often find myself snacking straight from the pan until half of it is gone.
This asparagus is very versatile: in colder months I broil it in the oven for a few minutes, while in summer I throw it on the grill for a quick sear alongside chicken or steak. From start to finish it takes about ten minutes, so it’s great for nights when you need something fast yet flavorful. Serve with extra lemon wedges and more Parmesan if you like — it disappears fast.
THE TECHNIQUE
- Trimming the asparagus: Proper trimming makes a big difference. Instead of peeling the stems, snap one spear where it naturally breaks to find the tender-to-woody transition. Use that length as a guide and trim the rest with a knife. Discard the woody ends or save them for stock.
- Broiling vs roasting: Asparagus benefits from quick, high-heat cooking. Broiling caramelizes the tips and gives the Parmesan a beautiful golden finish. If you have a powerful broiler, asparagus will be done in about seven minutes. If you roast, use 450°F and plan for 8–10 minutes, depending on your oven. On the grill, cook over high heat for 5–7 minutes until tender but still firm.
Get your toaster oven or broiler ready — this dish comes together in just 10 minutes from start to finish.
Lemony Parmesan Asparagus
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- Author: Mila Furman
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 ppl 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound asparagus
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Shredded Parmesan cheese, as desired (microplane works best)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to high broil. If you don’t have a broiler, preheat to 450°F and roast.
- Trim the woody ends: take one asparagus spear and bend it until it snaps to find the tender portion. Use that length as a guide and trim the rest. Save the trimmed ends for stock if desired.
- Rinse and pat the asparagus dry. Place on a baking sheet or foil pan. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a generous amount of shredded Parmesan. Toss to coat evenly.
- Broil for about 7 minutes, or roast for 8–10 minutes, depending on your oven, or grill over high heat for 5–7 minutes. The asparagus should be tender yet still have a slight bite and the Parmesan should be golden.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and more Parmesan if you like.
Notes
- Nutritional information provided elsewhere should only be used as an estimate.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
