This sumptuous Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus recipe is a beautiful blend of earthy Asparagus spears, mildly pungent garlic, and nutty browned butter. It's an elegant side dish that's easy to prepare yet gives a gourmet touch to your meal. The unexpected burst of citrus from the lemon juice perfectly balances the richness of the butter, while the parmesan cheese adds a lovely savory depth.
All the ingredients needed for this recipe are usually available in a regular household pantry. However, if fresh asparagus is not readily available in your refrigerator, you might need to make a trip to your local supermarket or farmer's market. Fresh asparagus delivers a delightful crunch and taste that's incomparable to the canned variety. Similarly, while you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice will give a more vibrant citrus zing.
Ingredients for Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus
Asparagus: Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals. It delivers a unique and earthy flavor that pairs well with many dishes. Fresh spears offer a delightful snap texture that's both enjoyable and satisfying.
Cooking spray: Cooking spray is used to prevent the asparagus from sticking to the baking sheet. It also aids in achieving a nice roasting effect.
Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the asparagus and other ingredients.
Pepper: Pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dish.
Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dish, and when browned, it develops a nutty aroma that's truly irresistible.
Garlic: Garlic offers a robust and slightly spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the asparagus.
Lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a bright citrus pop that cuts through the richness of the butter, balancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a delightful savory note, enhancing the umami qualities of the dish.
One reader, Dolph Barrows says:
This garlic browned butter baked asparagus recipe is a game-changer! The asparagus turns out perfectly tender and flavorful, and the browned butter adds a rich, nutty taste. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's sure to impress. I highly recommend trying it out!
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Baked Asparagus
How to roast asparagus: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil spray, and season with salt. Roast in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes.
How to brown butter: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, and cook, stirring constantly, until it melts, froths up, and turns golden in color.
How to serve: Drizzle the browned butter over the roasted asparagus and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
How To Make Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus
Add some flavor to plain and simple asparagus pieces with a bit of butter, minced garlic, lemon juice and parmesan cheese. Enjoy our baked asparagus recipe.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbasparagus spearswoody ends trimmed
- Cooking spray
- salt
- pepper
- 4tbspbutter
- 1tspgarlicminced
- 1tbsplemon juicefresh squeezed
- 2tbspparmesan cheesefreshly grated, to serve
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil spray; season with salt; and roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
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While the asparagus is in the oven, heat a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Add butter and cook, stirring constantly, until it melts, froths up and turns into a golden in color
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To serve, drizzle browned butter over asparagus and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 160.35kcal
- Fat: 14.34g
- Saturated Fat: 8.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.93g
- Carbohydrates: 5.70g
- Fiber: 2.51g
- Sugar: 2.28g
- Protein: 4.38g
- Cholesterol: 33.69mg
- Sodium: 323.31mg
- Calcium: 89.12mg
- Potassium: 248.99mg
- Iron: 2.52mg
- Vitamin A: 149.95µg
- Vitamin C: 8.04mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Perfectly Browned Butter
When browning the butter, keep a close eye on it as it can go from golden and nutty to burnt very quickly. The key is to stir constantly and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired color. You can also add the garlic towards the end of the browning process to infuse the butter with its flavor without burning it.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus
Prep ahead: Wash and trim the asparagus in advance to save time. Store them in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Multi-task: While the asparagus is roasting in the oven, prepare the browned butter on the stovetop to maximize efficiency.
Quality ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality asparagus for the best flavor and texture in the dish.
Efficient seasoning: Combine the salt and pepper in a small bowl beforehand to easily season the asparagus before roasting.
Quick cleanup: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup after roasting the asparagus.
Substitute Ingredients For Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus Recipe
asparagus - Substitute with broccolini: Broccolini has a similar taste and texture to asparagus, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a similar nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder flavor.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice in this recipe.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
Plating Ideas for Baked Asparagus with Garlic Browned Butter
Elevate the asparagus spears: Arrange the asparagus spears in a crisscross pattern on the plate to create a visually appealing presentation. This will showcase the vibrant green color and the natural beauty of the asparagus.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle the browned butter in a zigzag pattern over the asparagus, creating an artistic and visually appealing design on the plate. This adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a few delicate microgreens over the asparagus to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous element to the presentation. This will enhance the overall aesthetic and provide a sophisticated touch.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the asparagus on a sleek, minimalist plate or platter to create a modern and refined look. The choice of serving ware can elevate the overall dining experience.
Incorporate a citrus twist: Place a small wedge of lemon on the plate to add a burst of vibrant color and a hint of citrus fragrance. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the flavors of the dish.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the asparagus and garnishes with precision, focusing on creating a balanced and symmetrical composition. This attention to detail will demonstrate culinary finesse and attention to presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Baked Asparagus
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and roasting in the oven.
- Small saucepan: A small, deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for heating and melting ingredients.
- Cooking oil spray: A spray bottle containing cooking oil, used for greasing pans and coating food before cooking.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Baked Asparagus
Let the garlic browned butter baked asparagus cool completely before storing. This will prevent the asparagus from becoming soggy and help maintain its texture.
Place the cooled asparagus in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If using a container, make sure to choose one that is just large enough to hold the asparagus without leaving too much extra space, as this can lead to faster spoilage.
If you have any leftover browned butter sauce, store it separately in a small airtight container. This will allow you to reheat the sauce and asparagus separately, ensuring the best texture and flavor.
Refrigerate the stored garlic browned butter baked asparagus for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the asparagus in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Reheat the browned butter sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
To freeze the garlic browned butter baked asparagus, place the cooled asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the spears in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the asparagus is frozen solid.
Once frozen, transfer the asparagus to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Freeze the garlic browned butter baked asparagus for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen asparagus on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Prepare the browned butter sauce fresh for the best flavor and drizzle it over the reheated asparagus before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Baked Asparagus
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle a little extra butter or olive oil over the asparagus to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method helps to retain the original texture and flavor of the garlic browned butter sauce.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover asparagus on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to steam the asparagus and prevent it from drying out. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, checking the asparagus after each interval to ensure it doesn't overcook. Once heated through, drizzle with a little extra lemon juice and parmesan cheese to refresh the flavors.
If you have a toaster oven, this can be a great option for reheating smaller portions of asparagus. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the asparagus on a small baking tray. Drizzle with a little extra butter or olive oil and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method is perfect for maintaining the original texture and flavor of the dish.
For a unique twist, consider chopping up the leftover asparagus and adding it to a frittata, quiche, or omelet. The combination of the garlic browned butter flavor and the creamy eggs will create a delicious and satisfying meal. Simply sauté the chopped asparagus in a pan with a little extra butter or olive oil until heated through, then add your beaten eggs and other desired ingredients.
Interesting Trivia About Baked Asparagus
Asparagus is a member of the lily family and is related to onions, leeks, and garlic.
Budget-Friendly Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus
This garlic browned butter baked asparagus recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Asparagus is a budget-friendly vegetable, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and satisfying option. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $8-$10, making it an affordable and nutritious choice. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its simplicity, taste, and economic value.
Is Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus Healthy?
The garlic browned butter baked asparagus recipe is a relatively healthy dish, but it does have some aspects that could be improved to make it even healthier. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's nutritional profile:
- Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable, low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Butter, while adding flavor, is high in saturated fat and calories
- Garlic provides additional flavor and has potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system
- Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note and provides some vitamin C
- Parmesan cheese contributes to the overall flavor but is also high in saturated fat and sodium
To enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace some of it with heart-healthy olive oil to lower the saturated fat content
- Use a low-fat alternative to parmesan cheese, such as a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, which is lower in calories and fat but still provides a cheesy flavor
- Add other vegetables to the mix, such as cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary or red pepper flakes, to add more flavor without relying on excessive amounts of butter or cheese
By making these small adjustments, you can transform this already tasty asparagus recipe into an even healthier and more well-rounded side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Editor's Opinion on This Baked Asparagus Recipe
The garlic browned butter baked asparagus recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The asparagus is perfectly roasted, bringing out its natural sweetness, while the browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of garlic. The addition of lemon juice brightens the dish, and the sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a savory finish. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a simple vegetable into a sophisticated and delicious side dish.
Why trust this Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with asparagus as the star ingredient. The browned butter adds a rich and nutty flavor, while the garlic infuses a delightful aroma. The addition of parmesan cheese brings a savory depth, and a splash of lemon juice provides a refreshing zing. The meticulous attention to detail ensures a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and savor the exquisite combination of ingredients that will elevate your culinary journey.
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