Broiled Asparagus is a quick and flavorful way to prepare this nutritious spring vegetable. By broiling the asparagus, its flavors intensify and its exterior lightly caramelizes, creating a delightful combination of tenderness and a slightly smoky taste. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, broiled asparagus is a versatile and delicious addition to your table.
SERVES 2 TO 3
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust the oven rack to 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler.
- Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil in a bowl and season it with salt and pepper.
- Lay the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Broil the asparagus, shaking the pan occasionally, until it becomes tender and lightly browned, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the broiled asparagus to a serving dish and sprinkle it with lemon juice, if using.
- Serve the delicious and tender broiled asparagus as a delightful side dish or a healthy snack.
VARIATION – Broiled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze:
- Simmer ¾ cup of balsamic vinegar in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat until it reduces to ¼ cup, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Off the heat, stir in ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, and drizzle this glaze over the broiled asparagus before serving.
VARIATION – Broiled Asparagus with Soy-Ginger Vinaigrette:
- To make this variation gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Substitute vegetable oil for olive oil.
- In a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of lime juice (from 2 limes), 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 thinly sliced scallions, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Drizzle this soy-ginger vinaigrette over the broiled asparagus before serving.
TIPS:
- Choose Even Thickness: For even cooking, select asparagus spears of roughly ½ inch in thickness. This ensures that all the spears cook uniformly and are tender without becoming overcooked or undercooked.
- Toss with Oil and Season Simply: Toss the asparagus with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. The simplicity of these seasonings allows the natural flavor of the asparagus to shine through.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the broiling process as asparagus cooks quickly under the broiler. It should be tender and lightly browned but still retain its vibrant green color.
- Try Flavorful Variations: For some delightful variations, consider adding a balsamic glaze or an Asian-inspired vinaigrette to the broiled asparagus. These additions elevate the dish with exciting flavors.
Broiled Asparagus is a delightful and simple recipe that brings out the best flavors in this seasonal vegetable. With its tender yet slightly charred taste, this dish is a perfect accompaniment to various main courses. Whether you keep it simple with salt and pepper or experiment with flavorful variations, broiled asparagus is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this easy-to-make and healthy dish with your family and friends year-round.
