Roasted asparagus spears are crisp-tender with great flavor. They can be roasted at higher temperatures as well (400° to 500°F), in which case the roasting time is short (8 to 10 minutes). If you are roasting meat or poultry at 375°F, that temperature will be fine for the asparagus, too. Don’t add the asparagus to the oven too soon or it will be overcooked.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Position the oven racks so that they are evenly spaced. Preheat the oven to convection roast at 450°F. Cover a shallow baking or roasting pan with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
Step 2
Toss the asparagus with the vegetable and sesame oils and the soy sauce. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared pan. (The asparagus can be prepared ahead, ready for roasting; it does not need to be refrigerated unless you prepare it a day ahead.)
Step 3
Roast on the bottom rack (beneath a roast, if applicable) or on a rack in the center of the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the asparagus is crisp-tender.
Roasted Asparagus with Basil Pesto and Pine Nuts
Step 4
Toss the asparagus with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Roast for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons pine nuts and finish roasting. Transfer the asparagus to a heated serving dish and coat with 2 to 3 tablespoons prepared basil pesto. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan.
