17 minutes
A delightful asparagus side dish with crispy garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
tablespoons
Garlic Clove, sliced thin
each
bunch
to taste
to taste
Parmesan Cheese, grated
tablespoons
Lemon, optional, for juice
each
tablespoons
1. Crisp the Garlic
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced garlic cloves. Cook the garlic gently until it turns crisp and golden, which should take about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
2. Remove and Set Aside Garlic
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the golden garlic to a paper towel–lined plate and set it aside. This step ensures the garlic stays crispy and doesn't get soggy while you prepare the asparagus.
3. Cook the Asparagus
Next, add a small pat of butter to the oil in the skillet and increase the heat slightly. Once the butter has melted, add the asparagus, making sure to distribute the spears evenly across the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the asparagus cook for about 5 minutes. Covering the asparagus helps it steam, turning bright green while maintaining its crisp texture.
4. Brown the Asparagus
After 5 minutes, uncover the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Season the asparagus with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, moving the spears occasionally with tongs. This browning process enhances the flavor, and the asparagus should be tender and well-browned on one side.
5. Finish and Serve
Transfer the cooked asparagus to a serving dish and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed. If you like a touch of acidity, squeeze half a lemon over the asparagus. Finally, sprinkle the asparagus with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and the crispy garlic you set aside earlier.
. After crisping the asparagus, sprinkle with lemon zest instead of parmesan, then add toasted sliced almonds for a nutty crunch. The brightness of the lemon will offer a fresh twist, while the almonds provide an additional texture.
. Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the finished asparagus, then crumble goat cheese on top. The sweetness and acidity of the balsamic glaze pair well with the earthy asparagus, and the creamy goat cheese adds a tangy contrast.
. Before roasting, toss the asparagus with a bit of harissa paste for a North African inspired spicy kick. Crumble feta cheese over the cooked asparagus to balance the heat with its creamy texture.
. Mix panko breadcrumbs with sesame seeds and a little bit of sesame oil, then use this mixture instead of parmesan to coat the asparagus. This gives the dish a Japanese-inspired twist with a satisfying crunch.
. Lightly coat the asparagus with maple syrup before roasting for a touch of sweetness. Add chopped pecans in the last few minutes of cooking for a caramelized, crunchy topping.
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