Broiled Asparagus Parmesan: A Quick and Delicious Side Dish

Asparagus is a springtime staple, and there are countless ways to prepare it. While roasting, grilling, and steaming are all popular methods, broiling asparagus with Parmesan cheese offers a uniquely flavorful and incredibly quick way to enjoy this vibrant green vegetable. This recipe delivers perfectly tender-crisp asparagus with a salty, nutty, and slightly browned Parmesan crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

## Why Broil Asparagus?

Broiling is a high-heat cooking method that uses radiant heat from above to cook food quickly. When applied to asparagus, it yields several advantages:

* **Speed:** Broiling cooks asparagus in a matter of minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
* **Texture:** The high heat sears the outside of the asparagus, creating a slightly crispy texture while keeping the inside tender-crisp. This contrasts beautifully with the creamy, melted Parmesan.
* **Flavor:** Broiling intensifies the natural sweetness of asparagus, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory, and umami-rich flavor that complements the vegetable perfectly.
* **Minimal Effort:** This recipe requires minimal prep work and clean-up, making it a hassle-free option for any home cook.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients:

* **1 pound asparagus,** trimmed
* **2 tablespoons olive oil**
* **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese** (freshly grated is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture)
* **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder** (optional, but adds a nice savory depth)
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper,** freshly ground
* **Pinch of red pepper flakes** (optional, for a touch of heat)
* **Salt to taste**
* **Lemon wedges** (for serving, optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly broiled asparagus Parmesan:

**1. Prepare the Asparagus:**

* Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water. Gently rub the stalks to remove any dirt or grit.
* Trim the tough ends of the asparagus. The easiest way to do this is to hold a stalk of asparagus near the bottom and bend it. It will naturally snap off at the point where it becomes tough. Repeat with the remaining stalks, or line them up and cut them all at once with a knife. Trimming ensures that you’re only eating the tender parts of the asparagus.

**2. Season the Asparagus:**

* Place the trimmed asparagus in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Make sure all the spears are lightly coated. The oil helps the asparagus to cook evenly and prevents it from drying out under the broiler.
* Add garlic powder (if using), black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt to the bowl. Toss the asparagus to ensure it’s evenly seasoned. Seasoning at this stage allows the flavors to penetrate the asparagus as it cooks.

**3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:**

* Spread the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Using a baking sheet with sides helps to contain the asparagus and any potential oil splatter.
* Make sure the asparagus spears are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can cause the asparagus to steam instead of broil, resulting in a less crispy texture.

**4. Broil the Asparagus:**

* Preheat your broiler to high. Position a rack in the oven about 6-8 inches below the broiler element. This distance will allow the asparagus to cook quickly without burning.
* Place the baking sheet with the asparagus under the broiler. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and slightly browned in spots. Keep a close eye on the asparagus, as it can burn quickly under the broiler. The exact broiling time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus and the intensity of your broiler.

**5. Add the Parmesan Cheese:**

* Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus. Make sure each spear is covered in cheese for maximum flavor.
* Return the baking sheet to the broiler for another 1-2 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Again, watch carefully to prevent burning.

**6. Serve Immediately:**

* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the broiled asparagus Parmesan to a serving platter.
* Serve immediately. The asparagus is best enjoyed while it’s hot and the Parmesan cheese is melted and gooey.
* Optionally, serve with lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a welcome acidity that balances the richness of the Parmesan cheese.

## Tips for Perfect Broiled Asparagus Parmesan

* **Choose Asparagus Wisely:** Look for asparagus spears that are firm, bright green, and have tightly closed tips. Avoid asparagus that is limp, wilted, or has yellowing or browning tips. The thickness of the asparagus will affect the cooking time. Thicker asparagus spears will require a slightly longer broiling time.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the asparagus to steam instead of broil, resulting in a soggy texture. Make sure the asparagus spears are arranged in a single layer with enough space between them.
* **Keep a Close Eye on the Broiler:** Broiling is a quick cooking method, and food can burn easily if left unattended. Keep a close eye on the asparagus while it’s under the broiler and adjust the broiling time as needed.
* **Use Freshly Grated Parmesan:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a superior flavor and texture compared to pre-shredded Parmesan. It melts more smoothly and has a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more or less garlic powder, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as onion powder, dried herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a bright, acidic touch that balances the richness of the Parmesan cheese and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
* **Broil Time Adjustments:** Broiling time depends greatly on broiler strength and the thickness of asparagus. For thicker spears, increase broiling time before and after adding Parmesan. For thinner spears, reduce broiling time to prevent burning.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is delicious as is, but you can also customize it with these variations and additions:

* **Add a Protein:** Top the broiled asparagus Parmesan with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Add a Vegetable:** Combine the asparagus with other vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini, for a more colorful and flavorful side dish.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts over the broiled asparagus Parmesan for added texture and flavor.
* **Add Breadcrumbs:** Top the asparagus with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter for a crispy and crunchy topping.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with other cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Gruyere, for a different flavor profile.
* **Garlic Infused Oil:** Instead of drizzling with plain olive oil, consider using garlic-infused olive oil for an extra layer of garlicky flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the asparagus before broiling for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Broiled asparagus Parmesan is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Grilled or Roasted Chicken:** The savory flavor of the Parmesan complements the chicken perfectly.
* **Steak or Pork Chops:** The asparagus adds a touch of freshness and color to a hearty meat dish.
* **Fish or Seafood:** The asparagus and Parmesan provide a delicious contrast to the delicate flavor of fish or seafood.
* **Pasta Dishes:** Serve alongside pasta with pesto, marinara sauce, or cream sauce.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** Add to frittatas, omelets, or quiches for a nutritious and flavorful boost.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 80-120 per serving
* Fat: 6-9 grams
* Protein: 4-6 grams
* Carbohydrates: 4-6 grams
* Fiber: 2-3 grams

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.)

## Broiled Asparagus Parmesan: A Family Favorite

This broiled asparagus Parmesan recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy this springtime vegetable. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side dish or an elegant addition to a special occasion meal, this recipe is a winner. So, the next time you’re craving a flavorful and easy-to-make vegetable dish, give this broiled asparagus Parmesan a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your deliciously broiled asparagus parmesan!