This broiled asparagus recipe takes just 8 minutes from start to finish and creates a delicious side dish with minimal effort. It’s my go-to method whenever those beautiful green spears are in season.
Of all the methods I’ve tried for cooking asparagus over the years, but this broiling technique has honestly become my favorite way to prepare it!
It’s quick, simple, and creates that perfect charred exterior while keeping the asparagus tender inside. You don’t even need to preheat your oven! Throw the spears alongside baked salmon for a lovely dinner, or baked eggs for a special brunch.
Why you’ll love this recipe
I’m assuming you’ve made roasted asparagus and sauteed asparagus before—but let me tell you: the broiler is where it’s at! This recipe has become one of my go-to side dishes. Here’s why it works so well:
- Minimal prep time – From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 10 minutes.
- No preheating required – Unlike roasting, broiling doesn’t need a preheated oven, saving you valuable time.
- Perfect for weeknights – When you need a quick vegetable side dish that’s both elegant and delicious.
- Foolproof cooking method – The high heat of the broiler gives you those delicious charred bits while maintaining a tender-crisp texture.
5 star review
“These were excellent! And an instant hit with my family too. They came out crispy yet tender. I will definitely make them again!” -Frances
How to make broiled asparagus (basic method)
One of the things I love most about broiled asparagus is that once you make it once, you can easily memorize the method (you don’t actually need a recipe!). Here’s all you need to know:
- Trim the asparagus ends properly (more on the right technique below).
- Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Add asparagus, oil, salt and pepper directly on the sheet.
- Place lemon wheels right on the tray with the asparagus to infuse flavor as it cooks.
- Broil for 3 minutes, stir, then 2-3 minutes more until tender when pierced with a fork. For optimal charring, place the tray about 4-5 inches from the heat source.
The fast way to trim asparagus
Have you been snapping off the ends of your asparagus? I used to do it too, until I realized there’s a much faster way that wastes less of the edible part! Here’s the method Alex and I now use:
- Line up all your asparagus spears facing the same direction on your cutting board.
- Use a chef’s knife to cut right where the green part turns to white.
- You can cut through about half a bunch at once, taking just seconds.
Try this recipe with these pairings
Asparagus makes any plate look instantly more appealing (is it superficial to love a vegetable partly for its looks?). Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- With seafood: Pair it with pistachio crusted salmon, miso Salmon, blackened salmon or pan seared scallops.
- Alongside pasta: The bright green spears look beautiful next to a plate of cherry tomato pasta or vegetarian lasagna.
- With risotto: Add color and nutrition to a creamy mushroom risotto.
- With stuffed vegetables: Add it to a plate with stuffed portobello mushrooms or stuffed peppers.
Health benefits of asparagus
Beyond its delicious taste and striking appearance, asparagus is incredibly good for you. Here are a few reasons to add more of this spring vegetable to your diet:
- Fiber-rich: One cup of cooked asparagus provides 4 grams of fiber, supporting digestive health.
- Protein-packed: Unlike many green vegetables, asparagus contains 4 grams of protein per cup.
- Vitamin powerhouse: It’s loaded with vitamins A, C, E, K, and B vitamins including folate.
- Antioxidant benefits: The high levels of antioxidants may have anti-aging properties and support eye and hair health.
Dietary notes
This broiled asparagus recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free (omit the optional Parmesan cheese for vegan/dairy-free versions).
Frequently asked questions
For optimal charring, we recommend placing the tray about 4-5 inches from the heat source. This gives you that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.
Broiling uses high heat (around 500-550°F) from the top heating element, cooking the asparagus quickly and creating nice charred spots. Roasting uses a lower temperature (around 400-425°F) with heat circulating throughout the oven, resulting in a more evenly cooked vegetable. Broiling is faster (5-6 minutes) compared to roasting (10-12 minutes).
Perfectly broiled asparagus should be bright green with light charring and tender when pierced with a fork at the thickest part. It should still have a slight crispness – if it’s floppy, it’s overcooked. The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of your asparagus stalks: pencil-thin spears may only need 3-4 minutes total, while thicker spears might need 6-7 minutes.
Store leftover broiled asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat. I don’t recommend freezing broiled asparagus as it tends to become mushy.
Broiled Asparagus (Fast & Easy!)
Broiled asparagus is a fast, easy and delicious way to cook this green vegetable! Throw it in the broiler and cook until charred and tender.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Broiled
- Cuisine: Vegetables
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional; omit for vegan)
Instructions
- Preheat a broiler to high.
- Cut off the tough bottom ends of the asparagus. Add the asparagus stalks to a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, and add the kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Thinly slice 4 lemon wheels from the lemon, then add them right on the baking sheet.
- Broil for 3 minutes (for optimal charring, place the tray about 4-5 inches from the heat source). Remove the tray and stir. Then broil 2 to 3 minutes more, until the spears are tender when pierced by a fork at the thickest part. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (optional) and serve.
Asparagus cooking tips
While this broiled method is my favorite, there are several other techniques you can use depending on what equipment you have available:
- Roasting: Similar to broiling but with longer cooking time at a lower temperature
- Sautéing: Quick and easy on the stovetop when you don’t want to use the oven
- Steaming: For a clean, pure asparagus flavor without added oil
- Grilling: Perfect for summer cookouts when you want that smoky flavor
