Quick and Easy Asparagus

The best asparagus is fresh and November is the perfect month to enjoy this highly seasonal crop. To tell if asparagus is fresh, look for stalks that are a rich, deep green color that get lighter toward the end of the stalk. The stalks should be firm to the touch. Pass by any stalks that are limp or dry with cracked ends. The tips of the asparagus should be tightly closed and the stalks should be uniform for even cooking.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare fresh asparagus is to simply blanch them for a couple of minutes and toss them with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon zest.

Or you can get a little more creative and add it to something like prawns to make this delicious easy weeknight meal that takes only 15 minutes in the oven. It can be served over spaghetti, brown rice, quinoa or mashed or roasted potatoes.

Sheet Pan Prawn and Asparagus

Ingredients

For the garlic butter sauce • 4 tablespoons butter • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the sheet pan prawn and asparagus • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided • 1 pound large (28-30 count) prawn, peeled and deveined • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

For serving • Thin spaghetti, for serving • Parsley, for garnish

Method 1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 200˚C.

1. Make the garlic butter sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, add the butter and garlic. Cook until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant, 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to let the butter brown. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Set aside for later use.

2. Roast the asparagus: Lay out asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and roast for 7 minutes. The asparagus will continue to cook after you’ve added the prawn.

3. Roast the prawn: Toss prawn with the chili powder and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. After asparagus has roasted for 7 minutes, move them to one side of the sheet pan and add prawn to the second half in a single layer. Return to oven and roast for another 7 minutes. It’s okay if some of the asparagus overlap. The sheet pan is done when the prawn have turned a light pink color and are firm in texture. The asparagus should be browned on the edges and fork tender.

4. Cut asparagus and drizzle with garlic butter: Carefully remove the asparagus from the sheet pan and chop into 3-4 pieces. Place back onto the sheet pan with the prawn and coat everything lightly with half the garlic butter sauce.

5. Serve: Serve asparagus and prawn over thin spaghetti with the remaining garlic butter sauce and fresh parsley.