Roasted Asparagus with Apricot Sauce is a family favorite for asparagus side dish recipes. Asparagus in the oven is fast, making it an easy side dish recipe for nearly any meal.
Adding my easy apricot sauce takes your roasted asparagus up a notch.
Roasted Asparagus with Apricot Sauce is an easy recipe for asparagus in the oven. The best asparagus side recipe out there!
I have trouble understanding individuals who do not enjoy the stocky tree-like vegetable. With a delicately bitter flavor, numerous health benefits and allure of being able to eat with your hands, who wouldn’t want to indulge?
I’m also a nerdy weirdo, but don’t asparagus spears remind you of some sort of tree in a Dr. Seuss book? I’m sure they were similar and had some funky, cool name.
If you are still reading after me telling you about the way my odd mind works… let me also tell you about some of the benefits of eating asparagus.
Asparagus is packed with antioxidants, fiber and vitamins A, C, and E.Fresh asparagus, which starts harvesting in the spring is also relatively inexpensive due to the rapid harvest times.
Did you know asparagus can grow up to 1/2 inch per hour? That is crazy!Look for a medium to small size stalks, larger stalks are woody, stringy and can be challenging to eat.
If that is all that is available, blanch them before proceeding making your recipe. The next best option is flash frozen asparagus.
The name “roasted asparagus” is almost funny to me. Technically roasting is just the action of cooking something in the oven or over fire, but in fine cooking, generally means cooking something fairly low and slow.
Asparagus in the oven doesn’t need to be low and slow, in fact, it does a little better when fired up and cooked fast to get a little crisp on the tip. If you are looking for white asparagus recipes or purple asparagus recipes, you can also use my Roasted Asparagus with Apricot Sauce.
White asparagus is actually the same as green, just harvested before sprouting above ground, hence why it is a little more expensive, it is labor intensive.
Tools for making Roasted Asparagus with Apricot Sauce:
Wood cutting board – wood won’t dull your knives like plastic and if treated properly, has natural antimicrobial properties.
Good knife – Global is my favorite! They are worth the price, I promise. I am kind of obsessed with them and store them tucked away so no one else can use them. Including hubby. Hands off my good stuff!
Rimmed Baking Sheet– another kitchen staple! You’ll use this for prep work, roasting and much more. I have 7 at my house.
Whisks– I buy whisks in multiple sizes. You never know which one you will need.
More asparagus recipes:
Roasted Asparagus with Apricot Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of asparagus , trimmed
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves , preferably no sugar added
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic , minced
- Cooking Spray
- fine sea salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Arange asparagus in a single layer and spray with cooking spray again. Season with sea salt and pepper. Sprinkle sesame seeds over top.
- Roast asparagus for 5 minutes, remove and turn over, cook for an additional 5 minutes or until stalks are soft and tips are crispy.
- While asparagus cooks, combine apricot preserves, soy sauce and garlic in a small dish.
- Remove from baking sheet into the rectangle dish, toss and coat with apricot glaze. Serve immediately.
- We love comments! Make sure to come back and leave us one!
Can’t wait to make this dish! Also love the ASPARAGUS trivia & the list & description of your tools & tips.
I have never thought about it, but now you have mentioned it….they do look like Dr Suess trees!
I LOVE roasted veg…in fact I would say I have a bit of a roasted veg obsession!!!
But apricot preserves glaze….. YES YES YES!!
I would have never thought on my own to combine asparagus with apricot preserves – how delicious!!
It is so good! Plus, you get fruit and veggie- double win!