EASY OVEN-ROASTED GARLIC PARMESAN ASPARAGUS (VEGAN RECIPE)
This oven-roasted garlic parmesan asparagus is a flavorful, easy-to-make side dish that’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. A perfect addition to any meal!
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Pastry Brush (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of asparagus ends trimmed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp tahini (optional for a richer taste)
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp water (if needed for thinning)
- 2-3 tbsp Vegan Parmesan (see recipe on the notes)
- 2 tbsp walnuts (finely chopped, optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the asparagus – Rinse and trim the woody ends.
- Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, Whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, tahini (if using), nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add a little water if needed to thin the mixture.
- Coat the asparagus: Place the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle or brush the seasoning mix over it. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with Vegan Parmesan – Add 1 tbsp of Vegan Parmesan over the asparagus before baking.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
- Finish with more Vegan Parmesan – Once out of the oven, sprinkle another tablespoon or two of Vegan Parmesan over the top while it's still warm.
- Garnish and serve—Optionally, sprinkle with chopped walnuts and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choosing Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears with tight tips. Thinner asparagus will cook faster, while thicker ones may need an extra minute or two in the oven.
- Trimming Asparagus: Snap one asparagus spear near the bottom to find the natural breaking point, then trim the rest at a similar length.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- Tahini Variation: The tahini adds richness, but you can omit it for a lighter version or replace it with a teaspoon of olive brine for extra depth.
- Vegan Parmesan recipe: check my recipe here and the nut-free version here.
- Baking Tip: Arrange asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Texture Preference: If you like a more charred flavor, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.