Outback Steakhouse Asparagus Recipe

I don’t often crave a side dish, but when I do, it’s usually for the tender, flavorful asparagus from Outback Steakhouse. If you’ve ever enjoyed it there, you know exactly what I mean. The asparagus is perfectly seasoned, crisp-tender, and cooked to just the right texture, making it the perfect complement to any main course.

I’ve tried my best to recreate that delicious Outback Steakhouse asparagus recipe at home along with their Shark Attack drink which was absolutely amazing.

It’s super simple to make, with just a few ingredients you likely already have. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a steak or just enjoying it on its own, this Outback Steakhouse asparagus recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You Will Love This Outback Steakhouse Asparagus Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and a touch of white truffle oil gives the asparagus an amazing taste.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Asparagus is low in calories, packed with vitamins, and makes a great side dish for any meal.
• Quick Cooking Time: You can have this dish ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect Texture: The asparagus comes out tender but still has a nice crunch.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings or try different cheeses to suit your taste.
• Elegant Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for serving guests.
• Pairs with Everything: Whether it’s steak, chicken, or fish, this asparagus recipe complements any main course beautifully.

What Is in Outback Steakhouse Asparagus Recipe?

• 1 bunch of asparagus – Trim the woody ends for tender stalks.
• 1.5 lemons – Zest one and juice the other for a vibrant citrus kick.
• 2 cloves of garlic – Minced finely for bold flavor.
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes – For a subtle heat.
• 1 tsp salt – To enhance the flavors.
• 1 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground for the best taste.
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty and savory element.
• 1 tsp white truffle oil – Optional, but adds a rich, gourmet finish.

Ingredient Alternatives for Steakhouse Asparagus

• Cheese Substitute: If you don’t have parmesan, you can use shredded mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, or even nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.
• Oil Options: Don’t have white truffle oil? Olive oil or avocado oil works perfectly as a substitute.
• Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.
• Lemon Alternative: If lemons are unavailable, lime juice or a splash of vinegar can provide that tangy kick.
• Garlic Swap: Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder or minced jarred garlic in a pinch.

Essential Kitchen Appliances

• Baking Sheet: To evenly roast the asparagus.
• Oven: Preheat to 400°F for consistent cooking.
• Zester and Juicer: For prepping the lemons.
• Mixing Bowl: To toss the asparagus with seasonings.

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Asparagus Recipe

Step | 1 Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step | 2 Prepare the asparagus: Wash and trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Place the stalks in a mixing bowl.

Step | 3 Season: Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the asparagus. Toss with a drizzle of truffle oil or olive oil until evenly coated.

Step | 4 Roast: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.

Step | 5 Add parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the asparagus. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step | 6 Finish with lemon: Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus. Garnish with lemon zest for extra brightness.

Step | 7 Serve and enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately. It’s the perfect side to serve with steak for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Tasting Notes

• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. This ensures even roasting and prevents steaming.
• Use fresh asparagus. Look for bright green stalks with firm tips for the best results.
• Adjust cooking time based on thickness. Thin asparagus will roast faster, so keep an eye on it.

Flavorful Additions & Variations

1. Add Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon over the roasted asparagus for a smoky twist.
2. Try Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts for added crunch.
3. Herbs: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
4. Cheese Swap: Experiment with feta or goat cheese instead of parmesan.

Best Ways to Serve The Steakhouse Asparagus

This roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes:

• Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled steak, chicken, or fish for a complete meal.
• Pasta Dishes: Add to creamy pasta or as a side for a tomato-based dish.
• Salads: Chop and mix into a salad for extra texture and flavor.
• Brunch: Include in a breakfast spread with eggs and toast.

Best Ways to Store Leftover Asparagus

1. Refrigerate: To keep leftover asparagus fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days, retaining most of its flavor and texture.

2. Reheat: When reheating, opt for the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Reheating in the oven helps preserve the crispy edges, while the microwave is faster but may slightly soften the texture. Aim to warm it just until heated through to maintain its best quality.

3. Freeze: Freezing roasted asparagus is possible, though it may affect the texture. If you choose to freeze it, place the asparagus in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, bake it in the oven for the best result, as this will help maintain the flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Outback Steakhouse Asparagus Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

Fresh asparagus is always recommended for this recipe. Frozen asparagus contains more moisture, which can make your dish soggy and prevent the crispy, roasted texture we’re aiming for. If fresh asparagus isn’t available, it’s better to wait or choose a different vegetable side dish.

2. Is this Outback Steakhouse asparagus recipe considered healthy?

Absolutely! Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins like K, C, and A. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and the minimal seasoning keeps the dish light and nutritious. It’s a great way to add vegetables to your meal in a delicious way.

3. What should I do if my asparagus spears are particularly thick?

Thicker asparagus spears might require a few extra minutes of cooking time. Check the tenderness by piercing with a fork after the initial 15-minute roast. If they’re still too firm, add an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. The goal is to achieve a tender-crisp texture.

4. Can I prepare the asparagus ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Wash and trim the asparagus, and store it in the refrigerator. Season and roast just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

5. How can I tell if the asparagus is perfectly cooked?

Look for these signs of perfectly cooked asparagus: a bright green color, slight browning on the edges, and a tender-crisp texture. The spears should be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy. The Parmesan cheese should be golden and slightly crispy.

6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The mild seasoning makes this asparagus appealing to children. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make it even more mild. Sometimes, roasting vegetables can make them more palatable for kids who might not enjoy steamed or boiled vegetables.

7. Is white truffle oil necessary for this recipe?

White truffle oil is optional and adds a luxurious, earthy flavor. If you don’t have it or find it too expensive, you can skip it without compromising the overall taste of the dish. The other seasonings will still provide plenty of flavor.