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For this dish, start with 1 pound of fresh asparagus. Choose bright green stalks that are firm. Trim the ends to remove any tough parts. This step keeps your asparagus tender and tasty. Next, we need 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic gives a strong, savory flavor. We also need the zest of 1 lemon. This zest adds a bright note. Plus, use 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick. You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil. This oil helps the asparagus roast evenly. It also adds rich flavor. For seasoning, grab 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. These two make a great base. If you like some heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This is optional but brings a nice spice. If you want to take it up a notch, consider 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and adds a savory depth. Another touch is fresh parsley, chopped for garnish. It brightens the dish and makes it look pretty. Adding these optional ingredients can really elevate your Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab 1 pound of fresh asparagus. Trim the tough ends off each stalk. This helps remove the bitter taste. Rinse them under cold water to clean. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry asparagus ensures better roasting. In a big bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. If you like heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything is combined. Now, add the trimmed asparagus to the bowl. Toss the asparagus in the lemon garlic mixture. Make sure each stalk is well-coated. Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup quick. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and roast for 12-15 minutes. You want them to be tender and have slight crisp edges. If you choose, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus during the last 2 minutes. This adds a nice touch. After roasting, remove the sheet from the oven and add fresh parsley on top before serving. When choosing asparagus, look for bright green stalks. They should feel firm and snap easily. Avoid any that look wilted or have dark spots. Thin stalks tend to be more tender, while thicker ones have a stronger flavor. Fresh asparagus is key to a tasty dish. Roasting asparagus at 425°F (220°C) gives it a nice, crispy texture. Spread the asparagus out in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow even cooking. Tossing it in the lemon garlic mixture helps coat each piece well. Check for tenderness after 12-15 minutes. If they turn slightly brown at the edges, you’ve nailed it! You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Parmesan cheese is another great addition; it melts and adds richness. Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and flavor. Feel free to adjust these optional ingredients to suit your taste. The goal is to make the dish your own! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm stalks with closed tips for the best flavor and texture. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the asparagus is in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and crispiness. Adjust Roasting Time: Depending on the thickness of your asparagus, you may need to adjust the roasting time. Thicker stalks may require a few extra minutes. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other herbs and spices like thyme or lemon pepper for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can turn this dish into a full meal by adding shrimp. Simply sauté shrimp in olive oil and garlic before mixing with the asparagus. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink. Then, combine them with the asparagus and roast together. This adds protein and makes it hearty. If you want a vegan twist, skip the Parmesan cheese. Instead, try using nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just sprinkle it on the asparagus before roasting. This keeps the dish plant-based and still full of flavor. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes work well. Chop them to similar sizes as the asparagus. Toss them in the lemon garlic mix too. This adds color and variety to your dish. Plus, it makes it even healthier! You can keep leftover lemon garlic roasted asparagus in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. The good thing is the flavors deepen over time. Just make sure it cools down before you store it. This helps keep it fresh. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it. First, let the asparagus cool completely. Then, spread it out on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 to 2 hours. After that, place it in a freezer bag or container. It will stay good for up to 2 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. If using a microwave, place it on a plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your tasty dish again! Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. However, fresh asparagus gives better texture and flavor. If you use frozen, thaw it first. Pat it dry to remove extra moisture. This helps it roast well. Asparagus is done when it is bright green and tender. It should also have slight crispness on the edges. Check it after 12 minutes. If it needs more time, roast it for a few extra minutes. Lemon garlic roasted asparagus pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or fish. It also complements pasta dishes or quinoa. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside steak or pork. Enjoy the bright flavors with your favorite main dishes! In this article, we explored how to make lemon garlic roasted asparagus. You learned about fresh ingredients and key aromatics. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for selection, and ways to adapt the dish. Proper storage and reheating methods help keep flavors intact. Remember, roasting enhances asparagus's natural taste. Feel free to experiment with add-ins and variations. With practice, you’ll create a dish that shines on any table. Enjoy your cooking!

Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus

A delicious and healthy side dish featuring roasted asparagus with lemon and garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon zest of
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Add the trimmed asparagus to the bowl and toss until evenly coated in the lemon garlic mixture.
  • Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
  • If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the asparagus for the last 2 minutes of roasting to allow it to melt slightly.
  • Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Optional Parmesan cheese can be added for extra flavor.
Keyword asparagus, garlic, lemon, roasted, vegetarian