Roasted Lemon Asparagus Recipe

Introduction

Roasted lemon asparagus is a simple and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. With a bright citrus twist and tender-crisp texture, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of fresh asparagus in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 12-16 ounces fresh asparagus (pencil-thin)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• A squeeze of lemon juice (after roasting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Trim the asparagus by holding one spear and snapping off the rough end where it naturally breaks. Use this as a guide to cut the remaining spears to the same length.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Roast in the oven for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness, tossing halfway through, until tender-crisp and bright green.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus. Toss gently to combine and adjust salt if needed.
7. Step 7: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm, optionally garnished with herbs or grated cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or toasted almonds before serving.
• If you prefer a smoky taste, add a pinch of smoked paprika along with the seasoning.
• Use fresh lemon zest for the best bright citrus aroma; a microplane works great for zesting.
• Thicker asparagus spears may require a few extra minutes in the oven to become tender.

Storage

Store leftover roasted asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to maintain tenderness without overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh asparagus works best for roasting because it retains texture and flavor. Frozen asparagus tends to become mushy when roasted, so it’s not recommended for this preparation.

How do I know when the asparagus is done roasting?

The asparagus should be tender-crisp and bright green. You’ll notice it softens slightly but still holds a bit of bite. Roasting time varies based on thickness, so check at around 15 minutes and adjust as needed.

Roasted Lemon Asparagus Recipe

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4.6 from 55 reviews

This Roasted Lemon Asparagus recipe is a quick and easy side dish that highlights fresh asparagus tossed with garlic, olive oil, and bright lemon zest. Roasting brings out tender-crisp texture and a vibrant green color, enhanced by a fresh squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful complement to any meal.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
• Total Time: 25-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Asparagus

• 12–16 ounces fresh asparagus (pencil-thin)

Seasoning

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• A squeeze of lemon juice (added after roasting)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to prepare for roasting the asparagus.
2. Trim Asparagus: Snap off the rough ends of one asparagus spear to find the natural break point. Use this length as a guide to trim the remaining asparagus spears evenly.
3. Toss with Seasonings: In a bowl, combine the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, ensuring each spear is well coated.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the asparagus spears out in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan for even roasting.
5. Roast Asparagus: Roast in the preheated oven for 15-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and maintains a vibrant green color.
6. Add Lemon Juice: After roasting, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus and toss well. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
7. Serve: Transfer the asparagus to a serving dish and garnish if desired for an attractive presentation.

Notes

• Use pencil-thin asparagus for quicker cooking and optimal tenderness.
• Adjust roasting time depending on thickness of the asparagus spears.
• For extra flavor, consider garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or toasted almonds.
• Use fresh lemon zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
• This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats or fish.

Keywords: roasted asparagus, lemon asparagus, healthy side dish, garlic asparagus, spring vegetables, easy vegetable recipe