Garlic Lemon Oven-Roasted Asparagus

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Garlic Lemon Oven-Roasted Asparagus is a simple yet flavorful dish that elevates a humble vegetable into a dinner-table star. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe brings out the best in fresh asparagus.

Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is the star of the show, providing a tender yet slightly crisp texture when roasted. Choose fresh, firm stalks for the best results. The olive oil helps in roasting, adding a subtle richness while ensuring the asparagus doesn’t dry out. Lemon zest and juice bring brightness and acidity, enhancing the natural flavors of the asparagus. Garlic adds a savory depth, making the dish more aromatic. Finally, a dash of sea salt and black pepper rounds out the flavors, accentuating the freshness of the ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh, firm asparagus for the best texture and flavor.
  • To avoid overcooking, start checking the asparagus at the 15-minute mark.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting.
  • Use a microplane for effortless lemon zesting.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Lemon Oven-Roasted Asparagus pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or a juicy steak. It also complements pasta dishes or can be tossed into a salad for an extra burst of flavor and texture. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or farro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry before roasting.
How do I know when the asparagus is done?
The asparagus is done when it's tender yet still has a slight bite, and the tips are a bit crispy.

Garlic Lemon Oven-Roasted Asparagus Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting as it crisps the asparagus tips while keeping the stalks tender. While the oven warms up, trim the woody ends off the asparagus. You’ll notice the bottoms are tougher and less pleasant to eat, so don’t be shy about cutting off about an inch or so.

Arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. This ensures even cooking since overcrowded vegetables tend to steam rather than roast. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and toss them gently to ensure each piece is well-coated.

Next, sprinkle the minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper over the asparagus. Try to distribute these as evenly as possible to avoid any overly seasoned bites. Now, pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the asparagus roast for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for tender stalks with tips that are slightly crispy.

Once done, remove from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. This final touch of acidity brings all the flavors together and adds a refreshing zing just before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cleanup.
  • Perfect balance of citrus and savory flavors.
  • Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients for a vibrant dish.
  • Pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper over the asparagus.
5. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until tender and slightly crispy at the tips.
6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus before serving.

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