Lemon Garlic Asparagus with Toasted Almonds

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Lemon Garlic Asparagus with Toasted Almonds is a simple yet elegant side dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of spring. With zesty lemon and crunchy almonds, it's perfect for a fresh, delightful addition to your meal.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Asparagus with Toasted Almonds

Asparagus is the star of the show, bringing a tender yet crisp texture to the dish. Olive oil adds a rich, fruity base that helps the asparagus roast beautifully in the oven. Garlic offers a savory depth that complements the freshness of the asparagus. Lemon juice and zest bring a bright, tangy flavor that lifts the dish. Sliced almonds provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast to the tender vegetables. Lastly, a bit of salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.

Tips & Tricks

  • Snap the asparagus ends instead of cutting them; they'll naturally break where the woody part starts.
  • If you prefer, swap olive oil for another neutral oil like avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
  • Don't skip the lemon zest—it's key to the dish's bright flavor.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

This asparagus dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a hearty quinoa salad. It also works well as part of a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fresh bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is best for roasting, but if you must use frozen, let it thaw and dry it thoroughly before cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh lemon adds a brighter flavor. You can also substitute with a splash of white wine vinegar.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold in a salad.

Lemon Garlic Asparagus with Toasted Almonds Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that's heating up, grab your pound of asparagus and trim off those tough, woody ends. You want them nice and tender, not chewy. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet—this helps them roast evenly.

Drizzle about two tablespoons of olive oil over the asparagus, ensuring they're well-coated. Next, sprinkle the minced garlic over them. I find this helps the garlic flavor seep into the asparagus as they roast. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the top and zest it right onto the asparagus for an extra punch of freshness.

Season the asparagus with a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Now, give everything a good toss directly on the baking sheet. This ensures every spear is coated with all that delicious flavor.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the asparagus roast for 10 to 12 minutes. You're looking for them to be tender with a slight crispness when you bite into them.

While the asparagus is roasting, it's time to toast the almonds. Place a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Keep an eye on them and stir frequently. They'll turn a beautiful golden brown in just a few minutes—don't walk away, as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Once the asparagus is done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Top with your freshly toasted almonds for that fantastic crunch right before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 20 minutes.
  • Uses just a handful of ingredients you might already have on hand.
  • Perfect balance of flavors: bright lemon, savory garlic, and nutty almonds.
  • Versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses.

Ingredients

1 lb asparagus
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and arrange them on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Toss the asparagus to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
6. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
7. In the meantime, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
8. Once the asparagus is done, remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
9. Top with toasted almonds before serving.

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