Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus

$- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 medium lemon - Juice of 1 medium lemon - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a kick) - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is very important. A hot oven helps the asparagus cook well. It also gives the asparagus a nice, crispy texture. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Then, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Now, the zest of 1 medium lemon goes in. Pour in the juice of that lemon too. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If you like some spice, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it smells great. Now, it’s time to coat the asparagus. Take 1 pound of trimmed asparagus and add it to the bowl. Gently toss the asparagus so each piece gets coated in the lemon garlic mixture. This step makes sure the asparagus is flavorful. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coated asparagus in a single layer on the sheet. This helps them roast evenly. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the asparagus for about 12 to 15 minutes. You want them to be tender and a bit crispy at the ends. Halfway through roasting, take the baking sheet out. Give the asparagus a quick stir. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice roasted flavor. Put them back in the oven to finish cooking. To get the best roasted asparagus, start with fresh stalks. Look for bright green, firm asparagus with closed tips. Trim about an inch off the bottom. This helps the asparagus absorb flavors better. Spread the stalks in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowding them can cause steaming instead of roasting. I recommend roasting your asparagus for 12 to 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). For tender asparagus, aim for 12 minutes. If you like it crispier, go for 15 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give the asparagus a quick stir. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crisp. Lemon and garlic add bright flavors to asparagus. Don't skip the lemon zest; it packs a punch! Red pepper flakes can add heat if you enjoy a little spice. For added richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top right after roasting. This melts slightly and enhances the dish's flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Asparagus: For the best flavor and texture, always choose fresh, bright green asparagus. Look for firm stalks with closed tips. Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Ensure the asparagus is in a single layer with space between each stalk. This allows for even roasting and prevents steaming. Adjust Roasting Time: Depending on the thickness of your asparagus, you may need to adjust the roasting time. Thinner stalks will cook faster, so keep an eye on them! Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or using different types of cheese for a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even tastier with cheese. Try using feta for a tangy kick. Goat cheese also works well, adding creaminess. If you prefer something sharp, sprinkle aged cheddar on top. Each cheese brings its own flavor, making your asparagus special. Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aroma. If you want heat, try cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. You could also mix in some fresh parsley after roasting for a bright flavor. The options are endless! Don't stop with just asparagus! You can add bell peppers or zucchini to the mix. Carrots also roast nicely and add a sweet touch. Just cut them to the same size for even cooking. Mixing veggies creates a colorful and healthy side dish! After enjoying your lemon garlic roasted asparagus, you may have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. Use the leftovers within three days for the best flavor and texture. To reheat your asparagus, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the crispiness. You can also use a microwave. Just heat them for 30 seconds at a time. Check often to prevent overcooking. If you want to freeze asparagus, first blanch it. Boil the asparagus for two minutes. Then, quickly place them in ice water. This helps keep their color and crunch. Drain and pat them dry. Place the cooled asparagus in freezer bags. Remove the air and seal well. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight. It takes 12 to 15 minutes to roast asparagus at 425°F (220°C). This time allows the asparagus to become tender with crispy ends. It is best to stir the asparagus halfway through cooking for even roasting. Keep an eye on them, so they do not overcook. Perfectly roasted asparagus will be bright green and slightly caramelized. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but it may change the texture. Frozen asparagus releases more water when cooked. It might not become as crispy as fresh asparagus. To use frozen asparagus, thaw and drain it before adding it to the lemon-garlic mix. Roasting time may also need small adjustments. Check for tenderness and adjust as needed. Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. - Pasta dishes with lemon or garlic sauce. - A quinoa salad for a healthy side. - Steak or pork chops for a hearty option. - You can also serve it on a cheese platter. It adds a fresh touch! In this post, we covered how to roast asparagus with lemon and garlic. We talked about the fresh ingredients you need and the pantry staples that make it easy. You now know the steps to prepare the dish, along with helpful tips to ensure great flavor and texture. Remember, you can tweak the recipe with different cheeses or spices for variety. Finally, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh for later. Enjoy this simple yet tasty dish in your meals!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus

A flavorful side dish featuring roasted asparagus tossed in a zesty lemon garlic mixture.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 medium lemon, zest
1 medium lemon, juice
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Whisk until well combined.
Add the trimmed asparagus to the bowl and gently toss until each stalk is coated in the lemon-garlic mixture.
Transfer the coated asparagus to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading them out in a single layer.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the asparagus to cool for about one minute.
If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese while still hot.

Notes

For an appetizing presentation, arrange the roasted asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle with residual sauce.

Keyword asparagus, garlic, lemon, roasted, vegetable