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To make Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus, you need a few key items. Here’s the list: - 1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for flavor) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a bright, zesty side dish. The fresh asparagus shines with the lemon and garlic flavors. Want to take it up a notch? You can add a few optional ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Crushed nuts for crunch - A drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweetness - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for earthiness These additions can make your dish even more exciting. Try mixing and matching to find your favorite flavor combo. Choosing the right asparagus is key to this dish. Look for asparagus that is bright green and firm. Here are some tips: - Check the tips; they should be closed and compact. - Avoid any that look wilted or slimy. - The stalks should be smooth and straight, not bendy. Fresh asparagus makes a big difference in taste. When you find the best, you’ll enjoy a delicious side with every bite. If you want the full recipe, check out the details above! First, you need to wash the asparagus. Hold the stalks and rinse them under cold water. Then, trim off the tough ends. This part can be hard and woody. You want to cut about one to two inches from the bottom. After that, you can dry the asparagus with a clean towel. This step helps the oil stick better. Next, grab a large bowl. Add three tablespoons of olive oil to it. Then, mince three cloves of garlic and toss them in. Now, take one lemon. Squeeze its juice and add that to the bowl. Don’t forget to add the lemon zest for extra flavor. Finally, sprinkle in half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes too. Mix everything well with a whisk or fork. Now it’s time to roast! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. Add the trimmed asparagus into the bowl with the lemon garlic mix. Toss them until they are fully coated. Spread the asparagus on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to cook evenly. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top in the last two minutes. This adds great flavor. When they are done, take them out and garnish with fresh parsley. You can find the full recipe for this dish to enjoy with your family! To get crispy asparagus, start with fresh spears. Trim the tough ends before cooking. Use enough olive oil to coat each piece. This helps them crisp up in the oven. Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid crowding; it steams instead of roasts. Flip them halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning on all sides. You can change up the flavors to keep things exciting. Want a smoky taste? Add some smoked paprika to the mix. For a kick, try adding more red pepper flakes. If you love cheese, experiment with different types. Feta or goat cheese can bring a new twist. You can also mix in other herbs like thyme or rosemary. Each brings a fresh taste to your dish. Lemon garlic roasted asparagus makes a great side dish. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with pasta for a hearty meal. For a light lunch, add it to a salad. Top with some nuts or seeds for crunch. You can even serve it as an appetizer. Just place it on a platter with a dip or sauce. This dish is versatile and adds color to any table. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. {{image_2}} You can make Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus vegan with just a few changes. Omit the Parmesan cheese, and your dish remains tasty. Instead, you can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It adds a nice twist while keeping everything plant-based. Remember, the lemon and garlic still shine through! Why not mix in some other veggies? Broccoli, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes work well here. Just chop them to similar sizes as the asparagus. Toss them in the same lemon garlic mixture and roast together. This adds color and flavor. Plus, it makes your meal more vibrant and fun! Feel free to play with seasonings based on your taste. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist. You can also try some spice blends like Cajun or Italian. If you want more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Each change brings new life to your dish. Explore these options to keep it exciting! For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in your fridge. The asparagus will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep the flavor strong, avoid stacking them. This keeps them from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This helps them stay crispy. You can also microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. But be careful not to overcook, or they may lose their crunch. If you want to save your Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus for later, freezing is an option. First, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes. Then, cool them in ice water. Drain and dry them well. Place them in freezer bags and remove the air. They can last about 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, bake them straight from frozen for a quick side dish. For the full recipe, check the recipe card above. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. However, fresh asparagus tastes best. Frozen spears may lose some crunch. If using frozen, do not thaw before cooking. Roast them straight from the freezer. Adjust the roasting time if needed, as frozen may take longer to cook. Asparagus is done when it is bright green and tender. You should see slight browning on the tips. A fork should easily pierce the spears. I recommend flipping the asparagus halfway through cooking. This ensures even roasting. If you want extra crispness, roast a bit longer. Lemon garlic roasted asparagus pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It also complements pasta dishes nicely. For a hearty option, serve it alongside steak or pork. You can even mix it into grain bowls for extra flavor. For a full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. In this post, we covered how to make delicious lemon garlic roasted asparagus. I shared key ingredients, including optional additions for extra flavor. You learned simple steps for prep and roasting. We also explored tips for achieving crispy asparagus and serving ideas. In the end, this recipe is flexible and fun. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your meal! Eating fresh veggies never tasted so good.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Elevate your dinner with this zesty lemon garlic roasted asparagus recipe! This easy dish combines fresh asparagus, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic for a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with any meal. In just 25 minutes, you can create a crispy, delicious treat that's sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for flavor)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

      Add the trimmed asparagus to the bowl and toss until the asparagus is evenly coated with the lemon garlic mixture.

        Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

          Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

            (Optional) During the last 2 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus for added flavor.

              Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4