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- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish You can add a few extra touches to boost the taste. Try using lemon zest and juice to brighten the dish. Red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. For a savory twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also make a great addition. Just remember to keep it simple and let the asparagus shine. When picking asparagus, look for bright green stalks. They should be firm and straight. Avoid any that are limp or have brown spots. The tips should be tightly closed and fresh-looking. If you can, buy asparagus that is in season. It will taste better and be easier to find fresh. Checking your local farmer's market can be a great way to find high-quality asparagus. Start with fresh asparagus. You want to trim off the tough ends. Hold a spear and bend it gently. It will snap at the right spot, showing you where to cut. Once you have trimmed all the spears, rinse them under cold water. This removes dirt and helps them stay fresh. Pat them dry with a clean towel. In a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. It will help the asparagus roast nicely. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. I love garlic for its bold flavor. Then, add the zest and juice of one lemon. This adds brightness. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Toss it all together until the asparagus is coated well. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure the spears are not crowded. This helps them roast evenly. Place them in the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized. After roasting, take them out and let them cool for a minute. For a nice touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top before serving. To get the best roast, use a hot oven. Set it to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the asparagus cook fast and turn golden. Spread the asparagus out on the baking sheet. If they touch, they will steam instead of roast. Cook the asparagus for 12 to 15 minutes. Check them at 12 minutes. They should be tender and a bit crisp. If you want them softer, leave them in a bit longer. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Don’t waste leftover lemon and garlic! If you have extra lemon juice, drizzle it over the cooked asparagus for added zest. You can use leftover garlic in other dishes, like pasta or rice. It adds great flavor to many meals! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of lemon garlic roasted asparagus by using different seasonings. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor. If you like herbs, sprinkle some thyme or rosemary for a fresh touch. You can also swap sea salt for garlic salt to enhance the garlic taste. For a tangy twist, use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice. Each variation brings a new life to this simple dish. Make your lemon garlic roasted asparagus a complete meal by adding proteins or grains. For a hearty option, toss in cooked quinoa or brown rice before roasting. This adds fiber and makes it filling. You could also mix in cubed chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. Both options pair well with the bright flavors of lemon and garlic. This way, you have a tasty, balanced dish on your plate. Cheese can elevate this dish in many ways. While Parmesan is a classic choice, you can explore other options too. Feta adds a tangy bite that contrasts nicely with the asparagus. Goat cheese gives a creamy richness that melts beautifully. For a sharper taste, try aged cheddar or Gruyère. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor, making your dish even more special. To keep your lemon garlic roasted asparagus fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after it cools. This way, it stays crisp and tasty. Use the leftovers within three days for the best flavor. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This method helps keep the asparagus tender and flavorful. You can freeze lemon garlic roasted asparagus if you want to save some for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. Just know it may not roast as well. Frozen asparagus often has more water, so it might turn out softer. If you choose frozen, thaw it first. Pat it dry to remove extra moisture. This will help keep your dish from getting too soggy. Lemon garlic roasted asparagus goes great with many dishes. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with pasta or risotto. The bright lemon flavor complements rich foods nicely. Try it alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. It can even work as a side for a fancy dinner. Asparagus is cooked properly when it is tender but still crisp. You should see a bright green color. It should have a slight caramelization on the edges. Use a fork to poke it; if it goes in easily, it’s done. Remember, overcooking can make it mushy, so watch the time closely. In this blog post, you learned how to make delicious lemon garlic roasted asparagus. We covered the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect roasting. I shared fun variations to try and how to store and reheat leftovers. Asparagus can be a tasty and healthy side dish. Feel free to experiment with flavors and enjoy your meals!

Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Elevate your side dish game with this delightful Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic, topped with optional Parmesan and parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Perfect for any meal, this dish is simple yet impressive. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this delicious treat at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

    In a large bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, making sure they are well coated.

      Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the bowl. Toss well to combine all the flavors.

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

          Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and slightly caramelized.

            Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for a minute.

              Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the asparagus in a neat fan shape on a serving dish and drizzle any remaining lemon juice from the bowl over the top before serving.