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A close-up view of vibrant green roasted asparagus spears, seasoned and perfectly cooked in a metal baking pan.
Reda

Perfectly Roasted Asparagus with Lemon & Garlic

Achieve tender-crisp perfection with this easy and flavorful roasted asparagus recipe, brightened with fresh lemon and aromatic garlic. A simple yet elegant side dish for any meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs fresh asparagus woody ends trimmed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a subtle kick
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if desired.
  2. Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly. Snap or cut off the tough, woody ends. A good trick is to hold a spear by both ends and bend it; it will naturally break where the tough part ends. Discard the woody ends.
Seasoning & Roasting
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the trimmed asparagus, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss well to ensure all asparagus spears are evenly coated.
  2. Spread the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded, as this can steam them instead of roasting.
  3. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and slightly browned. Thinner spears will cook faster, while thicker spears may take a bit longer. Test for doneness by piercing with a fork.
Finishing
  1. Remove the roasted asparagus from the oven. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice immediately before serving.
  2. Serve hot as a delicious and healthy side dish to your favorite main course.

Notes

For thicker asparagus spears, you might need to increase the roasting time by a few minutes. For a deeper roasted flavor, you can increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and reduce the cooking time slightly, keeping a close eye on them. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are delicious added to salads or frittatas.