Description
This simple Roasted Asparagus recipe brings out the natural flavors of the vegetable, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. The asparagus is perfectly roasted to a tender yet slightly crisp texture, with a hint of garlic and lemon for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra freshness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for a tangy finish)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Asparagus:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the asparagus thoroughly and pat it dry with a paper towel. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus by snapping or cutting off the bottom 1-2 inches. -
Season the Asparagus:
Lay the asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss the asparagus to evenly coat it with the oil and seasoning. -
Roast the Asparagus:
Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy at the tips. The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks, so check it after 10 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. -
Finish the Dish:
Once the asparagus is roasted, remove it from the oven. If desired, drizzle with fresh lemon juice for a burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle with lemon zest and/or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. -
Serve:
Serve the roasted asparagus warm as a side dish to your favorite meals!
Notes
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or top with toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for added texture.
- Make it Vegan: Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Storage: Leftover roasted asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Oven Roasted, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0g