Looking for a quick, elegant side dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? This Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus is my go-to recipe when I want to elevate any meal with minimal effort. The bright citrus notes combined with savory garlic create a perfect balance that makes even simple asparagus spears taste restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the asparagus and snap off the woody ends at their natural breaking point. They’ll snap exactly where the tender part begins.
- Place the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the asparagus and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while still hot.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Recipe Notes
- Choose asparagus spears that are similar in thickness for even cooking. Medium-thick spears work best for roasting.
- If your asparagus spears are very thick, they might need an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Conversely, very thin spears might need only 10 minutes.
- For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the final minute of cooking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet or enjoy cold in salads.
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemon and garlic rather than pre-packaged alternatives. The difference in taste is remarkable.
- If you’re meal prepping, you can trim the asparagus and make the olive oil mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just store separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
This simple yet elegant roasted asparagus makes a perfect side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. The combination of lemon and garlic brings out the natural sweetness of the asparagus while adding a bright, savory note that complements any main course.
Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
Looking for a quick, elegant side dish that's both healthy and bursting with flavor? This Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus is my go-to recipe when I want to elevate any meal with minimal effort. The bright citrus notes combined with savory garlic create a perfect balance that makes even simple asparagus spears taste restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus spears trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the asparagus and snap off the woody ends at their natural breaking point. They'll snap exactly where the tender part begins.
- Place the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the asparagus and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while still hot.
