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- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 large lemon - Juice of 1 large lemon - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste) - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (freshly grated recommended) You need fresh asparagus for this dish. Look for bright green spears. They should be firm and not limp. The garlic adds a nice punch. Lemon gives a bright flavor that contrasts well with the asparagus. Extra virgin olive oil helps the asparagus cook and adds richness. Salt and pepper enhance the overall taste. Red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you like spice. For garnishes, grated Parmesan cheese makes everything better. It adds a salty, creamy touch. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. You can skip these if you want a lighter dish. First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the asparagus roast well. Next, take one pound of fresh asparagus and trim off the tough ends. Place the asparagus in a large bowl. Pour in three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Make sure every piece gets a nice coat of oil. Add three cloves of finely minced garlic. This will give lovely flavor. Then, add the zest of one large lemon and the juice of that lemon. Toss in one teaspoon of fine sea salt and half a teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. If you like some heat, add a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until the asparagus is covered in the mix. Now, spread the asparagus on a baking sheet. Arrange it in a single layer so it roasts evenly. Avoid crowding the pan, as this can cause steaming instead of roasting. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 12 to 15 minutes. The asparagus should be tender and have a golden edge. After roasting, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the asparagus cool for about a minute. Then, transfer it to a serving platter. For a nice finish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top. This will add flavor and make it look great. For a stunning presentation, arrange the asparagus in a fan shape. Drizzle any leftover lemon juice over the top before serving. Enjoy your delicious dish! When picking asparagus, look for bright green spears. They should feel firm and not bend easily. The tips should be tightly closed and fresh. If the spears are limp or have a dull color, skip them. Fresh asparagus tastes best and adds flavor to your dish. Every oven heats a bit differently. If you have a convection oven, reduce the cook time by about 2-3 minutes. Check the asparagus after 10 minutes for doneness. The goal is tender spears with a slight crispness. If you have a traditional oven, stick to the full 12-15 minutes. For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest. It gives a bright taste that pairs well with garlic. You can also sprinkle more herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for a different twist. Adding red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Remember, presentation matters too! Arrange the asparagus nicely and garnish with Parmesan and parsley for a stunning look. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese on top for more flavor. Try feta for a tangy kick. Goat cheese adds creaminess, while Asiago brings a nutty taste. Just sprinkle the cheese on right after roasting. The heat will melt it slightly. This adds richness and depth to your dish. Mixing in other veggies makes a great side dish. Carrots and bell peppers roast well with asparagus. Cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. You can also add broccoli for a colorful blend. Toss them all together with the lemon and garlic for full flavor. Herbs can change the taste of your asparagus. Try thyme or rosemary for an earthy note. You can also use dill for a fresh twist. If you want spice, add cumin or smoked paprika. Just sprinkle these spices before roasting to enhance the overall flavor. Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. This way, you can enjoy it later. You can reheat the asparagus or serve it cold. To reheat, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 to 10 minutes until warm. If you prefer it cold, simply take it from the fridge and enjoy. Freezing asparagus is easy. First, blanch it in boiling water for two minutes. Then, cool it in ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and pat dry. Place the asparagus in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. Frozen asparagus lasts for about three months. Use it in soups or stir-fries for a quick meal. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. However, fresh is better. Frozen asparagus may become mushy when roasted. If you choose frozen, thaw it first. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This helps keep it firm and tasty. Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or fish - Quinoa or rice - Pasta with olive oil - A fresh salad - Steak or pork chops These options complement the bright flavors of the asparagus. Asparagus is done when it turns tender and slightly golden. Look for a slight browning on the edges as well. It should still have a little snap when you bite into it. You can test one spear if you're unsure. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Simply skip the Parmesan cheese. You can replace it with a vegan alternative if you want. The dish is still flavorful and will taste great without cheese. Enjoy the fresh lemon and garlic flavors! Lemon garlic roasted asparagus is simple and delicious. We explored fresh ingredients, essential pantry items, and optional garnishes to enhance flavor. I provided step-by-step instructions for perfect roasting and shared tips for choosing and cooking asparagus. Different variations allow you to customize this dish, and I discussed storage tips for leftovers. This dish is versatile, healthy, and easy to make. Enjoy experimenting with it!

Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Elevate your side dishes with this delicious Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus recipe! With fresh asparagus coated in olive oil, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, this dish is bursting with flavor. Perfectly roasted in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy choice for any meal. Top it off with Parmesan cheese for an extra touch! Click through to explore the full recipe and make this simple yet delightful dish today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

Zest of 1 large lemon

Juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional, freshly grated recommended)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it's hot enough for roasting.

    Prepare the Asparagus: In a spacious mixing bowl, place the trimmed asparagus. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus, ensuring each spear is generously coated for optimal flavor and roasting.

      Add Flavors: Incorporate the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes into the bowl. Toss the asparagus thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of all ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

        Arrange for Roasting: Transfer the seasoned asparagus onto a baking sheet in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow for even roasting and caramelization.

          Roast the Asparagus: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and exhibits a slight golden color on the edges. The asparagus should maintain a bit of bite for the best texture.

            Cool and Plate: Once roasted to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven, allowing the asparagus to cool for about a minute.

              Final Touches: Carefully transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving platter. For a delightful finishing touch, generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the top, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, arrange the asparagus in a fan shape on your serving dish. Drizzle any remaining lemon juice from the mixing bowl over the spears before serving to add a burst of freshness. Enjoy!