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Simple Roasted Asparagus Recipe

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4.4 from 13 reviews

This Simple Roasted Asparagus Recipe delivers perfectly tender, flavorful asparagus spears roasted to perfection with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It's a quick and easy side dish ideal for any meal, offering a light, healthy option that highlights the natural freshness of asparagus.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 20 (1 pound) asparagus spears

Seasonings & Oils

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • juice from 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the asparagus, ensuring even cooking and caramelization.
  2. Trim Asparagus: Carefully cut off the rough, woody ends from the bases of the asparagus spears, about 1 inch, to remove tough parts and improve texture.
  3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the trimmed asparagus evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The spears can touch but should not overlap; use a full sheet pan or two half sheets if necessary to avoid crowding.
  4. Coat with Olive Oil: Pour the olive oil evenly over the asparagus, ensuring all spears are coated to promote roasting and prevent drying out.
  5. Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus spears for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the roasting process.
  6. Season and Toss: Sprinkle the asparagus evenly with salt and pepper, then roll and toss the spears gently to coat all sides with seasoning.
  7. Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the asparagus for about 20 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the roasted asparagus hot as a flavorful, healthy side dish to accompany your meal.

Notes

  • You can adjust the seasoning by adding garlic powder or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
  • Make sure asparagus spears are similar in thickness for even roasting.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste; bottled lemon juice won't have the same bright flavor.
  • Roasting time can vary slightly depending on asparagus thickness; check for tenderness at around 18 minutes if spears are thinner.
  • Leftover roasted asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated or enjoyed cold in salads.