Zesty Garlic Lemon Asparagus

$- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making garlic lemon asparagus. Start with a fresh bunch of asparagus. Choose bright green spears with firm ends. Next, grab four cloves of garlic. Mince them finely for a strong flavor. You will also need two tablespoons of olive oil to add richness. The zest and juice of one lemon bring brightness. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color. This simple list makes a delightful dish that shines at any meal. - Calories per serving: Approximately 80 calories - Macronutrient breakdown: - Carbohydrates: 9g - Protein: 2g - Fat: 4g Each serving of garlic lemon asparagus packs about 80 calories. It is low in calories yet full of flavor. The carbohydrates mainly come from the asparagus. You also get a bit of protein and healthy fats from olive oil. This dish is not just tasty; it is also a healthy choice. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a perfect side for any plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I trim the asparagus. I remove about one inch from the tough ends. Next, I wash the spears under cold water. This cleans off any dirt. After washing, I pat them dry with a clean towel. Now, it’s time to prepare the garlic and lemon. I take four cloves of garlic and mince them finely. The garlic adds a strong flavor. Then, I zest one lemon. The zest gives a bright taste. I also squeeze the lemon to get the juice. This mix of garlic and lemon will elevate the asparagus. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the asparagus, minced garlic, and olive oil. Then, I add the lemon zest and juice. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. I season the mix with salt and pepper to taste. Next, I toss the asparagus gently. I want to ensure each spear gets an even coat of the mixture. This step is key for flavor. I preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the asparagus roast well. Once preheated, I spread the asparagus in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. I roast the asparagus for 12 to 15 minutes. I check for doneness by looking for tender spears that are slightly caramelized. When they are done, I take them out and place them on a serving dish. The bright green color looks amazing! To get your asparagus just right, focus on timing and temperature. I suggest roasting at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. This heat gives you a nice caramelized finish. If you notice the asparagus starting to brown too quickly, lower the temperature slightly. Avoid overcooking by checking for doneness. You want it tender but still crisp. A fork should slide in with just a little resistance. If you leave it too long, it will turn mushy. To boost flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs pair well with garlic and lemon. You can also switch up the garlic. Try using roasted garlic for a sweeter taste. For lemon, use both zest and juice. The zest adds a bright aroma while the juice brings a tangy kick. If you want to spice things up, add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Garlic lemon asparagus pairs well with many sides. It goes great with grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside a light pasta dish for a fresh meal. For presentation, arrange the asparagus neatly on a platter. Drizzle with a little extra lemon juice and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and makes your dish pop! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green spears with firm, closed tips for the best flavor and texture. Minimize Overcooking: Keep an eye on the asparagus in the oven; it should be tender but still crisp when done. Add More Flavor: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or dill, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for extra taste. Perfect Lemon Zest: Use a microplane to zest the lemon for finely grated zest that infuses more flavor into the dish. {{image_2}} You can change how you cook your garlic lemon asparagus. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. It gives a nice char. To grill, heat your grill to medium-high. Place the asparagus on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the spears often for even cooking. Roasting is another great option. It caramelizes the spears and enhances the flavor. Follow the recipe's oven temperature. Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet. Roast until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Stovetop sautéing is quick and easy. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the asparagus and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. This method keeps the asparagus crisp and bright. Feel free to swap the asparagus for other veggies. Broccoli or green beans work well. You can also try Brussels sprouts for a different taste. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose. For a dairy-free or vegan option, skip the butter. Stick with olive oil for sautéing or roasting. This keeps your dish light and fresh while still tasty. You can change the citrus in the recipe. Try lime or orange instead of lemon. Each will bring a unique twist to the dish. If you like a bit of heat, add different pepper varieties. Jalapeños or crushed red pepper can spice it up. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. This adds depth and excitement to your garlic lemon asparagus. To keep garlic lemon asparagus fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid moisture loss. It should last about three days in the fridge. If you notice any wilting, use it quickly. For best results when reheating, use the oven. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps keep the texture crisp. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the asparagus soggy. Yes, you can freeze garlic lemon asparagus! First, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, cool it in ice water. Drain and pat dry before placing it in a freezer bag. This method helps preserve flavor and texture. Use within three months for the best taste. To trim asparagus, hold a spear in your hands. Bend it gently until it snaps. This shows you where the tough part ends. You can also cut off about an inch from the bottom. Make sure you wash the spears well before cooking. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. However, the texture will change when cooked. Frozen asparagus often becomes softer. This can make the dish less crunchy. If you use frozen, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. Look for bright green color and slight browning. The asparagus should be tender but still crisp. You can test it by piercing a spear with a fork. If it goes in easily, it’s done! Garlic lemon asparagus is very healthy! Asparagus is low in calories and high in nutrients. It has vitamins A, C, E, and K. Garlic adds flavor and has health benefits too. It may boost your immune system and heart health. Enjoy this dish for a tasty and healthy side! This blog covered how to make garlic lemon asparagus, from ingredients to cooking tips. You learned step-by-step instructions for prepping and roasting. I also shared helpful variations and storage advice. Remember, you can play with flavors and techniques. Enjoy your delicious asparagus as a healthy side dish. With these tips, you can impress anyone at your next meal. Happy cooking!$

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring fresh asparagus, garlic, and lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon zest
1 lemon juice
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the asparagus, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the asparagus gently to ensure all the spears are evenly coated with the mixture.
Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly caramelized.
Once done, remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes.

Keyword asparagus, garlic, lemon, roasted, vegetable