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Lemon Roasted Asparagus Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This recipe for Lemon Roasted Asparagus delivers tender, flavorful asparagus spears roasted to perfection with butter, fresh lemon juice, and zest. The roasting process intensifies the asparagus’s natural sweetness while the bright lemon adds a refreshing citrus note, making it a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Asparagus

  • 1 lb asparagus (ends trimmed)

Seasoning & Flavoring

  • 3 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the asparagus evenly and quickly.
  2. Prepare the Asparagus: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. For tenderness and even cooking, peel away a bit of the outer skin near the bottom of each stalk.
  3. Melt Butter: Place the butter pieces scattered on a baking sheet in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
  4. Coat the Pan: Tilt the baking sheet back and forth to spread the melted butter evenly across the surface.
  5. Add and Season Asparagus: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss with tongs until well coated in butter and lemon. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Roast the Asparagus: Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check tenderness by piercing with a sharp knife—avoid overcooking the delicate tips.
  7. Finish and Serve: Once tender, sprinkle the asparagus with lemon zest and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Peeling the bottom of the asparagus stalks removes toughness and promotes even cooking.
  • Thickness of spears affects roasting time; thinner spears cook faster.
  • Keep an eye on the tips to avoid overcooking as they can become mushy quickly.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, freshest flavor.
  • Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free option.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/lemon-roasted-asparagus-recipe/