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Easy Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Recipe

Easy Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

Fresh asparagus is roasted until bright green and just tender, then finished with lemon juice and optional lemon zest. This fast dinner side has lightly browned tips and a fresh, savory flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Fresh asparagus
  • 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Finely grated lemon zest
Optional Ingredient
  • 1 clove Garlic clove, minced

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. For slightly slower, gentler roasting, use 400°F.
  2. Rinse the asparagus and dry it thoroughly. Snap or cut off the woody ends, generally removing about 1 to 2 inches.
  3. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic if using.
  4. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking or turning the asparagus once halfway through. Thin spears may be ready in 8 to 10 minutes, while thick spears may need 15 to 18 minutes.
  5. Remove the asparagus when it is bright green and just tender, with lightly browned tips. Finish with lemon juice and optional lemon zest, toss gently, and serve immediately.

Notes

Dry the asparagus thoroughly before adding oil, and keep the spears in one uncrowded layer for better browning. Add lemon juice after roasting for the freshest flavor. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in a hot oven or skillet.