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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Lemon Asparagus

    Published: Mar 23, 2021 · Modified: Aug 1, 2022 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

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    baked asparagus with lemon on a white plate
    baked asparagus on a sheet pan and white plate

    This lemon asparagus in the oven is a quick and easy side dish. With just 5 ingredients and 20 minutes, this delicious roasted asparagus is great for almost any meal!

    roasted asparagus stalks on a white plate with a lemon half next to it

    This post was originally published in March 2021 and has been updated for content.

    Asparagus is one of my favorite spring time vegetables. During peak season, in April and May, they are especially delicious because they are thin, tender and full of flavor.

    This lemon asparagus is so easy to make and goes great alongside roast chicken, grilled steaks or panko crusted salmon.

    Jump to:
    • 🍋 Ingredient notes
    • 📋 Substitutions and variations
    • 🔪 Step by step instructions
    • ⭐ Expert tips
    • 💭 Frequently asked questions
    • 🥘 Alternative cooking methods
    • ⏲️ Make ahead instructions
    • 🥡 Storage suggestions
    • 🥗 More vegetable side dishes
    • #ScarlatiFamilyKitchen
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍋 Ingredient notes

    • Asparagus - Choose asparagus that is thin as it tends to be more tender and has better flavor. They should be a rich green color that fades to white towards the bottom of the stalks. Make sure they are firm to the touch and not soft or shriveled.
    • Lemon - Both lemon juice and zest are used to flavor this recipe. The zest of the lemon is used to flavor the asparagus for roasting and then the lemon juice is squeezed on after roasting for an additional fresh flavor.

    📋 Substitutions and variations

    • Cheese - Sprinkle roasted lemon asparagus with finely shredded parmesan cheese.
    • Spicy - Add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the asparagus before roasting.

    🔪 Step by step instructions

    First, wash and trim the asparagus and place them on a sheet pan that is lined with parchment paper or foil.

    Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Zest the entire lemon and sprinkle the zest all over the asparagus.

    asparagus with bottoms cut off and seasoned asparagus on a sheet pan for roasting

    Roast the asparagus in the oven at 350˚ for 10-15 minutes or until the asparagus are tender and lightly browned. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted asparagus and serve!

    roasted asparagus with lemon on a sheet pan and on a white plate with a lemon

    If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in our Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.

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    ⭐ Expert tips

    • Make sure to chop off the last inch or two of the the ends of the asparagus. Sometimes they can be tough and woody and it's best to not use them.
    • Just roast the asparagus in the oven until they are tender and lightly browned. Depending on the actual size of the asparagus, roasting times my vary.

    💭 Frequently asked questions

    How do you firm up asparagus?

    If your asparagus have been sitting in the fridge too long, they may wilt a bit. The best way to firm them up is to trim off the bottom inch of the stalks and place them in a couple of inches of water. Place a plastic bag over the top of the stalks and let them sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

    Do you have to trim asparagus before cooking?

    The bottom pale parts of the stalks of asparagus tend to be tough and woody. You don't have to trim them off, but it's best to, as it is not the best tasting.

    🥘 Alternative cooking methods

    • Grill - This lemon asparagus can be cooked on the grill or a grill pan over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned.
    • Pan sear - Cook the seasoned lemon asparagus in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat for approximately 8-12 minutes until lightly browned and tender.
    • Air Fryer - Place seasoned lemon asparagus in the air fryer and cook at 325˚ for 8-12 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

    ⏲️ Make ahead instructions

    The asparagus can be washed, trimmed and seasoned and stored on the prepared sheet pan, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator up to 2 days ahead of time. Following roasting directions as listed.

    🥡 Storage suggestions

    Leftover lemon asparagus will keep for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be heated up in the microwave, in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.

    🥗 More vegetable side dishes

    If you loved this easy lemon asparagus recipe, check out these other vegetable side dishes that I know you will love too!

    • Easy Grilled Italian Zucchini
    • Roasted Artichokes with Parmesan
    • Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
    • Green Beans with Bacon

    #ScarlatiFamilyKitchen

    If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.

    📖 Recipe

    roasted asparagus on a white plate with a lemon on the side

    Lemon Asparagus

    Amanda
    This lemon asparagus in the oven is a quick and easy side dish. With just 5 ingredients and 20 minutes, this delicious roasted asparagus is great for almost any meal!
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Side Dishes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 93 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound fresh asparagus
    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 whole lemon zest and juice only

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 375˚ and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
    • Wash asparagus and trim off the bottom 1-2 inches of the stalks and discard.
    • Place asparagus on the prepared sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    • Zest and juice the lemon and sprinkle the zest on the asparagus. Set aside lemon juice for later.
    • Roast asparagus in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until asparagus is tender and slightly browned.
    • Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the asparagus and serve.

    Notes

    • Choose asparagus that is thin as it is more tender and has better flavor. They should be a rich green color that fades to white towards the bottom of the stalk. Make sure they are firm to the touch and not soft or shriveled.
    • If the asparagus is wilted, cut off the bottom inch of the stalks and place them in a couple of inches of water. Place a plastic bag over the top of the stalks and let them sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours to firm up a bit.
    • Chop off the last inch or two of the the ends of the asparagus. Sometimes they can be tough and woody and it's best to not use them.
    • Just roast the asparagus in the oven until they are tender and lightly browned. Depending on the actual size of the asparagus, roasting times my vary.
     

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Cheese - Sprinkle roasted asparagus with finely shredded parmesan
    • Spicy - Season the asparagus with ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes before roasting.
     

    Alternative Cooking Methods

    • Grill - This lemon asparagus can be cooked on the grill or a grill pan on medium heat for 7-10 minutes until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned.
    • Pan sear - Cook the seasoned lemon asparagus in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat for approximately 8-12 minutes until lightly browned and tender.
    • Air Fryer - Place seasoned lemon asparagus in the air fryer and cook at 325˚ for 8-12 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
     

    Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

    The asparagus can be washed, trimmed and seasoned and stored on the prepared sheet pan, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator up to 2 days ahead of time.
    Leftover lemon asparagus will keep for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be heated up in the microwave, in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4ouncesCalories: 93kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 294mgPotassium: 268mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 864IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 3mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @scarlatifamilykitchen or tag #scarlatifamilykitchen!

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    1. Katie Youngs

      March 22, 2022 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy and delicious way to make asparagus!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        March 23, 2022 at 11:28 am

        Thanks katie! sometimes simple recipes have the best flavor 🙂

        Reply

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