This Garlic Herb Roasted Asparagus is a simple and tasty side dish. It features tender asparagus tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a mix of favorite herbs before roasting until perfectly golden.
I love how the garlic gets all toasty and makes the kitchen smell amazing! Pair it with any main course, and watch it disappear from the table. It’s always a hit! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the star here. Look for firm, bright green stalks. If you can’t find asparagus, you could substitute with green beans or broccoli, but they may need slightly different cooking times.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor to this dish. If you’re short on time, you could use garlic powder, about 1/2 teaspoon, though fresh is always best for that punchy taste.
Olive Oil: I recommend extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option or have allergies, you can use avocado oil or melted coconut oil instead.
Herbs: Parsley is a great herb here, but feel free to use thyme, rosemary, or even basil for a twist. Fresh herbs usually give a brighter flavor compared to dried ones.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute, though it will taste different.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Roasted Asparagus?
Roasting asparagus is easy, but there are key details to nail down for the best results! The texture should be crisp-tender, and the flavor should shine.
- Preheat your oven fully before roasting. This ensures even cooking.
- Trim the ends where the asparagus becomes tough by snapping or cutting about 1-2 inches.
- Coat the asparagus evenly with olive oil and seasonings to enhance flavor and promote browning.
- Spread asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet; overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Check at the 12-minute mark for tenderness. If you prefer a more charred finish, let it roast a couple of minutes longer.
How to Make Garlic Herb Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roasted Asparagus:
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound), ends trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing:
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish and optional squeezing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Garlic Herb Roasted Asparagus takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12–15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need roughly 25–30 minutes to have this tasty side dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn on your oven to preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This helps to ensure the asparagus roasts perfectly and becomes nice and tender.
2. Prepare the Asparagus:
While the oven is heating, wash the asparagus under cool running water. Then, trim off the tough ends by either snapping them off or cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom for best results.
3. Coat the Asparagus:
In a large bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Make sure everything is well coated for maximum flavor!
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Next, lay the coated asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. This allows them to roast evenly, so they get that beautiful, slightly browned finish.
5. Roast the Asparagus:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the asparagus is tender and has a slight golden color. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes to avoid overcooking!
6. Serve It Up:
Once roasted, remove the asparagus from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate. To make it even tastier, garnish with fresh lemon slices. For an extra zing, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the asparagus!
7. Enjoy!
Your Garlic Herb Roasted Asparagus is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm alongside your favorite meals. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Asparagus for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using. Frozen asparagus tends to be softer, so adjust the roasting time to avoid overcooking—around 8-10 minutes should be sufficient.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder in the recipe. Just sprinkle it in with the other seasonings to maintain flavor.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the asparagus and coat it with olive oil and seasonings up to 4 hours in advance! Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast it. This makes it even easier to pop into the oven when you’re ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftover Roasted Asparagus?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, to help restore some of that roasted texture.
