A delightful twist on roasted asparagus, enhanced with a rich garlic butter sauce and a touch of citrus zest.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Preheating ensures the asparagus roasts evenly and develops a nice caramelized flavor.
Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Toss the asparagus gently to ensure even coating of oil and seasoning.
Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy.
Check the asparagus halfway through roasting and shake the pan to prevent sticking.
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Stir the garlic constantly to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
Adding lemon juice off the heat preserves its fresh, tangy flavor.
Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the roasted asparagus and toss gently to coat.
Use a spatula to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed over the asparagus.
Sprinkle the grated lemon zest over the asparagus for a fresh and zesty finish.
Lemon zest adds a burst of citrus aroma and flavor to the dish.
Serve the roasted asparagus warm as a side dish to your favorite main course.
Pair this dish with a protein-rich main course for a balanced meal.
