Savory Roasted Asparagus with Browned Garlic Butter
This Savory Roasted Asparagus with Browned Garlic Butter is a delightful vegetable dish that's perfect for any meal. The vibrant asparagus is perfectly roasted to achieve a tender-crisp texture, while a drizzle of rich browned garlic butter elevates the dish with a nutty flavor. Finished with fresh lemon juice and zest, this recipe not only celebrates the flavors of spring but is also a simple yet sophisticated side that pairs beautifully with meats or can be enjoyed on its own. Serve it warm for a stunning addition to your dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
asparagus spears
1 lb (trimmed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for drizzling)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
butter
2 tablespoons (for browning)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons (minced)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (freshly chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Prepare the asparagus by trimming the tough ends. Place the asparagus in a roasting pan and drizzle it with olive oil. Make sure to coat all the spears evenly.
3
Sprinkle the asparagus with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor.
4
Roast in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until the asparagus is tender-crisp, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
5
While the asparagus is roasting, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic.
6
Continue to cook the butter and garlic for about 3 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture becomes golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
7
Once browned, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
8
After you take the asparagus out of the oven, drizzle the browned butter and garlic mixture over it, tossing gently to coat the spears evenly.
9
Finally, sprinkle the chopped lemon zest on top for a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary vegetable in this roasted side dish?
The primary vegetable is 1 lb of trimmed asparagus spears.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
How long does the asparagus need to roast?
Roast the asparagus for about 8 minutes or until it is tender-crisp.
How do I prepare the asparagus before roasting?
Prepare the asparagus by trimming the tough ends and coating the spears evenly with olive oil.
What seasonings are applied before the asparagus goes in the oven?
The asparagus is sprinkled with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
How do I ensure the asparagus cooks evenly?
Stir the asparagus spears halfway through the roasting time for even cooking.
How is the browned garlic butter made?
Melt butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat, add minced garlic, and cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
What precautions should I take when browning the butter?
Swirl the pan occasionally and be careful not to let the butter or garlic burn.
When should I add the lemon juice to the butter?
Stir in the fresh lemon juice after removing the browned butter and garlic skillet from the heat.
How is the dish finished after roasting?
Drizzle the browned butter and garlic mixture over the roasted asparagus and toss gently to coat.
What is the final garnish for this recipe?
The final garnish is a sprinkle of freshly chopped lemon zest.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil for drizzling.
How much butter is required for the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter.
What type of salt is recommended?
1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt is recommended for seasoning.
How much garlic is needed?
Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features tender-crisp asparagus with a rich, nutty browned butter flavor and fresh citrus notes from lemon.
Is this recipe suitable for spring?
Yes, it is designed to celebrate the flavors of spring vegetables.
How much lemon juice should I squeeze?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much lemon zest is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped lemon zest.
Can I use regular black pepper?
The recipe suggests freshly ground black pepper for the best balanced flavor.
What type of pan should be used for the asparagus?
Use a standard roasting pan to cook the asparagus in the oven.
Should the dish be served warm or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the roasted asparagus warm.
What does 'tender-crisp' mean?
Tender-crisp means the vegetable is cooked enough to be bitten through easily but still retains a slight snap.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients.
What are some suggested pairings for this side dish?
It pairs beautifully with various meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetable dish.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple steps.
What happens if I cook the butter for too long?
If cooked too long, the butter and garlic can burn, which may result in a bitter taste.
Can I prepare any parts of the recipe in advance?
You can trim the asparagus and mince the garlic in advance to save time.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this savory recipe.
Why is the butter swirled in the pan?
Swirling the pan helps the butter and garlic cook evenly and prevents localized burning.