Tender-crisp and ready in minutes, this garlic roasted asparagus is one of my go-to side dishes and I know it will be one of yours too. Fresh garlic infuses so much flavour into this pairs-with-anything recipe!
Spring is so close I can almost taste it. No wait, I can definitely taste it, especially when garlic roasted asparagus is on the menu! Asparagus is one of those veggies that doesn’t need a lot of additional ingredients to bring out its divine flavour (my Air Fryer Asparagus can attest to this). This is one of my favourite side dishes, something I make all the time because it goes well with basically everything.
Why Roasted Asparagus Is the Versatile Side We All Need in Our Lives
I like to roast the asparagus in the oven until they are just starting to get tender but still crisp, and completely infused with the garlic flavour. Bliss!
- Elegant but unfussy. Serve this garlic roasted asparagus for a dinner party or holiday and it fits right in. But it’s also incredibly easy, the kind of side dish you throw together on weeknights.
- The asparagus is the star. Add too much to asparagus and you overwhelm its delicate flavour and texture. I love that this recipe adds just enough to bring out the natural deliciousness of asparagus.
- Pairs with ALL the things. How many other side dishes go with everything from Lemon Pasta to Falafel Burgers and Chow Fun Noodles?
Notes on Ingredients
This garlic roasted asparagus is made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Asparagus – Choose firm spears with tightly closed tips; thicker spears roast beautifully, but if you use thinner spears, you’ll need to check on them a bit earlier.
- Coconut oil – Or another neutral oil you like for cooking.
- Sea salt and black pepper – I love the pop of warmth that coarsely ground black pepper brings.
- Garlic – Slices of garlic caramelise and mellow when roasted.
- Lime or lemon juice – Lemon pairs well with Italian and Mediterranean mains, while lime works better if you’re serving these asparagus with Asian or Tex-Mex flavours.
How to Make Garlic Roasted Asparagus
Let’s go! This recipe is seriously easy as can be.
- Prepare. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet.
- Trim the asparagus. Snap off the woody ends and spread the spears on the baking sheet with garlic.
- Season. Drizzle the asparagus with melted coconut oil, then season with salt and pepper, rubbing to coat evenly.
- Roast. Bake the asparagus in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness. (The time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus.)
- Finish. Squeeze the lemon or lime over the asparagus and serve.
Roasted Asparagus Variations
There’s a lot of room for variation with this recipe! Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Add some heat. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes before roasting for a little kick.
- Make your roasted asparagus cheesy. Finish with vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Add extra citrus goodness. Sprinkle lemon or lime zest over the asparagus in addition to the juice.
- Give it some crispy-crunch. Toasted panko or sliced almond slivers or slices will add some texture to your garlic roasted asparagus.
Serving Suggestions
Serve garlic roasted asparagus with:
- Pasta: Like my Creamy Garlic Pasta or Vegan Garlic Alfredo Pasta.
- Plant proteins: Pair Vegan Chicken or Marinated Tofu with asparagus and rice or grains.
- Salads: Roasted asparagus would be an awesome addition to the famous Jennifer Aniston Salad.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover garlic roasted asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat: Warm the asparagus in the air fryer or oven, or eat it chilled. You can use the microwave, but it’s not as ideal because the texture will be mushier.
More Roasted Veggie Recipes
Enjoy friends! If you make this garlic roasted asparagus, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
Garlic Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus (16 ounces/450g)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or any oil, melted (14g)
- freshly cracked sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- squeeze of lime or lemon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or greased foil.
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Snap off the very woody ends of the asparagus.
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Place your asparagus on baking sheet along with your garlic slices..
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Pour coconut oil over the asparagus and garlic, and crack over freshly cracked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Rub these ingredients into the asparagus from roots to the tips to mix them together.
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Place in the oven and roast for about 8-10 minutes for crisp-tender or up to 15 minutes for more softness depending on your preference.
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Remove from oven, squeeze lime or lemon on top and allow to cool for 2 minutes. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Refrigerator: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover garlic roasted asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat: Warm the asparagus in the air fryer or oven, or eat it chilled. You can use the microwave, but it’s not as ideal because the texture will be mushier.