Description
A quick and flavorful side dish featuring fresh asparagus sautéed with garlic and rosemary, then roasted to perfection and finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. This simple yet elegant recipe enhances the natural flavor of asparagus, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, stripped from sprigs
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed to remove woody ends
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the asparagus to tender perfection.
- Prepare the skillet: Place an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it becomes foamy but not browned, ensuring a rich base for cooking.
- Saute the garlic: Add the freshly minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic which can impart bitterness.
- Add rosemary and asparagus: Stir in the fresh rosemary leaves, then add trimmed asparagus spears to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat everything evenly with the butter, garlic, and rosemary mixture to infuse flavor.
- Cook briefly: Continue cooking the asparagus in the skillet for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to begin softening and developing flavor.
- Roast in the oven: Transfer the ovenproof skillet with the asparagus mixture to the preheated oven. Roast for about 10 minutes or until the asparagus reaches your preferred tenderness, keeping it crisp yet tender.
- Finish and serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving dish and squeeze half a lemon over the top for a refreshing burst of citrus that brightens the dish.
Notes
- Trim the woody ends off your asparagus to ensure tenderness.
- Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing to prevent burning.
- Adjust roasting time depending on the thickness of your asparagus spears; thicker spears may need a minute or two longer.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to transfer directly from stovetop to oven for convenience and to retain flavors.
- For added richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the finished asparagus before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
