Asparagus and lemon just seem to be a match made in heaven.
So simple. So beautiful. And SO tasty!
This easy lemon pepper recipe is definitely one of my favorites. You can prepare the asparagus a number of ways — roasted, boiled, steamed, or sauteed. Then pair it with the citrusy zest and juice of a fresh lemon, lots of cracked black pepper, a little olive oil and salt, and this delicious side dish is ready to go instantly. And the vivid greens and yellows make it all the lovelier to enjoy.
Definitely a favorite in my book.
Lemon Pepper Asparagus
You will love this Lemon Pepper Asparagus recipe! It’s a quick and delicious way to prepare one of your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- pinch of sea salt
- lots of freshly-cracked black pepper
Instructions
For Roasted Asparagus:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Toss or mist the asparagus with olive oil and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice until evenly coated. Sprinkle with a pinch or two of sea salt, and then generously season with freshly-cracked black pepper. Roast for 8-12 minutes, or until the tips begin to brown and the asparagus is tender. Remove and garnish with lemon zest.
For Boiled Asparagus:
- Fill a large stockpot 2/3 full of water, and bring to a rolling boil. Add asparagus spears, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Remove and drain asparagus, then toss with olive oil and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice until evenly-coated. Season generously with freshly-cracked black pepper, and then garnish with lemon zest.
Notes
This recipe is also delicious with some fresh thyme mixed in!
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
I used a little country crock and more lemon zest! Sautéed! Yum!
I’ve made the recipe at least 20 times! It’s delicious and simple. I always make my asparagus using this recipe. For the lemon I simply buy the “Sicilia Lemon Juice” bottles at the grocery and I’m all set.
Directions on how to sauté please. Liked the broiling but prefer sauté. If it doesn’t go in a toaster, microwave, or come in a take out box, my wife can’t cook it. Ergo, I cook most of the meals for her and my eight year old. As with most men, while I am accomplished with meat and fire, baking and roasting are skills that have not come naturally, have been, and continually are, being acquired.
Thanks
Sure thing. To saute the asparagus, heat the oil until it is shimmering. (If you drop a drop of water in it, it should sizzle.) Then add the asparagus, and let it cook — stirring 2-3 times a minute — until it is cooked. For this recipe, that will probably about 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of your pan and how much asparagus is used.
Such a healthy dish and so beautifully presented. I shared your post to my readers today on TOP TEN LOW CARB FOODS + RECIPE ROUND UP https://totalhomemakeovermagazine.blogspot.com/2014/02/top-ten-low-carb-foods-recipe-round-up.html
Warmly, Renee
I love the colors in this fresh dish. So simple and yet so tasty. Thanks.
What a lovely way to prepare asparagus… I love the pop of color the lemon adds! I’m sure it also adds a nice bright and fresh flavor, too. Can’t wait for the first asparagus from our CSA!
Thanks, Jen! I’m super excited for my summer CSA too! :)
My family really enjoys all the fresh spring asparagus right now. I was looking for another way to serve it up and found this recipe – it looks so delicious. I would love for you to link up this recipe on my Seasonal Eats May roundup found here, which highlights recipes that use seasonal ingredients in great recipes.
Thanks, Michelle – I’ll have to check out your roundup! Sounds fun!
Looks so good!
Thanks, Mandy!
I agree- lemon and asparagus were meant for each other!
For sure, Liz! :)