Description
This Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Chili Crunch recipe delivers a perfect balance of tender, blistered asparagus spears topped with a crispy, flavorful garlic and chili oil that adds a delicious spicy kick. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant, easy side dish brightens up any meal with its savory and zesty notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Asparagus
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), ends trimmed
Garlic Chili Crunch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the asparagus perfectly, creating a tender texture with beautifully blistered tips.
- Prepare the asparagus: Trim off the woody ends of the asparagus spears, rinse them thoroughly, and pat completely dry to remove any moisture that could affect roasting.
- Arrange the asparagus: Place the asparagus spears evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer for uniform cooking.
- Season the asparagus: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the asparagus, sprinkle with salt, and toss gently to coat each spear evenly.
- Roast the asparagus: Spread the spears out again in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until tender with blistered tips.
- Make the garlic chili crunch: While asparagus roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the garlic: Add thinly sliced garlic to the hot oil and stir constantly until the garlic turns golden brown and crisp, taking care not to burn it.
- Add chili flakes: Quickly stir in the red chili flakes for about 10 seconds to infuse the oil with spice, then remove the skillet from heat to prevent burning.
- Plate the asparagus: Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving plate, arranging neatly for an attractive presentation.
- Add the garlic chili crunch: Spoon the crispy garlic and chili oil mixture evenly over the top of the roasted asparagus to add flavor and a delightful crunch.
- Finish and serve: Add optional lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the asparagus for a bright, fresh note, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure asparagus is patted dry before roasting to achieve a nice roasted texture.
- Watch the garlic closely while frying as it can burn quickly and become bitter.
- Use fresh lemon zest or juice to add brightness to the dish, but this is optional.
- Can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian mains.
