Asparagus with Lemon-Tarragon Glaze
Roasted asparagus coated in a bright lemon-tarragon glaze with a hint of honey, finished with fresh herbs for a vibrant spring side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs asparagus, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh tarragon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 12 oz trimmed asparagus with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp salt on a baking sheet.
- Step 2: Roast for 12-15 minutes until asparagus edges are caramelized and tender-crisp, flipping halfway through.
- Step 3: Whisk juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 4: Drizzle glaze over roasted asparagus and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with extra tarragon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Asparagus with Lemon-Tarragon Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Asparagus with Lemon-Tarragon Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep asparagus from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Asparagus with Lemon-Tarragon Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Asparagus with Lemon-Tarragon Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Asparagus with Lemon-Tarragon Glaze gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is now my go-to asparagus recipe. The tarragon adds such a lovely complexity without being too strong—ideal for a light summer dinner.
- ★★★★★
Perfect vegetarian side for my Mediterranean feast. The glaze was bright and balanced—no overpowering herbs, just clean, fresh flavors.
- ★★★★★
The lemon-tarragon glaze transformed simple asparagus into something special. Served it with grilled chicken for my family and they all asked for seconds!
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