Savory Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus and Green Beans

Nothing says springtime quite like fresh, crisp asparagus and green beans. Roasting these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavors. Coating them in savory garlic butter before roasting takes them over the top. The garlic butter seeps into all the nooks and crannies, turning the asparagus and green beans into an irresistible side dish or light main course.

Ingredients

For this easy roasted asparagus and green beans recipe, you'll need:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
• 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-By-Step Instructions

Roasting asparagus and green beans is simple to do with these easy steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Wash the asparagus and green beans thoroughly and trim off the tough ends. Cut the asparagus spears in half if they are very long. Leave small spears whole.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice. Whisk well to combine.
4. Place the asparagus and green beans on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the vegetables and toss again until evenly coated.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until the asparagus is tender when pierced with a fork and the green beans are lightly browned.
6. Remove from oven and serve immediately. Pairs well with roasted lemon chicken or potatoes.

Choosing the Best Asparagus and Green Beans

Asparagus and green beans are at their peak season in the spring. For the best flavor and texture, choose:

• Asparagus: Firm, straight, bright green spears with tight tips. Size does not affect flavor.
• Green beans: Slender, crisp beans that snap easily when bent. Avoid bulging, limp, or dried out beans.

When prepping the vegetables, rinse them and trim off any tough, woody ends. The tender parts of the spears and beans are what you want to roast.

Types of Asparagus

There are a few different varieties of asparagus to choose from:

• Green asparagus: Most common variety with dark green spears.
• White asparagus: Milder flavor, more tender, grown covered to prevent photosynthesis.
• Purple asparagus: Sweetest flavor, high sugar content. Turns green when cooked.
• Wild asparagus: Thinner spears, strong asparagus flavor. Found growing in nature.

Any type works well for roasting. Go with what looks freshest!

Types of Green Beans

There are a few varieties of green beans you may come across:

• Snap beans: Crisp, juicy beans that "snap" when bent. Great for roasting.
• String beans: Need strings removed before eating. More fibrous than snap beans.
• French beans: Small, slender, flavorful bean. Variable colors.
• Wax beans: Yellow or purple snap bean. Sweeter taste.
• Yardlong beans: Very long, thin beans. Popular in Asian cuisine.

Snap beans are perfect for roasting, but any fresh green bean variety will work!

Cooking Tips

Here are some tips for perfect roasted asparagus and green beans every time:

• Toss the prepared vegetables in a tablespoon of oil before roasting. This helps distribute heat evenly.
• Spread into a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam instead of roast.
• Roast at 400°F for best caramelization. Higher heat gets them browned and crispy.
• Shake the pan halfway through roasting for even cooking. Rotate if needed.
• Check for doneness after 15 minutes. Thinner asparagus may take less time.
• Don't let them get limp and soggy. Err on the side of slightly charred tips.

The garlic butter ensures you end up with tender, juicy veg every time. Let those flavors shine!

Make it a Sheet Pan Meal

For an easy one-pan dinner, roast chicken or fish along with the asparagus and green beans. A few ideas:

• Lemon garlic chicken thighs + veggies
• Pesto salmon filets + veggies
• Garlic parmesan shrimp + veggies
• Maple dijon pork chops + veggies

Roast each component at their own temperature and time. For example, chicken at 375°F for 30 minutes and veggies at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

Side Dish Pairings

Beyond sheet pan meals, these garlic roasted asparagus and green beans pair well with:

• Rice: White, brown, wild, pilaf, risotto, etc.
• Pasta: Couscous, orzo, farfalle, linguine, etc.
• Potatoes: Baked, mashed, fried, au gratin, etc.
• Other veggies: Roasted carrots, sautéed zucchini, salad greens, etc.

The possibilities are endless! Use your creativity.

Flavor Variations

Customize these roasted veggies to your taste by switching up the seasonings. Try:

• Lemon garlic: Omit rosemary and thyme. Add zest of 1 lemon.
• Balsamic glaze: Toss roasted veg with 2 tbsp glaze after roasting.
• Parmesan: Add 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan to garlic butter.
• Chili lime: Add pinch of red pepper flakes and 1 tsp lime zest.
• Cajun spice: Add 1 tsp each oregano, paprika, thyme, cayenne.

You could also use herb-infused olive oils for a flavor boost. The possibilities are endless.

Nutrition Information

This roasted asparagus and green beans recipe is:

• High in vitamins A, C, K, and folate
• A good source of fiber, iron, and protein
• Low in fat, cholesterol, and calories
• An excellent way to get your daily veggie servings

Asparagus offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Green beans provide carotenoids for heart health. Together, they make a nutrient-packed side!

Substitutions and Alterations

Make this veggie side your own by tweaking the recipe:

• Substitute broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, etc. for all or some of the green beans.
• Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter to make it vegan/dairy-free.
• Add other chopped veggies like onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, etc.
• Use minced shallot, chives, or scallions instead of garlic.
• Skip the lemon juice for a more herb-focused flavor.
• Use dry herbs instead of fresh herbs if needed.

Make it a veggie medley by mixing and matching produce!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some tips for serving up these garlicky roasted veggies:

• Garnish with freshly grated parmesan, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, etc.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Reheat in oven at 300°F for 15 minutes to crispen back up.
• Pair with dipping sauces like aioli, ranch, hummus, salsa, etc.
• Skewer on picks for easy finger food at parties.
• Purée into soups, mix into frittatas or omelets.
• Toss with pasta, rice, or grain bowls.

However you choose to use them, these roasted asparagus and green beans are sure to be a hit!

Conclusion

Roasted asparagus and green beans tossed in savory garlic butter is a match made in heaven. The high heat of the oven caramelizes the vegetables' sugars, intensifying their natural sweetness. Garlicky lemon butter permeates every inch, turning the veg irresistibly tender and juicy.

When spring produce season hits, make sure to take advantage with this easy roasted veggie recipe. Feel free to customize with different seasonings to suit your tastes. Pair it with chicken, fish, grains - anything! However you serve it, this side is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you roast frozen asparagus and green beans?

Yes, you can roast frozen asparagus and green beans without thawing first. Just increase the roasting time by 5-10 minutes and make sure the vegetables are spread in a single layer for even cooking.

2. How long is roasted asparagus and green beans good for?

Properly stored in an airtight container, roasted asparagus and green beans will keep for 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat leftovers before serving for best flavor and texture.

3. What temperature do you roast asparagus and green beans?

Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for caramelized, crispy asparagus and green beans. Higher heat helps release sugars and intensify flavor.

4. What oil is best for roasting asparagus and green beans?

Olive oil and avocado oil work great for roasting veggies. Their high smoke points allow the asparagus and beans to caramelize without burning the oil.

5. Can you grill asparagus and green beans instead?

Absolutely! Grilling works great as another high-heat cooking method. Toss the prepared veg in oil first. Grill over direct medium heat for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway.