Grilled Asparagus
Equipment
- Grill
- Tongs
- Knife
- Bowl or platter
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus thick spears
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges desired
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 350° to 400°F, and brush the grill grates clean.
- Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus by bending each stalk gently about ⅔ of the way down the stalk until it naturally breaks. Alternatively, you can trim the ends with a knife.
- Toss the asparagus spears in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the asparagus across the grill grates perpendicular to the bars and grill with the lid closed for 6 to 10 minutes, or until the spears are tender and crisp. Use tongs to roll the spears for even grill marks.
- Transfer to a platter and serve warm or at room temperature, with a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
- Choose thick asparagus spears for easier grilling.
- Leftover grilled asparagus can be used in many dishes, such as sandwiches, frittatas, egg bakes, salads, or served cold or at room temperature.
When it comes to easy, healthy side dishes, grilled asparagus is one of my go-tos. With its tender texture and smoky, slightly sweet flavor, it’s hard to believe this delicious recipe takes only 15 minutes and a handful of ingredients. Grilled asparagus pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, and the best part is—it’s practically foolproof. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s healthy, versatile, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Why Grilled Asparagus?
Side dishes are like the glue that holds a meal together. They round out the plate and elevate the main course. But let’s be real: no one wants to spend ages on a side dish when the main event already requires attention. That’s where grilled asparagus comes in.
Grilling asparagus brings out its natural sweetness while adding a touch of smokiness, thanks to those gorgeous grill marks. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re grilling steaks, chicken, or even fish, asparagus slides right onto the grill for a quick cook, and the results are nothing short of perfection. In fact, grilling gives asparagus a slightly caramelized flavor that’s difficult to achieve with other cooking methods.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time I’m reminded just how simple and delicious it is. No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients—just good, wholesome flavor.
How to Prepare Asparagus for Grilling
Before you start grilling, there’s a little prep work involved, but trust me, it’s a breeze.
1. Trimming the Woody Ends
If you’ve ever bitten into the tough, fibrous end of an asparagus spear, you know it’s not the best experience. These woody ends are inedible and need to be removed before grilling. Luckily, asparagus is designed to help you out. Simply take each stalk and bend it about two-thirds of the way down. It’ll naturally snap right where the woody part ends and the tender part begins. No measuring needed! I personally find snapping the stalks kind of satisfying, like breaking in a new pair of shoes. If you’re in a rush, though, you can line them up and trim the ends with a sharp knife.
2. Seasoning
Asparagus is already delicious on its own, so you don’t need to go overboard with seasoning. All it really needs is a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of kosher salt, and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper. The grill itself adds plenty of flavor, so let it work its magic. If you want a little extra zing, a squeeze of lemon juice after grilling can brighten things up beautifully. That’s really all you need—simple and delicious.
How to Grill Asparagus
Grilling asparagus is one of the easiest ways to cook this veggie, and it gives the stalks a crisp, smoky char that you can’t achieve any other way. Plus, there’s no need for fancy equipment—just toss the spears on the grill and let the flames do the work.
1. Preheating the Grill
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, somewhere between 350°F and 400°F. You’ll want to give the grates a good brushing to make sure they’re clean, which will help prevent the asparagus from sticking.
2. Placing the Asparagus on the Grill
When it’s time to cook, place the asparagus perpendicular to the grill grates so the spears don’t fall through. Trust me, I’ve lost more than a few to the fire in the past, and it’s heartbreaking! Once they’re on, close the grill lid to trap the heat, which will help cook the spears evenly.
3. Cooking Time
The cook time depends on the thickness of the asparagus. Thick spears will take around 6 to 10 minutes, while thinner ones will cook more quickly. Use tongs to roll the spears occasionally for even grilling. You’re aiming for slightly charred on the outside and tender on the inside, but don’t overdo it—nobody wants mushy asparagus!
4. Signs of Doneness
Not sure if it’s done? Give one spear a gentle poke with a fork. The asparagus should be softened but still firm enough to hold its shape. The color will be a vibrant, bright green with some light char marks on the surface. Perfection.
Best Asparagus for Grilling
While I love using pencil-thin asparagus for roasting, grilling is a different story. For grilling, thicker spears are ideal. They won’t overcook as quickly, and they’re less likely to slip through the grill grates. Look for firm, bright green stalks with tips that are closed and not withered. If you get your asparagus from a farmer’s market, even better—the fresher, the better.
Grilled Asparagus Topping Ideas
Personally, I’m a fan of keeping things simple with just a squeeze of lemon over my grilled asparagus, but if you want to jazz it up, there are plenty of ways to add some extra flair.
- Browned Butter and Nuts: Drizzle the asparagus with nutty browned butter and sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch.
- Balsamic and Goat Cheese: A little balsamic vinegar adds tang, while crumbled goat cheese offers creamy contrast.
- Bacon and Parmesan: For a decadent twist, top the asparagus with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
- Mediterranean Style: Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives bring a vibrant, salty punch to this dish.
- Asian-Inspired: Drizzle with ponzu sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an umami-rich variation.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Asparagus
- Test for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the asparagus is ready, poke it with a fork. It should be tender but not mushy.
- Kosher Salt vs. Table Salt: If you’re using regular table salt, use less than you would with kosher salt since table salt is more potent due to its smaller crystals.
- Repurpose Leftovers: Leftover grilled asparagus is super versatile! Toss it in a salad, chop it up for a frittata, or add it to a sandwich. It’s also delicious cold or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Grilled asparagus is one of the simplest, most flavorful side dishes you can make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a recipe that delivers big on taste without demanding much effort. Whether you’re keeping it simple or dressing it up with one of the suggested toppings, grilled asparagus is sure to be a hit at any meal. And remember, it’s not just for dinner—those leftovers are a secret weapon for tomorrow’s lunch!
So fire up the grill and give this recipe a try. You’ll see why grilled asparagus has become a staple in my kitchen—it’s the kind of recipe that never lets you down.
Hello, I’m Elaria Jackson, the author behind Vegan Castle. I have a background in Nutrition Science and Culinary Arts. I’ve studied the benefits of a plant-based diet and its impact on health and the environment. I’ve attended various vegan cooking courses and workshops. Through Vegan Castle, I share easy weeknight meals and decadent desserts. I aim to be a valuable companion on your vegan journey.