How to Grill Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is one of the easiest and fastest foods you can cook up on the grill. It goes great with steak or even plain on its own. Plus, it's super healthy. It's packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, and K. Follow this guide to make the perfect grilled asparagus.

How to Make Grilled Asparagus

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ angelinai2

All you need to do is prep it, season it with salt and pepper, and place it on the grill. Here's the detailed version:

Step 1: Pick the Right Asparagus

When you're buying asparagus, go for the thinner stalks. They're more tender and cook faster on the grill. Make sure the stalks are firm and not limp. Also, the tips should be closed and compact, not mushy or falling apart.

Step 2: Prep the Asparagus

Wash the asparagus to remove any dirt. Then, snap off the tough ends. To get a clean cut, hold each spear in your hands and bend it gently. You can also use a knife to cut off the whitish-tan art. If your asparagus hasthick “jumbo” spears,trim off the bottom inch or two, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough skin from the lower part.

Step 3: Start Seasoning

Lightly coat the fresh asparagus in olive oil and sprinkle some salt and pepper. This is what most people use as a seasoning. You can also add garlic powder, lemon zest, or even a bit of parmesan cheese. Make sure the asparagus isn’t drowning in oil since this can lead to flare-ups on the grill.

Step 4: Heat Your Grill

Get your gas grill to medium-high heat. You can grill directly on the grill grates, or if you're worried about them falling through, you can use a grill basket or grill pan or lay them across the grates perpendicularly.

Step 5: Start Grilling

Place the asparagus stalks on the grill in a single layer. Cook asparagus for about 3-5 minutes. Turn them halfway through with thongs. Your asparagus should have grill marks and a bit of char, but don’t let them get too black. To check if it's done, poke them with a fork. The asparagus should be tender but still have a bit of firmness. Once they're off the grill, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over them.

How to Grill Asparagus in Foil

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ bluelily52

• Tear off a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil that's large enough to wrap around the asparagus.
• Drizzle some olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss in some minced garlic, melted butter, lemon slices, or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• Lay the asparagus in a single layer in the center of the foil. Don’t stack them on top of each other, as they might not cook evenly.
• Place another sheet of foil over the asparagus. It should be roughly the same size.
• Fold the edges of both the sheets of foil together to create a packet. Don't wrap it too tight since you’ll need some space for steam to circulate.
• Place the foil packet on the grill over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. You can check for doneness by carefully opening the packet (watch out for steam!). The asparagus should be tender but still slightly firm, with a bit of a bright green color.
• Remove the packet from the grill.
• Serve grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

How Long Does It for Asparagus to Grill?

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ NatashaBreen

This will depend on the thickness of the spears. Thin asparagus usually cooks in about 3-5 minutes. Thicker “jumbo” asparagus spears will take longer, around 8-10 minutes. If you’re grilling in foil, the process will be even longer (10-15 minutes).

Best Flavoring Options

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ LightFieldStudios

While salt, pepper, and olive oil are the basics, there are many ways to improve the flavor of grilled asparagus:

Lemon Garlic: Toss grilled asparagus with fresh lemon juice and minced garlic. You can also use powdered, or roasted garlic.

Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the grilled asparagus for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill, and brush it over the asparagus.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or a Dash of Cayenne: This is perfect to spice things up.

Simple Grilled Asparagus Recipe

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ kovalnadiya

If you want to mix things up, there are some fun grilled asparagus recipes that you can try out:

Bacon and Asparagus

Try wrapping asparagus spears in bacon or prosciutto before grilling. This works especially well with thicker spears, as they can hold up to the extra weight and flavor of the meat. The bacon crisps up nicely while the asparagus stays tender inside.

Egg and Asparagus

Grill the asparagus until tender, then serve with a runny egg. The egg yolk will act as the perfect sauce.

Flatbread and Asparagus

Grill the asparagus, chop it up, and add it to a flatbread with some olive oil, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Throw it back on the grill for a few minutes until the cheese melts. This works great with medium to thicker asparagus.

Summary

Grilling asparagus is quick and easy. All you have to do is prep them properly and grill them at the right temperature. And if you're looking to elevate your grilling game, check out Pepe Nero’s grilling set. Shop with us today.