Asparagus is delicious on its own but grilled asparagus takes on an entirely different flavor. Garlic (fresh or minced) can be tossed with the spears before grilling for deep, cooked-in flavor.
Skewering the asparagus makes it easier to flip and cook. A grill basket is also helpful. Seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or seasoned salt can be added to the marinade.
1. Preheat the grill
There are countless ways to enhance the flavor of grilled asparagus. Seasoning blends, herbs, citrus, cheese and other toppings are all excellent choices.
The first step is to preheat the grill. It’s best to use a gas grill because it’s easy to control the temperature. But a charcoal grill will work just as well.
When selecting asparagus, look for stalks that are firm and bright green. Also, make sure the ends are closed tightly. Thinner spears tend to overcook or burn and are less tender than thicker ones.
2. Toss the asparagus in oil
Tossing the asparagus in oil before grilling prevents them from drying out and helps them stick less to the grill grate. It also adds a nice flavor and helps the asparagus crisp up on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside.
Another option is to skewer the asparagus. To do this, just arrange the spears into groups of 5-6 together and thread a skewer through each group. Make sure the skewer is long enough to reach all the way to the bottom of the pan.
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus. The easiest way to do this is by gently bending the end of one stalk. Wherever it snaps is the place where the tough, woody part ends and the tender, edible portion begins.
3. Place the asparagus on the grill
Asparagus is a great side dish for the grill, but it can also be added to salads and soups. You can even top grilled asparagus with eggs for an easy brunch. Just be sure to use fresh, firm asparagus. Avoid asparagus that looks shriveled, as it will have lost its texture and flavor.
Asparagus goes well with a variety of different seasonings and sauces. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper before grilling to add extra flavor. Try adding a squeeze of lemon or topping with feta cheese for an amazing flavor combination. You can also add garlic to the asparagus before grilling, if desired.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes
Asparagus is quick to grill and is one of our favorite healthy side dishes. It’s easy to season and goes perfectly with a variety of meals and appetizers. Plus, it adds a touch of smokey char to the dish (my kids love it).
Toss the spears in oil and salt and pepper before grilling. You can grill the asparagus directly on the grate, but this can lead to them falling through or burning, especially if they are thin. Instead, you can use a grill basket or roll the spears up in aluminum foil into a closed packet before placing them on the grill. For extra flavor, finish with a squeeze of lemon, toasted pine nuts, or parmesan cheese. You can also drizzle on balsamic vinegar or a marinade before or after the grilled asparagus.
5. Flip the asparagus
Tossed in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and grilled until tender, these asparagus spears make the perfect summer side dish. They’re also quick to prepare and can be served with a variety of protein options.
For an extra-easy option, you can grill the asparagus directly on the grates instead of using foil. However, it’s important to preheat the grill first so that the asparagus doesn’t burn. It’s also a good idea to use skewers (or a grill basket) so that it’s easier to flip the asparagus and get those nice char marks on both sides.
When you’re ready to serve the grilled asparagus, drizzle with more olive oil and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. You can also add a splash of balsamic glaze or your favorite burger seasoning.
6. Cook for another 3-4 minutes
Depending on thickness, it’s best to remove the asparagus when they are lightly charred with grill marks and a crisp tender texture (or fork tender if you prefer). Test their doneness by poking one of the spears with a fork.
If you’re worried about your asparagus falling through the grates, try using a hinged grill basket or a perforated metal grilling “grid” that sits on the rack. Skewering the spears also makes it easier to turn them.
A squeeze of lemon adds the perfect finishing touch to grilled asparagus. You can also sprinkle a little lemon zest over the top for added flavor. Other flavorings, like minced garlic, are wonderful on grilled asparagus as well. They can be tossed in with the oil before grilling, or drizzled on after.
7. Finish with a squeeze of lemon
Adding a squeeze of lemon is a simple but effective way to bring out the natural flavor of asparagus and add some brightness. This is especially nice when the asparagus has been grilled, but it’s also delicious when served raw or cold.
A squeeze of lemon or lime is a classic, but you can use other types of citrus juice as well. You could also add a drizzle of vinegar or lemon pepper, or any other herbs, spices or seasonings that you like.
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil for the best results. The heavy-duty foil won’t tear as easily and will make it easier to remove the grilled asparagus from the foil. You can also try using a grill basket instead of foil, although you won’t get the same directional char marks.
