Perfectly Grilled Asparagus (on the BBQ)

Perfectly Grilled Asparagus on the barbecue is slightly charred on the outside, and with a smoky and sweet flavor. Simple, easy and best tasting vegetable to grill! Grilled asparagus is served with a splash of fresh lemon juice for a delicious side dish. It’s an ideal vegetable for the grilling season.

Perfectly Grilled Asparagus on the Barbecue

We love fresh asparagus all year long. And especially when we grill them on the barbecue. Plus, when it comes to outdoor grilling, asparagus is one of the easiest vegetables to grill.

Best of all, your grill and fire will do all the work, and add so much flavor to the asparagus. They always turn out slightly charred and crunchy with a smoky and sweet flavor. (It’s the best!)

Grilling asparagus is simple and delicious every time. If you love grilling fresh vegetables on the grill, then be sure to check How to Grill Zucchini Perfectly. And if you love asparagus recipes, be sure to try our Asparagus Au Gratin Lightened, and Asparagus Gruyere Swiss Tart.

What’s the best size to grill them on the barbecue?

• When thinking about grilling asparagus, it’s always best to buy the large, thick asparagus spears.
• The large ones are easier to grill, without burning them to a crisp or overcooking them entirely.
• Plus, they won’t fall through the grill as you cook them.

What to look for when buying Asparagus?

• Look for asparagus with crisp green color and that are firm to the touch.
• They’re able to stand up straight and not wilt.
• Tips should be closed tightly and not be soft or mushy when touched.
• Sniff them; if they have a pungent smell to the tips, it means they’re old.
• Fresh asparagus will not have any scent or smell at all.

How to Clean and Prepare Them?

To prepare asparagus for grilling, you will need to remove the white, woody ends. There are two ways to do this:

1. Cut Off the Ends: you can cut them all at once, and about 2-inches off from the bottom. Hold the entire bunch together with one hand on a cutting board, and with a sharp knife, cut approximately 2 inches off from the bottom. Or you can do a few at a time.

2. Or Snap Them Off: you can also trim asparagus by simply giving a snap, by bending the stalk about 2 inches from the bottom. They will naturally break off from the toughest part of the stalk. Then discard all woody ends.

3. Give a Good Rinse: after trimming the ends off, place the spears into a colander and give them a good rinse under running cool water. Set them aside to drain.

4. Now Season Before Grilling: season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Then drizzle some olive oil over them is all you will need to make this vegetable taste amazing!

How to Perfectly Grill Asparagus?

Our full printable recipe card is located at the bottom. But let’s go through the steps so you can understand what’s involved before you start.

FIRST: Clean Your Grill. Before you start to grill anything, be sure to brush your grill grates clean, using a barbecue brush and scraper. You can do this while you preheat your grill.

SECOND: Prep Your Asparagus. You can do this easily before you start grilling, and ahead of time. No worries, asparagus will not wilt or soften after they have been seasoned and drizzled with olive oil. They will stay fresh until ready to grill.

THIRD: Lay Them On The Grill. Always place your asparagus spears across your grill, perpendicular to the grates, so they don’t fall through.

Helpful Tip for Grilling! Your grill should be on “medium to high” heat, (about 400 – 450 degrees F, or more). If you have a large grill, and planning to grill multiple foods, then place your asparagus on one side (as shown in my photo below).

NEXT: Grill the Asparagus. Grill with the lid closed for about 5 to 8 minutes. Then carefully flip them over, using kitchen tongs to pick a few spears at a time. Close the lid again, and continue to grill for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. Poke one spear with a fork to see if they are ready.

FINALLY: Remove and serve on a platter with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice over them.

Options to Jazz Up Their Flavor

We enjoy our grilled asparagus with a splash of lemon juice over it. But you can jazz things up with some of these ideas:

• Drizzle some balsamic vinegar or any herb vinaigrette over them.
• Scatter with some crumbled feta cheese on top.
• Add some of our Authentic Tzatziki Sauce on the side for dipping.
• Sprinkle with some smoky cooked pancetta and grated parmesan cheese.

What Food to Serve with Grilled Asparagus

When the grilling season arrives, the options to serve with a side of grilled asparagus are endless! Here are a few ideas and recipes for you to choose from:

• London Broil Steak Grilled to Perfection
• Grilled Whole Branzino
• BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
• Grilled Ginger-Lime Chicken Kabobs
• Sausages Links Grilled Perfectly
• Best Grilled Shrimp and Scallop Kabobs
• Grilled Flank Steak with Olive Oil & Garlic

FAQ’s

1. How to tell if asparagus is ready? Always poke one with a fork to test if it’s ready. It should be tender, not soft.
2. How long to grill asparagus? Thick asparagus spears will grill for about 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat, and even less on high heat. But it’s a good idea to always keep an eye on them.
3. What if they appear to be too dry? Once you plate them, you can drizzle additional extra virgin olive oil over the asparagus.
4. How to serve perfectly grilled asparagus? We prefer to drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil on the bottom of a serving platter. Then lay the grilled spears on top of the olive oil. Next, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them and serve.
5. Can we serve them at room temperature? Yes, you can serve them warm or at room temperature. Either way, they are so delicious, you’ll enjoy them all through the grilling season.

If you make this recipe, let us know and leave a comment below and don’t forget the stars. Have fun and snap a photo, hashtag it on Instagram or Pinterest, and be sure to tag us @2sistersrecipes.  We love sharing it with the world! 

Additional Recipes for Asparagus…

• Asparagus Au Gratin – Lightened!
• Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto and Cheese
• Asparagus Salad with Arugula

Happy Grilling! 🙂

xo anna and liz