Perfectly Grilled Asparagus

How to grill asparagus on the BBQ? With a few easy tips, you can make Perfectly Grilled Asparagus every time! Try this delicious grilled asparagus served with a splash of fresh lemon juice for a quick, healthy side dish.

Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable to enjoy all year long. There are so many ways to eat this delicious vegetable, from blanching and steaming vegetables to roasting, sauting in a skillet, and even making soups, like our creamy asparagus soup.

Keep in mind, that your grill and fire will do all the work and add so much flavor to the asparagus.

But when it comes to outdoor grilling, asparagus is one of the easiest vegetables to grill. And when it’s grilled on the barbecue, it turns out slightly charred and crunchy with a smoky and sweet flavor.

Amazingly simple and delicious every time!

A white plate with grilled asparagus and lemon wedges. by 2sistersrecipes.com

What’s the Best Asparagus to Grill?

  • 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 are 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 are firm to the touch.
  • They’re able to stand up straight, and not wilted.
  • Tips should be closed tightly and, not be soft or mushy when touched.
  • Give a sniff to them, if they will have a pungent smell to the tips, it means they’re old.
  • Fresh asparagus will not have any scent or smell to them at all.

How to Clean and Prepare for Perfectly Grilled Asparagus?

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!

Two photos of fresh asparagus with seasonings on a white plattter.  by 2sistersrecipes.com

How to Grill Asparagus?

FIRST: 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: Always place your asparagus spears across your grill, perpendicular to the grates, so they don’t fall through.

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).

Asparagus placed on one side of the grill. by 2sistersrecipes.com

NEXT: Grill the asparagus with the lid closed for about 5 to 8 minutes. Then 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.

grilling asparagus and flipping them over. by 2sistersrecipes.com

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Asparagus!

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • If they appear too dry, once you plate them, you may drizzle additional olive oil on the asparagus.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature. Either way, they are so delicious, you’ll enjoy them all summer long.

Options to Jazz Up These Asparagus…

We enjoy our grilled asparagus with a splash of lemon juice over them. 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.

Perfectly Grilled Asparagus by 2sistersrecipes.com

What to Serve with Grilled Asparagus?

Yield: 8 servings

Perfectly Grilled Asparagus

Perfectly Grilled Asparagus by 2sistersrecipes.com

Perfectly Grilled Asparagus is slightly charred and crunchy with a smoky and sweet flavor. Grilled asparagus is served with olive oil, salt, and fresh lemon juice for a quick, healthy side dish. It's simple, easy, and amazingly delicious!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches (about 2 pounds) of large, thick fresh asparagus - rinsed, woody ends removed.
  • 1/4 tsp. of salt
  • fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon
  • extra lemon wedges or slices, as garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat, about 400 to 450 F.

2. On a large serving platter lay the asparagus, and generously season with salt, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper to taste.

3. Drizzle over them with some extra virgin olive oil. and set them aside.

4. When your grill is hot, place your asparagus spears across your grill, perpendicular to the grates, so they don't fall through.

5. Grill the asparagus with the lid closed for about 5 to 8 minutes. Then flip them over, using kitchen tongs to pick a few spears at a time.

6. 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.

7. Meanwhile, grab a serving platter, and drizzle about 1 tablespoon on the bottom of the dish. When asparagus is ready, remove and transfer onto the prepared platter. Next, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them and serve.

8. Garnish with lemon wedges or slices on the side. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 8

Notes

Keep in mind, that all grills and barbecues are different and will vary in temperature. Therefore, the grilling times are an estimate and will vary as well.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6 to 8 servings

Serving Size:

1 serving

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 53Total Fat: 3.6gSaturated Fat: .6gSodium: 76mgCarbohydrates: 4.5gFiber: 2.4gSugar: 2.2gProtein: 2.5g

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Happy and Healthy Grilling!

xo anna and liz

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