These Grilled Asparagus spears feature subtle hints of garlic, Parmesan, and lemon zest, making for a vibrant and perfectly tender-crisp side dish.
I can’t think of a better side dish to make on the grill when you’re firing up some steaks. It’s so simple to make and it gets fantastic grill marks and char that make them taste amazing.
Why You’ll Love It
- In-Season Freshness: Asparagus is at its peak freshness in the spring and early summer months, making this recipe a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
- Perfect Texture: Satisfyingly crunchy on the outside, yet tender on the inside, giving you the perfect textural contrast.
- Versatile Side Dish: Grilled asparagus pairs well with various main courses, from grilled meats to seafood, pasta, or even as a topping for salads or pizzas.
» You may also like these Grilled Spring Onions and Spring Asparagus and Snap Pea Slaw.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh Asparagus Spears – I like to buy thicker asparagus for the grill. You need to be able to cook it long enough to get grill marks without it getting over cooked.
- Olive Oil – You can substitute with other oils like avocado oil or melted butter if desired.
- Salt and Pepper – I like to sprinkle on quite a bit of salt and pepper because it will come off on the grill, leaving just the right amount.
- Grated Parmesan – Such a nice finishing flavor for the asparagus. I encourage you to grate your own Parmesan from a block. It’s so nice.
- Lemon Zest – You won’t believe the flavor the zest adds without watering it down with the juice.
Equipment Needed
- Grill – I use a Weber Genesis E325 for most of my grilling, though I also have a Z Grills Smoker/Grill combo that I sometimes use. You can use whatever grill you have, whether it’s gas or charcoal.
- Propane or Charcoal – Depending on your setup.
- Grill Tools – I swear by this set of sturdy grill tools from Cuisinart that includes everything you need for grilling, like tongs, a flipper, a digital temperature fork, silicone basting brush, and more.
Tips for Making Grilled Asparagus
- Look for firm, vibrant green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips for the best flavor and texture. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears before grilling to ensure they cook evenly and have a tender texture.
- Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the grill grates to allow for even cooking and to prevent them from becoming overcrowded.
- Asparagus cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Grill for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have developed charred grill marks.
How to Grill Asparagus
Step 1: Prepare the grill
Fire up your grill and crank it up to a medium-high flame.
Step 2: Season the asparagus
Grab a plate and give your asparagus spears a good tumble with some olive oil and garlic until they’re all nicely hugged by that oil. Give them a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, making sure they’re well-seasoned.
Step 3: Grill the asparagus
Once your grill’s sizzling ready, lay those spears out on the grill grates, keeping them in a neat, single layer. Let them grill away for about 3-5 minutes, giving them a turn here and there. You’re aiming for that perfect tender-crisp vibe, complete with those gorgeous charred lines. Just keep a close watch to dodge any unwanted char.
Step 4: Serve
When they’re looking just right, scoop them onto a serving platter. Finish off by showering them with a generous dusting of grated Parmesan and a zest of lemon for that extra kick.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing
Once cooled, store any leftover grilled asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating
Microwave: To reheat, place the grilled asparagus on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
Grill: Alternatively, you can reheat them on a grill or skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated to your liking.
Grilled asparagus is best enjoyed hot, so try to reheat only the amount you plan to eat immediately to maintain its flavor and texture.
Questions About the Recipe
How do I know when the asparagus is done grilling?
The asparagus is done when it is tender-crisp and has developed charred grill marks. You can test for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the spear with a fork or knife. It should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
Can I grill the asparagus indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or a stovetop grill to grill the asparagus indoors. Simply follow the same instructions for preheating and grilling, adjusting the heat as needed.
Can I use other seasonings or toppings for grilled asparagus?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to customize the flavor of your grilled asparagus. Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, sprinkling with toasted nuts, or drizzling with balsamic glaze for extra flavor
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Like this recipe? We’d love for you to share it on your Pinterest board! Click to follow our Pinterest boards so you can find all our recipes!
Instagram it! If you try this recipe please tag #legendsofthegrill on Instagram or Twitter. We love to see your photos of our recipes! Also follow us on Facebook to keep up on what we’re cooking up.
Easy Grilled Asparagus
Equipment
- Propane or charcoal
- Grill tools
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) fresh asparagus spears tough ends removed
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan and lemon zest for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- On a plate, roll the asparagus spears in olive oil and garlic until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Once the grill is hot, place the asparagus directly on the grill grates in a single layer.
- Grill the asparagus for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have developed charred grill marks. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Transfer asparagus to a serving platter.
- To serve, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and lemon zest.
Notes
- Look for firm, vibrant green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips for the best flavor and texture. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears before grilling to ensure they cook evenly and have a tender texture.
- Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the grill grates to allow for even cooking and to prevent them from becoming overcrowded.
- Asparagus cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Grill for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have developed charred grill marks.
Nutrition
Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.