Did you know that the global grilled asparagus market is projected to reach a value of $2.8 billion by 2027? This spike in demand for the versatile and flavorful vegetable is no surprise, as our simple grilled asparagus recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Craving a quick and healthy side? This deliciously easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.
Tender, smoky, and sweet, the best grilled asparagus becomes lightly charred on the outside and soft and tender on the inside, tossed simply in olive oil, salt, and pepper for the perfect 15-minute vegetable side dish. Side dishes are the connectors of the dinner table, and this easy grilled asparagus recipe is a go-to for its simplicity and delicious flavor. The key is using thick asparagus spears that won’t overcook or fall through the grill grates, and cooking them to a crisp-tender perfection.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy asparagus dish, a quick asparagus side, or a fresh addition to your spring and summer grilled green vegetables rotation, this simple grilled asparagus recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Easiest Grilled Asparagus Recipe
How to Prepare Asparagus for Grilling
To prepare the asparagus for grilling, start by trimming off the woody ends. You can do this by snapping each stalk gently about 2/3 of the way down until it naturally breaks where the tough part begins. For a more uniform look, you can also line up the asparagus and use a sharp knife to trim the ends all at once. Once the ends are removed, simply toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How to Make This Grilled Asparagus Recipe
Cooking asparagus on the grill couldn’t be easier. Just preheat your grill to medium heat (between 350°- 400°F), place the oiled and seasoned asparagus spears directly on the grates perpendicular to the bars, and grill with the lid closed until they’re tender and lightly charred, about 6-10 minutes. Use tongs to roll the spears for even grill marks.
How Long to Grill Asparagus?
Thick asparagus spears will need to grill for roughly 6 to 10 minutes over medium heat. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus and your grill temperature, so keep a close eye and test for doneness by poking them with a fork. The asparagus should be softened but still crisp-tender.
What’s the Best Asparagus to Grill?
While thin asparagus spears are great for roasting, for grilling asparagus it’s best to use thick asparagus stalks. Thick asparagus won’t overcook or char to a crisp, and you won’t have to worry about the spears falling through the grill grates. Look for firm, green asparagus with ends that aren’t withered.
Grilled Asparagus Recipe Topping Ideas
The simplest way to serve grilled asparagus is with a squeeze of fresh lemon, but there are plenty of ways to jazz it up. Try drizzling it with browned butter and topping with toasted nuts, or go Mediterranean with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives. For an Asian-inspired twist, top the grilled asparagus with ponzu sauce and toasted sesame seeds. You can also finish it with a garlicky vinaigrette, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Simple Grilled Asparagus Recipe
Grilled asparagus is the perfect healthy and easy side dish to pair with so many main courses. It goes great with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or shrimp, and also complements hearty dishes like meatloaf or pork tenderloin. The fresh, lightly charred asparagus also makes a wonderful addition to salads, sandwiches, and egg dishes. Leftover grilled asparagus can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature in all sorts of ways.
What to Serve With Grilled Asparagus
Our simple grilled asparagus recipe is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins and other dishes. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or seared salmon, the bright, slightly smoky flavor of the asparagus will enhance the meal. It also makes a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and egg dishes for a pop of freshness and crunch. And don’t forget, any leftovers can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature as a healthy snack or side.
simple grilled asparagus recipe
Overall, this simple grilled asparagus recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy fresh spring and summer produce. With just a few ingredients and a quick trip to the grill, we can have a flavorful vegetable side dish that’s perfect for any meal. The key is starting with thick, fresh asparagus spears and grilling them to crisp-tender perfection.
Topping the grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon or our favorite seasonings creates an easy, crowd-pleasing side. The smoky, slightly charred flavor of the grilled asparagus pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats and seafood to hearty casseroles and pasta.
Whether we’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick and healthy weeknight side, this simple grilled asparagus recipe is a versatile and delicious option. With its bright, fresh flavor and minimal prep, it’s sure to become a new go-to in our recipe rotation.