How to Grill Asparagus

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Grilled AsparagusGrilled Asparagus on a White Platter

Hello!

Welcome to How to Grill Asparagus 101.

In this short course, there will be a brief overview of asparagus.

We will then discuss:

  • How to pick the best asparagus for grilling.
  • How to set up your grill for asparagus.
  • How to grill asparagus.
  • How to serve grilled asparagus.

Overview

Asparagus is sweet and delicious.

It's in season from February through June. The peak of the season is around April. In some places, you can find asparagus year-round.

Asparagus is the young shoot of a much larger plant. Once the buds on the tips start to open, the stalk becomes woody.

Asparagus are young, tender shoots. You want to keep that in mind when you cook them; You don't want to boil or steam them to death. That removes all the flavor and texture. You want to heat them thoroughly, but not overcook them.

That's why grilling is a great method for cooking asparagus; it concentrates the flavor and cooks them fast without overcooking.

It's also convenient if you've already got the grill going for something else.

Grilled asparagus is a great side dish for any barbecue.

That's why you need to know how to grill asparagus.

How to Pick the Best Asparagus for Grilling

When choosing green asparagus, you want the stalks to be firm and green. The skin should be tight and blemish free.

Some varieties are bright green and some are darker. You can even buy purple and white asparagus.

Also, look at the tips. The tips should be tight and dry. They should also have a pleasant smell to them, so take a sniff to make sure they're fresh!

Contrary to what you might think, thicker stalks are tastier and more tender than the thins ones. The thinner stalks have more of the tougher outer layer than the thick stalks, so choose asparagus that's thicker.

How to Set up Your Grill for Asparagus

Grilling asparagus requires a medium, to medium-hot fire.

You want to heat the asparagus thoroughly and get some tasty charring as well. If the fire's too hot, the tips will burn and dry out.

For a charcoal grill, use enough coals to cover the bottom in a single layer.

I often grill asparagus after I've grilled some steaks or pork chops. The coals that are left over from cooking the steaks is enough to grill the asparagus.

For gas, after heating the grill on high, turn the heat down to medium.

How to Grill Asparagus

Grilling asparagus is quick, easy and delicious. If I'm grilling something and asparagus is available, it's going on the grill!

It's a simple process: Once you have your grill ready, you drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, season and grill for about 4-6 minutes, depending on the size of the asparagus and how hot your fire is. 

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Grilled Asparagus Recipe

How to Trim Asparagus: The cut ends of the asparagus can be tough. They must be removed. To do this:

  1. Hold the asparagus in your left hand, with your thumb pointing towards the cut end, a little farther than halfway down the stalk. 
  2. Grab the bottom of the stalk with your right hand about an inch or so from the bottom of the cut end. 
  3. Bend the stalk until it snaps. Discard the piece in your right hand. (You can use it to flavor soups or sauces, remove or strain out before serving). 
  4.  Trim the cuts ends on a bias for a nicer presentation. (See the picture below.)
  • 1 Bunch asparagus
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon
  1. Light and heat your grill for medium to medium-high direct grilling. 
  2. Wash and dry the asparagus on paper towels
  3. Trim the asparagus. See instructions above.
  4. Lay the asparagus on a large baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Wash and dry the lemon. Cut it in half.
  6. Scrape or brush your grill grates clean.
  7. Grill the asparagus for 4-6 minutes or until hot and slightly charred, turning every minute or so. Be careful to keep the tips away from the hottest part of the fire. Grill the lemon halves while you're grilling the asparagus.

How To Serve Grilled Asparagus

When the asparagus is cooked to your liking, remove and place on a serving platter, along with the lemon halves. You can squeeze the warm, grilled lemon juice over the asparagus and serve at once. Or, you can let each person add the lemon juice to their taste.

Enjoy!

Now you know how to grill asparagus, so go get you some asparagus and start grilling!

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