Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Grilled asparagus is a universally loved side dish during barbecue season.
Here, learn how to grill asparagus so it’s perfectly cooked each and every time.
Plus, find fun ways to spruce plain asparagus up if you ned exciting toppings for the final dish.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
To me, it’s the epitome of grilling season in the South.
Asparagus is one of my all-time favorite vegetables to grill.
It’s simple and straightforward to handle and cook and always a crowd pleaser.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This consists of the 1- to 3-inch portion on the bottom of the asparagus stalk.
That’s not what we want when biting into a tender yet crisp vegetable like asparagus.
Oil, Toss, Season!
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
When grilling any vegetable, the oiling and seasoning is the most important part.
Go ahead and pull out a sheet tray, lined with aluminum foil or parchment for easy clean-up.
Then, pour or drizzle oil over the asparagus.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Then, lightly season with kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Once your asparagus is trimmed, oiled, and seasoned, it’s time to grill.
Turn Up the Heat!
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Preheat your gas grill to 350-400F.
Then, using an oiled kitchen towel or paper towel, carefully wipe the grates.
This removes any metallic or charred debris remaining and also oils your grates to prevent sticking.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If using a grill pan inside your home, preheat your grill pan on medium-high heat.
Be sure the grill pan is clean and free of cooked-on debris.
Use an oiled kitchen towel or paper towel to carefully wipe down the pan.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist; Torie Cox
Line your asparagus up across the preheated grates perpendicular so they don’t fall through.
Don’t bunch or overlap the asparagus so each stalk gets its chance to get charred and caramelized.
After 3 minutes, roll the asparagus with a pair of tongs to achieve even grill marks.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Step 4.
And We’re Done!
Remove cooked asparagus from the grill, and serve.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Asparagus will continue to steam and cook slightly as it sits.
Be sure not to cover or it will overcook.
The ideal doneness for grilled asparagus is achieved by high heat and a short cooking time.
Cooking time is determined by how thin or thick your asparagus is.
At 400F, thinner asparagus takes only about 5 minutes, while thicker asparagus take 6 to 10 minutes.
The best result for grilled asparagus is anal dentetexture, so always shoot for the lower cook time.
What’s the Best Asparagus to Grill?
Everyone has their preferences, but I prefer medium to thick asparagus for grilling.
Thin asparagus can become overcooked too quickly.
Thicker stalks also won’t fall through the grates as easily either.
Steer clear of dull green, withered or wilted stalks, and tops that are mushy.
Toppings for Grilled Asparagus
I love a dipping sauce!
My favorite dip for grilled asparagus is a super easy homemade mayonnaise with basil aioli.
Clean and oil grill grates.
Prepare asparagus:
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus.
Place the asparagus spears on a platter or baking sheet.
Drizzle with the olive oil, and toss the spears to coat.
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss again to coat evenly.
Grill on high heat for 6 to 10 minutes or until the spears are tender and nicely marked.
After 3 to 4 minutes, use tongs to roll the spears.
Season and serve:
Transfer to a platter, and garnish with desired toppings.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s not necessary to soak asparagus before it’s grilled.
Give the stalks a quick rinse, dry them off, then oil and season them.
No, it’s not necessary to blanch asparagus before grilling.
In fact, blanching asparagus before it’s grilled will increase the chances you overcook it.
The result will be sad, soggy asparagus.
Soggy asparagus means one thing: You overcooked it.
You only need to cut the ends of asparagus before grilling it.
If you make the asparagus pieces too small, they could roll through the grill grates and burn.
