Ingredients You’ll Need
This section will explain how to choose the best ingredients for grilled asparagus, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Asparagus – The best way to grill asparagus starts with quality… asparagus! Look for firm tips and stalks, and cut off the woody parts at the bottom of the asparagus stalks. Thick asparagus spears will be easier to work with, because they are less prone to overcooking and you can get a nice char while keeping the crisp tender texture. But, any thickness will work! If your spears are very thin, then grilling asparagus in foil might work better. And if you have too many to cook up before they go bad, use the extras to make pickled asparagus. Olive Oil – With so few ingredients, use a quality extra virgin variety if you can. However, any olive oil (or even avocado oil) will work. Garlic Powder – Optional, but pairs so well with the fresh flavor of asparagus. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Lemon Wedges – Also optional, but add a zip of flavor at the end.
How To Grill Asparagus
This section will show you how to cook asparagus on the grill, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. I love a simple grilled asparagus seasoning of just salt, pepper and garlic powder, but feel free to try other spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or onion powder. You can garnish with fresh herbs, top with grated parmesan cheese, or even make a grilled asparagus marinade using olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
How Long To Grill Asparagus?
How long to cook asparagus on the grill depends on the cooking method and thickness of the stalks. On average, it takes 2-4 minutes on the grill directly, or 10-15 minutes if wrapped in foil. Look for a crisp tender texture (or fork tender if you like them softer), bright green color, and char marks (if cooking directly on the grill).
Tips For The Best Grilled Asparagus
Coat thoroughly in oil. Oil keeps the grilled asparagus from scorching (and helps make those perfect grill marks), so make sure every spear gets completely coated. Try skewers to make flipping easier. If you’re grilling asparagus without foil but are afraid it’ll fall through the grates, or want to make it easier to flip, you can skewer the asparagus onto 2 rows of bamboo skewers. Line up 4-6 spears and skewer crosswise through the bottom half, then skewer again through the top half. (I usually skip the effort of this extra step, but it does make flipping easier!)
Poke for doneness. If you’re not sure if it’s done, give it a poke with a fork. If it’s tender, it’s time to come off the grill.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat: You can warm up asparagus on the grill over indirect heat, or in a 350 degree F oven. Freeze: You can freeze grilled asparagus, but the texture will get a little mushy. Asparagus can store in a freezer-safe container for at least 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Leftover asparagus would also taste amazing sliced up in in a veggie frittata, meal prep egg bites, creamy salmon salad, or mixed with zucchini noodles and alfredo sauce! Soak them in water for at least 1 hour before grilling, so that they don’t start on fire.
What To Serve With Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus makes a versatile and delicious addition to so many dishes! Try these:
Grilled Meats & Fish – While you have the grill on, make a grilled sirloin steak, grilled London broil, grilled salmon, or my best burgers. For a special occasion, grill lobster tail, or try grilled lamb chops. And, if you’re a fan of Mexican dishes as much as I am, make pollo asado alongside your asparagus. Savory Brunch Dishes – Grilled asparagus tastes amazing paired with cloud eggs or eggs benedict casserole. Buttery Sauces – Try drizzling homemade hollandaise or lemon butter sauce over your asparagus. For a nutty, tangy, and toasted flavor, drizzle with tahini sauce.
More Healthy Asparagus Recipes
If you like this grilled asparagus recipe, you’ll love these other easy ways to enjoy this vegetable: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. To grill asparagus in foil: Place the asparagus on a large piece of tin foil, fold over the foil and seal to form a foil packet. Place the foil packet onto the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender.
