When I think about summer meals, one dish that always pops into my mind is grilled chicken. There’s something about that smoky flavor and tender meat that simply calls for the perfect sidekick. And what could be better than a batch of grilled asparagus keeping the chicken company?
Bright green, slightly charred, and bursting with flavor, this asparagus is the perfect complement. It’s light, fresh, and adds a touch of elegance to any plate. Trust me, this combination will impress your family and friends!
Grilled asparagus is a delightful dish that elevates any meal. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it shines as a side dish for everything from barbecued burgers to grilled fish. With a few simple ingredients, you can transform this humble vegetable into a smoky tangy treat that everyone will love.
Grilled asparagus is near the top of my list of favorite vegetable sides. This dish highlights asparagus spears that are cooked on the grill until they’re tender, crisp, and slightly charred. The result is a subtle sweetness paired with a satisfying crunch, perfect for soaking up any marinade or seasoning you choose to use.
What’s not to love? Grilled asparagus comes together in a flash. It requires minimal ingredients and effort yet delivers maximum flavor. It's a versatile dish that pairs effortlessly with many mains. Plus, it’s healthy! You’ll enjoy a side that’s packed with nutrients without compromising on taste.
For a fantastic grilled asparagus, gather these ingredients:
- 1 pound thick asparagus spears
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Ingredients From : foodiecrush.com
Let’s dive into the step-by-step method of creating this perfect grilled asparagus. The process is straightforward—just a few moves, and you’ll have a fantastic side ready to impress.
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, aiming for about 350°F to 400°F. While it warms, give the grill grates a good brush to clean them. There’s nothing worse than unwelcome grill remnants on your beautiful asparagus!
Take your asparagus and remove the woody ends. You can do this by gently bending each stalk about two-thirds down the length until it snaps naturally. This method ensures you’re discarding those tough bits. For a neater look, you can use a knife after snapping. Toss those ends to the compost bin or the trash—out with the old!
Place the asparagus in a shallow bowl or directly on a platter. Drizzle the olive oil over the spears and use your hands to toss them around until they’re well coated. Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over them, then toss again. This step is where flavor really starts to build.
Now for the fun part! Lay the asparagus across the grill grates, perpendicular to the bars. This positioning helps prevent them from falling through the cracks. Close the lid, and let them grill! Depending on the thickness of your spears, you’ll want to grill for about 6 to 10 minutes. Flip them every couple of minutes with tongs to get those lovely grill marks and ensure they cook evenly.
Once your asparagus spears are tender and have some nice char marks, carefully transfer them to a platter. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more olive oil over them, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. They can be served warm or at room temperature, perfect for any dining vibe you’re going for!
- When choosing asparagus, go for thick spears, as they hold up better on the grill.
- For an extra kick, try adding red pepper flakes while seasoning.
- Always preheat your grill for the best charring.
- If you have leftover asparagus, toss it into a salad for a quick lunch option.
- Consider marinating the spears in balsamic vinegar for about 30 minutes before grilling for an added depth of flavor.
Leftover grilled asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold in salads for a quick snack. Avoid freezing the grilled asparagus, as it can lose its texture.
Grilled asparagus packs a nutritious punch. In a standard serving, you'll find:
- Low in calories (around 60)
- High in vitamins A, C, and K
- A good source of fiber, which aids in digestion
Here are some delightful ways to serve your grilled asparagus:
- With grilled chicken: The perfect protein-pairing for a wholesome meal.
- Alongside salmon: The citrusy flavor of salmon complements the asparagus beautifully.
- In pasta salad: Toss chopped grilled asparagus into your favorite cold pasta salad for a fresh twist.
- As a topping for pizzas: Layer them on top of a white pizza for added color and crunch.
- In a breakfast bowl: Add to scrambled eggs or an omelet for a nutritious start to your day.
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these substitutions:
- Green beans: For a different texture but the same grilling greatness.
- Broccoli florets: They hold up well on the grill and soak up flavors beautifully.
- Zucchini: Cut into thick slices; this summer squash grills fantastically.
- Bell peppers: They add color and sweetness; just slice them into strips.
- Brussels sprouts: Halved and seasoned, they can be wonderfully smoky on the grill.
Grilled asparagus is a side dish that ticks all the boxes—easy to make, delightful in taste, and versatile enough to complement a variety of main dishes. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe all summer long. Fire up your grill, get those spears ready, and enjoy the delicious crunch that grilled asparagus brings to your dining table!
Grilled asparagus is a delightful dish that elevates any meal. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it shines as a side dish for everything from barbecued burgers to grilled fish. With a few simple ingredients, you can transform this humble vegetable into a smoky tangy treat that everyone will love.
- When choosing asparagus, go for thick spears, as they hold up better on the grill.
- For an extra kick, try adding red pepper flakes while seasoning.
- Always preheat your grill for the best charring.
- If you have leftover asparagus, toss it into a salad for a quick lunch option.
- Consider marinating the spears in balsamic vinegar for about 30 minutes before grilling for an added depth of flavor.
Maria George is a cookbook author and registered dietitian, passionate about merging gourmet cuisine with nutrition through her blog Gourmet And Food. Based in Illinois, she draws on her rich culinary background to create elegant, approachable recipes that celebrate quality ingredients and creativity in the kitchen. Maria’s goal is to inspire food lovers of all levels to explore gourmet cooking and enjoy the art of dining.