To grill asparagus perfectly, follow these steps:
- Prep the asparagus
- Wash the asparagus and trim off the woody ends by snapping them where they naturally break or cutting about an inch from the bottom
* Choose medium to thick spears for better grilling results, as they hold up well on the grill
- Season the asparagus
- Drizzle the spears with olive oil and toss to coat evenly
* Season with salt and pepper. Optionally, add lemon zest and minced garlic for extra flavor before grilling, reserving lemon juice to add after cooking to maintain char
- Preheat the grill
- Heat your grill to medium-high, about 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 205°C)
* Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the asparagus
- Place the asparagus spears perpendicular to the grill grates to prevent them from falling through
* Grill with the lid closed for about 6 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs to ensure even cooking and grill marks
* The asparagus should be tender but still crisp, with browned or charred spots.
- Serve
- Remove from the grill and transfer to a serving platter
* Optionally, drizzle with fresh lemon juice or additional olive oil before serving for brightness
Grilled asparagus is ready when it is bright green, tender, and lightly charred, typically taking 6 to 10 minutes depending on spear thickness and grill heat
. This method yields a delicious, smoky, and slightly crisp vegetable side dish perfect for spring and summer meals.
