How To Grill Asparagus
After you learn how to grill asparagus, you'll never want to steam or boil it again! Grilling asparagus is easy. And the flavor of the lightly browned spears is something you just gotta experience!
When asparagus is roasted or grilled, the outer surface begins to brown, and that creates a rich, almost nutty flavor that's missing in steamed asparagus. Grilled asparagus can also be used to make asparagus soups, creamed asparagus, asparagus wraps, and just about any other recipe that includes asparagus.
Options for Grilling Asparagus
There are quite a few ways to grill asparagus, indoors or outdoors. Use the countertop electric grill in the kitchen, or the gas grill out on the patio. Some think grilled asparagus has the best flavor when grilled outdoors over charcoal or a wood fire, and I tend to agree with that school of thought.
A popular kitchen appliance that works well is the closed electric kitchen grill, also known as the "clamshell grill". These include the George Foreman grills and the more expensive commercial panini presses. Less expensive models tend to not get hot enough to brown the asparagus, although there are exceptions. Higher quality models get hotter, which means quicker cooking and more browning.
Electric open grills made for kitchen use will also work. These flat grillers don't close, and the asparagus is cooked on just one side at a time. Takes a little longer, but if the grill wattage is high enough they'll do a good job.
Another option is the ribbed cast iron grill. Many of these are two sided, with a flat griddle on one side (for pancakes, bacon and eggs, French toast), and the ribbed grill on the other. There are many sizes and shapes that will fit over one or two burners. For best results the cast iron needs to be properly cured before grilling asparagus. The cast iron grill can be preheated on the stovetop, but I prefer to preheat mine in a the oven, then transfer it to the stovetop when it's time to grill.
And of course, your charcoal or gas grill in the backyard will do great too. Preheat the grill first, then cook the asparagus over direct heat until slightly browned and tender. Keep the grill covered, and give the spears 4 to 6 minutes cooking time, turning once at the halfway point. If the asparagus starts browning before it's tender, move the spears to a cooler part of the grill to finish with indirect heat.
How To Grill Asparagus
Asparagus Cooking Tips
- Marinate the asparagus -- Marinating adds flavor to the grilled asparagus spears, and prevents it from becoming dry and tough.
- Use fresh asparagus -- Old asparagus that's dried out and limp will not have the taste you deserve. Buy the freshest asparagus you can find, and use it within two days. Flavor is best when locally grown asparagus is available in the spring.
- Storing asparagus -- Store asparagus upright, with the cut ends in an inch or so of water. Just like fresh flowers, asparagus will absorb water through the cut end and remain fresh.
- Trim the ends -- Rarely is asparagus tender all the way to the bottom. Trim or break off the cut end, leaving only the tender part.
- Or peel the ends -- Another way to ensure tenderness is to peel the tough skin from the lower part of the stalks.
- Clean, dry and oil -- After trimming, wash in cold water, dry with a clean towel and give the asparagus spears a light coating of vegetable oil or olive oil. The oil prevents drying. Skip oiling if the asparagus will be marinated.
More on how to grill asparagus
Leave space between the stalks -- That'll ensure even cooking on your grill, and make them easier to turn.
- Don't overcook -- Watch out for drying and shriveling. If asparagus is cooked too long, or over heat that's too high, it will dry and toughen, or worse yet, burn.
- Baste the asparagus -- Basting never hurts, and a brushing of melted butter can make your grilled asparagus incredible!
- Be sure to grill enough -- Grilled asparagus spears can disappear fast, so make enough. Figure on 2 to 4 spears per person.
How to grill asparagus
Asparagus grilled over high heat will have hints of carmelization, those spots of brown that add oh so much flavor. But if you prefer, you can grill asparagus at a lower temperature, or using the indirect method for more succulent (but less tasty, in my opinion) spears.
Enjoy grilled asparagus as an appetizer, or as in ingredient of a more complex dish. I've made grilled asparagus pasta recipes, grilled asparagus soups, and even a grilled asparagus lasagna one time. Be creative now that you know how to grill asparagus!
