Ah, asparagus—those vibrant green stalks that somehow manage to be both fancy and down-to-earth at the same time. I always find myself grilling them when the weather turns warm, as they remind me of impromptu backyard gatherings and the first hints of spring. With just a touch of garlic and a kiss from the grill, this dish becomes the side you never knew you needed but suddenly can’t live without.
Steps
- Begin by cleaning and trimming a pound of fresh asparagus. Prepare them by tossing with olive oil to prevent drying and to help seasonings adhere.
- Season the asparagus spears with salt and pepper. Arrange them on a hot grill set to high heat.
- Grill the asparagus for about three to five minutes. Cook until they are lightly charred and tender enough to be pierced with a fork.
- Serve the grilled asparagus immediately for the best flavor. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, cleaned and trimmed
- Olive oil, for tossing
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
FAQ
- How do I prepare asparagus for grilling?
- Begin by cleaning and trimming a pound of fresh asparagus. Toss the asparagus with olive oil to prevent it from drying out and to help the seasonings adhere. Finally, season with salt and pepper before grilling.
- How long should I grill asparagus?
- Grill the asparagus on high heat for about three to five minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the spears are lightly charred and tender when pierced with a fork.
- What are some serving suggestions for grilled asparagus?
- Grilled asparagus pairs well with summer grilling menus. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or other vegetables for a complete meal.
- How can I store leftover grilled asparagus?
- Leftover grilled asparagus should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be kept for up to three days for optimal freshness.
- Are there any tips from the community for enhancing grilled asparagus?
- Some community members suggest adding freshly grated cheese or using a slotted grill pan to prevent asparagus from falling through the grates. Others recommend blanching the asparagus before grilling to maintain its bright green color.
Tips
- To maintain a vibrant green color, consider blanching the asparagus before grilling. This will also help create a nice contrast with the light char from the grill.
- Use a slotted grill pan to prevent asparagus spears from falling through the grates, ensuring every piece is cooked evenly and safely.
- For added flavor, try marinating the asparagus with balsamic vinegar along with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.
- Enhance the dish by adding freshly grated cheese just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Equipment
- Grill – If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan can be an alternative.
- Slotted grill pan – To prevent the asparagus spears from falling through the grill grates.
