Description
This Best Grilled Asparagus recipe features tender, crisp asparagus seasoned with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and lemon pepper, then perfectly grilled to bring out a smoky char. Served with optional toppings like balsamic reduction, goat cheese, pine nuts, or Parmesan, it makes for a delicious, healthy side dish ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Asparagus
- 1 pound asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked sea salt (garlic sea salt with parsley recommended)
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (or 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper plus lemon zest)
- Lemon wedges for juicing
For Serving (Optional)
- Balsamic reduction
- Goat cheese or feta cheese
- Pine nuts
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Bacon
Instructions
- Preheat grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, to ensure it’s properly hot for grilling the asparagus.
- Season asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus in a 9×13 baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and lemon pepper seasoning, then roll the asparagus around to coat evenly on all sides.
- Prepare grill grates: Clean the grill grates thoroughly and brush them with olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, heat a grill pan over high heat on the stovetop.
- Grill asparagus: Lay the asparagus on the grill perpendicular to the grates so they don’t fall through, with the thickest parts toward the hottest sections of the grill. Grill for 5 minutes, turning often to cook evenly, until the asparagus is crisp-tender and has nice grill marks.
- Finish and serve: Transfer the grilled asparagus back to the baking dish and roll it in the remaining balsamic and seasonings from the dish. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve directly or transfer to a platter and garnish with your choice of balsamic reduction, goat cheese, pine nuts, Parmesan, bacon, or lemon wedges.
Notes
- Trim the woody ends of asparagus for better texture and taste.
- Grilling asparagus perpendicular to grates prevents it from falling through and makes flipping easier.
- Adjust cooking time depending on thickness of asparagus and desired tenderness.
- Use a grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
- Optional toppings add flavor and texture—try different cheeses or nuts to customize.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit lemon pepper seasoning.
