Mastering Grilled Asparagus: A Bbq Essential

Grilled asparagus is a quick and easy dish to make on the barbecue. It's a great summer side dish, and the natural flavour of the vegetable is enhanced by the barbecue, giving it a smoky taste. The asparagus is cooked for just a few minutes, and is seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve it with a variety of toppings, such as pine nuts, feta cheese, or balsamic vinegar.

Trimming the asparagus

Another method for trimming asparagus is to line up the spears and cut them all at once with a sharp knife. This is a good option if you want to ensure uniformity in the length of your asparagus spears. You can cut them about two-thirds of the way down the stalk, which is typically where the woody part begins.

Once you've trimmed the asparagus, you can move on to seasoning and grilling. However, if you want to store the asparagus for later use, you can treat it like fresh flowers. Trim about a half-inch from the bottom of each stalk and place them in a container of water in the refrigerator. This will keep the stalks fresh for 2 to 3 days. Alternatively, wrap a damp paper towel around the stems and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Seasoning the asparagus

The key to seasoning asparagus is keeping it simple. The grilling process adds a lot of flavour to the vegetable, so you don't need to overcomplicate things.

Start by coating the asparagus in olive oil. This will prevent the spears from drying out and give the seasonings something to stick to.

Next, season the asparagus with salt and pepper. These simple seasonings will help the asparagus soften and char on the grill. You can use regular table salt or kosher salt, but be mindful that kosher salt has larger flakes and is therefore not as potent.

If you want to add a little extra flavour, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish.

Some people also recommend adding melted butter to the asparagus before grilling, as this can help the seasonings stick and add a rich flavour. You could also try Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or sesame seeds.

Once you've seasoned the asparagus to your liking, you're ready to place it on the grill!

Preheating the grill

Preheating your grill is an important step in the process of cooking asparagus on a BBQ. It ensures that your asparagus cooks evenly and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your grill for the perfect asparagus:

Firstly, you will want to set your grill to the correct temperature. For asparagus, this is usually a medium to medium-high heat setting. Depending on your grill, this could be between 350°F and 450°F. This temperature will ensure that your asparagus cooks through without burning. It is important to let the grill heat up thoroughly before placing the asparagus on it.

Next, you will need to prepare your grill grates. Brush the grill grates lightly with olive oil. This will prevent the asparagus from sticking to the grill and make it easier to turn the spears during cooking. It will also add a little extra flavour to your asparagus.

Once your grill is preheated, you can test the temperature by holding your hand about 5 inches above the grill grates. If you can only hold your hand there for 2 to 4 seconds, your grill is hot and ready for cooking. If you can hold your hand there for longer, let the grill heat up a little more.

When your grill is preheated, you can place the asparagus on the grates. Aim the thickest ends of the asparagus towards the hottest part of the grill. This will help ensure even cooking.

Now, you are ready to begin grilling your asparagus. Remember to turn the spears often for even cooking and those beautiful char marks. Enjoy your perfectly grilled asparagus!

Grilling the asparagus

Once the asparagus is prepared and seasoned, it's time to fire up the grill. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill is nice and hot before placing the asparagus on the grates. Use tongs to carefully place the asparagus on the grill, aiming the thickest ends towards the hottest part of the grill.

Grill the asparagus for 2-4 minutes, turning them often to ensure even cooking. You'll know they're done when they're lightly charred and just fork-tender. For thicker asparagus spears, grilling time may be closer to 6-10 minutes.

When the asparagus is done to your liking, remove it from the grill and serve it immediately. Grilled asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that's full of smoky flavour and lightly charred. It's the perfect addition to any summer barbecue!

Serving suggestions

Grilled asparagus is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this tasty vegetable:

Proteins

Grilled asparagus goes well with various proteins, such as grilled salmon, chicken, steak, shrimp, or pork tenderloin. It can also be a tasty side for veggie burgers, black bean burgers, or portobello mushroom burgers at a cookout.

Carbohydrates

For a filling meal, pair grilled asparagus with carbohydrates like polenta or pasta. Try adding roasted chickpeas and pesto to the polenta for extra flavour. If you're making pasta, consider adding chopped grilled asparagus to a pesto pasta dish for a refreshing twist.

Salads

Grilled asparagus is an excellent addition to salads. Try pairing it with farro or tossing it into a green salad or grain salad for a refreshing and nutritious meal.

Eggs

For a hearty breakfast or brunch option, add grilled asparagus to an omelette or frittata. The smoky flavour of the grilled asparagus will complement the eggs perfectly.

Toppings and Garnishes

To enhance the flavour of grilled asparagus, consider adding some toppings or garnishes. Fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley can add a burst of freshness. Toasted nuts, such as pine nuts or almonds, provide a crunchy texture and nutty aroma. A sprinkle of feta cheese or grated Parmesan cheese can also take your asparagus to the next level.

Other Vegetables

Grilled asparagus can be served alongside other grilled vegetables, such as corn on the cob, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes. It can also be added to mixed vegetable dishes for a colourful and nutritious option.

Frequently asked questions