Asparagus On The Bbq: Tin Foil Perfection

Grilling asparagus in tin foil is a simple, tasty, and quick way to cook this healthy vegetable. It's a great side dish for a BBQ and can be cooked in around 15 minutes. The foil packet method means you can use asparagus of any size, and there's no risk of losing the stalks in the fire. You can also add other quick-cooking vegetables to the foil packets, such as sliced zucchini, diced red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions.

Trimming the asparagus

First, take one asparagus stalk and gently bend it until it snaps. This will help you identify where the tender part of the stalk starts and the tough part ends. The asparagus should snap naturally where the woody part begins.

Next, use this snapped stalk as a guide to trim the rest of your asparagus. Line up all your stalks and trim the bottom of each stalk at the same point as the original piece snapped. This will ensure that you remove the woody part of each stalk while retaining the tender part.

You can also cut about an inch off the end of each asparagus spear with a sharp knife. This is an alternative method to ensure that you remove the woody portion, which can be hard to digest.

If you prefer more uniform stalks, you can line up several asparagus stalks and use a sharp knife to cut them all at once to the desired length. This method may be quicker if you have a large bundle of asparagus to trim.

After trimming, give the asparagus a quick rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Then, use a towel to dry the spears before placing them on the foil for grilling.

Remember, when grilling asparagus in foil, you have the advantage of using thinner stalks that would usually fall through the grill grates. The foil wrap provides support and prevents the stalks from falling through, so you can select more tender, thinner asparagus if you prefer.

Seasoning the asparagus

Choosing the Right Asparagus:

Firstly, when selecting your asparagus, opt for medium-sized spears with thick stalks. Thin stalks tend to overcook easily, while very thick stalks can be too woody and tough to enjoy. Look for bright green, firm spears with ends that aren't withered.

Basic Seasonings:

A simple yet effective way to season your asparagus is to drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder to this mix for an extra kick of flavour. Place the asparagus on a large sheet of tin foil, drizzle with olive oil, and use your hands to ensure all the spears are coated. Then, add salt and pepper generously, and toss again. If you want to get creative, you can also include other seasonings like onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, or lemon pepper to give it a unique twist.

Lemon Zest and Juice:

Adding a bit of lemon zest and juice can brighten up the dish and balance out the savoury flavours. You can add the lemon zest and juice while seasoning the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can squeeze some lemon juice over the asparagus after it's done cooking. This adds a nice tangy flavour to the dish.

Cheese:

If you're feeling indulgent, adding some grated Parmesan cheese or feta cheese can take your asparagus to the next level. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the asparagus after it's done grilling, and let it melt slightly for a creamy, savoury touch.

Fresh Herbs:

Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley, basil, dill, chives, green onions, or cilantro can also enhance the flavour of your grilled asparagus. Simply chop your desired herb and sprinkle it over the asparagus before serving.

Remember, the key to seasoning asparagus is to enhance its natural flavour without overwhelming it. You can experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your perfect blend. Enjoy crafting your own delicious grilled asparagus dish!

Making the foil pouch

To make the foil pouch, start by tearing off a large piece of foil and laying it flat on your work surface. You can also use parchment paper underneath the foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place the trimmed asparagus in the centre of the foil, with no more than 2 pieces stacked on top of each other. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, making sure everything is nicely coated, and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.

Next, take another piece of foil or parchment paper and place it on top of the asparagus. Fold up the ends of the foil or crimp the sides to create a sealed pouch. Make sure the pouch is tightly sealed, as you will be flipping it halfway through cooking. The sealed pouch will trap air around the asparagus, cooking it faster, and will also help to steam the asparagus as it cooks.

Grilling the asparagus

Grilling asparagus in tin foil is a great way to prevent the stalks from falling through the grill grates and to steam the veggies while they cook. Here is a step-by-step guide to grilling asparagus:

Preparing the Asparagus:

First, wash the asparagus stalks under cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Then, use a towel to dry the stalks. To trim the asparagus, gently bend each stalk until it snaps – this is where the tender part of the stalk starts, and the tough, woody part ends. You can then trim all the stalks to the same length.

Making the Foil Packets:

Place the trimmed asparagus stalks onto sheets of foil. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. Use your hands to toss the asparagus so that everything is coated. Place another sheet of foil on top of the asparagus and fold the sides in tightly to create a sealed foil packet.

Preheat your grill to around 400°F. Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for around 15 minutes, flipping the packet halfway through. You can also grill the asparagus at a higher heat for a shorter amount of time to get a nice charred flavour.

Serving the Asparagus:

Once the asparagus is grilled, open the foil packet carefully and sprinkle with toppings such as chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve the asparagus directly out of the foil packet for easier cleanup.

Serving the asparagus

Once your asparagus is cooked, it's time to serve. You can either transfer the asparagus to a serving dish or serve it straight from the foil. If you choose the latter, be careful when opening the foil, as there will be lots of hot steam!

You can finish your asparagus with a sprinkle of parmesan, feta, or mozzarella cheese. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice, which adds great flavour to the dish. If you want to add some crunch to your asparagus, try topping it with pine nuts or sliced almonds.

If you want to add some extra grill marks to your asparagus, you can place the spears across the grill grate diagonally after they are done cooking in the foil. This will give you some nice diagonal char marks.

Your asparagus is now ready to be enjoyed! It's a simple and tasty side dish that can be customised to your liking.

Frequently asked questions