Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus is delicious whether it’s sautéed, oven-roasted, or cooked in the air fryer—and that’s just the start of all the great asparagus recipes out there. But if you haven’t tried cooking it on the grill, get ready for a new favorite side dish. In just a few minutes, grilled asparagus becomes perfectly charred and even more flavorful with a squeeze of lemon and a few simple seasonings. Fast, fresh, and easy, it pairs well with everything from steak and chicken to fish. It’s one of the best vegetable side dishes you can add to your menu!

How do you store asparagus?

If you're not able to grill asparagus the day you buy it, keep it fresh longer by storing it in the refrigerator with the base of the bunch submerged in about 1 inch of water, like a bouquet of flowers.

Is thin or thick asparagus better for grilling?

Thicker spears are best for grilling because they hold up better over high heat and are less likely to overcook or fall through the grates.

How do you prep asparagus for grilling?

Start by trimming off the woody ends of the stalks. These tougher, more fibrous ends are opposite the tips and can be dry if not stored properly. Use a sharp knife to cut about 1 inch from the base of each spear. Some people like to bend asparagus until it snaps, but trimming with a knife is more precise and wastes less.

How do you keep asparagus from falling between the grill grates?

Place the asparagus crosswise on the grill grates so the spears don’t slip through. When it’s time to turn them, use grilling tongs and flip a few spears at a time. Be patient, and you'll end up with more asparagus to enjoy; rush the process, and it's easy to lose your grip and scatter the spears.

How do you add flavor to grilled asparagus?

Grilled asparagus is easy to customize, making it a versatile side for almost any meal. This version is simply seasoned with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon, but you can switch it up with an extra 1/2 teaspoon of spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or Chinese five-spice powder before grilling. After cooking, try topping it with shaved parmesan, chopped pistachios, a drizzle of this balsamic glaze, crumbled bacon or prosciutto, fresh herbs, or a dash of sriracha for an easy boost of flavor.

How long does grilled asparagus last in the fridge?

Grilled asparagus will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.