Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus is a quick and easy dish to make for any occasion. It’s perfect as a side or as the main course on a hot summer day!

Grilled Asparagus is the perfect summer side dish. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Grilled asparagus can be served with any number of main dishes, or simply on its own as a light meal or snack.

Not only is it delicious, but so simple to make too. We have included instructions here for making this recipe on a gas grill, charcoal grill or Traeger-style smoker.

Grilled asparagus is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this healthy vegetable. Asparagus spears are coated in olive oil and grilled until tender.

Grilling asparagus is a great way to add flavor to this otherwise mild-tasting vegetable. Season the asparagus with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices before grilling. Olive oil helps to prevent the asparagus from sticking to the grill and also adds flavor.

Traeger asparagus recipe

Here are some commonly asked questions

Why is it best to marinate the asparagus before cooking?

Marinating the asparagus will allow the flavor of the olive oil and the garlic to marry with the asparagus. Bear in mind that asparagus has very high water content, making it difficult for these flavors to integrate into the fibers by other methods like brushing on the oil and garlic.

You will find that taking the additional 30 minutes to marinate your asparagus will make all the difference in getting the most flavor and retaining the most moisture when grilling.

Can I add seasonings to my asparagus marinade?

Adding seasonings to your asparagus marinade is key to making this recipe your own. Dry ingredients will do best for this recipe. Try adding spices like seasoned salt, Montreal seasoning, or your favorite rub to the mix for a unique flavor.

How do I know when my grilled asparagus is done cooking?

You are going for doneness where the asparagus spears are fork-tender. This means that when you push a fork through one of the spears, it should go through with only some resistance. This means that they are not limp and falling apart as you poke them with the fork. Rather, they hold together and do not disintegrate when you pick them up by one end.

What type of main dish does this recipe go with the best?

Grilled asparagus is a very diverse side dish, finding a place in both your humble backyard barbecue with friends and neighbors and a more upscale meal for date night.

I personally prefer to serve this recipe alongside a delicious Smoked Tri-Tip Roast or our favorite Grilled Pork Chops.

However, this recipe will also go well with your best wild-caught salmon or my Easy BBQ Beef Brisket. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what combination works best for you.

Ingredients for Grilled Asparagus

• fresh asparagus
• minced garlic or granulated garlic
• olive oil
• flaked sea salt

If you love this – be sure to try our Oven-Roasted Asparagus!

This recipe calls for water-soaked skewers, can I just use my stainless steel ones?

Absolutely! Metal skewers will make it much easier for you to grill your asparagus without worrying about the wood catching fire in the process. Though the wooden skewers will likely give you a smoky flavor, will also burn your asparagus and ruin the recipe if they catch fire.

Is there a way I can grill asparagus so that they are less likely to char?

If you prefer to cook your asparagus with no charring, you can wrap them in a foil packet after they are finished marinating and place them on the grill in that one package. This will not only deflect any flames from directly contacting the outside of the spears but give them more of a steamed texture.

How to Make Grilled Asparagus

1. Trim the asparagus spears
2. Take wooden skewers that have been soaked in water and pierce them through the sides of the spears – lining several of them along the skewer. This will keep them from falling through the grates of the grill. (see photos)
3. Place the prepared spears along with the olive oil and minced garlic in a zip-top bag. Close and shake to coat the spears evenly.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or longer if desired) to let the flavors marinate the spears.

Gas Grill

1. Preheat the BBQ to 400 degrees. Turn off one side of the BBQ – we will be cooking these on the no-flame side for indirect heat. If using a pellet grill/ smoker – you can just leave it at the 400-degree setting.
2. Place spears across the grill grates so they don’t fall through and cook until slightly soft, turning occasionally. Remember to use the side without flame if using a gas grill.
3. Sprinkle with sea salt prior to serving if desired.

Charcoal Grill

1. Prepare a two-zone fire by lighting a full chimney of charcoal, or build up a stack of approximately 100 briquets and prepare a two-zone fire. The heat should be medium-high, meaning you can comfortably hold your hand above the coals for five to six seconds. Place the grill grate back on.
2. Set your asparagus on the hot side of the grill, perpendicular to the grates, so they don’t fall through (use soaked wooden skewers or a grilling basket if desired).
3. Grill 4 to 5 minutes, turning frequently, until fork tender and slightly charred. Thinner spears cook in 2 to 3 minutes. If the asparagus becomes too black, simply transfer them to the cool side of the grill and continue to cook until they are done.

Why must you grill asparagus over indirect heat?

Like most plants with high water content, asparagus will begin to wilt and char very quickly when placed directly over a flame. We are trying to go for tender doneness that has limited charring on the outside of the spears.

Cooking over indirect heat allows you to more easily strike the balance between getting that barbecued flavor without burning or drying your asparagus.

For a charcoal grill, what is a two-zone fire?

A two-zone fire is when you organize your charcoal for there to be a hot zone and a cool zone in your grill. This is important for controlling the amount of direct heat your food will get during the grilling process.

To set up a two-zone fire, prepare your charcoal and organize it so that it covers one-half to two-thirds of one side of the bottom of the grill. The remaining space will stay empty. This will allow you to have a fire on one side of the grill and another space where you can move your food to cook over indirect heat as needed.

Products I love when making grilled asparagus…

This easy grilling recipe is SUPER delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made veggies like this on your grill before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this side dish recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)

• Traeger – Pro 34
• Traeger for camping
• Stay Dry Bin for Pellets
• tongs
• Grill pellets

If you love this easy grilled asparagus recipe, you’re going to love these other summer side dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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