Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is perfect for grilling. When cooked properly, grilled asparagus turns out tender on the inside with a nice char on the outside. However, it can be tricky to figure out exactly how long to BBQ asparagus so that it is cooked to tender perfection. This guide will provide tips on determining BBQ time for asparagus along with directions on preparation, cooking methods, doneness, and serving suggestions. Read on to become an expert on grilling up the perfect spears of asparagus!
Selecting Asparagus for BBQ
Choosing high-quality asparagus is key to achieving the best results when grilling. Here are some tips on picking the best asparagus spears:
- Size – Opt for thick, uniform spears that are around 1/2 inch in diameter. Thinner spears will cook more quickly while thicker spears can end up underdone in the middle.
- Color – Choose bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Avoid any spears that are wilted or yellowing.
- Freshness – Asparagus loses freshness quickly after harvest. For optimal texture and flavor, select spears that still have a bit of sheen and stiffness.
- Season – While available year-round, asparagus is at its peak from early spring through June. Try to buy in season for maximum tenderness and sweetness.
Storage
Store fresh asparagus by trimming the ends and standing the spears upright in a cup with about an inch of water. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Properly stored asparagus will keep for 3-4 days.
Preparing Asparagus for the BBQ
Proper prep is vital for achieving tender grilled asparagus. Follow these steps:
Trimming
Before cooking, trim off the bottom 1-2 inches of each asparagus spear. The woody ends can be fibrous and unpleasant to eat. Using a sharp knife, cut the spears on an angle to remove the bottom ends.
Cleaning
Rinse the asparagus under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use your fingers to gently swish the spears around. Pat the spears completely dry with paper towels before grilling.
To Peel or Not to Peel?
The tender skin on asparagus can become unpleasantly tough when grilled. Peeling the spears is optional but does result in more delicately textured BBQ asparagus. To peel, use a standard vegetable peeler to remove the skin from just the bottom 3-4 inches of each spear.
Lengthwise or Cut Up?
Whole spears of asparagus make a nice presentation on the plate. However, cutting the spears into 2-3 inch pieces prior to grilling can help them cook more evenly. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Oiling the Spears
Brush the asparagus lightly with olive oil or vegetable oil. This helps them caramelize on the BBQ rather than dry out.
Season as Desired
Popular seasonings for grilled asparagus include garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, lemon pepper, Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Get creative with your favorite herbs and spices!
Determining Grill Time for Asparagus
Grilling brings out the sweet, nutty flavors of asparagus beautifully. However, improper grilling time can lead to under or overcooked spears. Follow these tips to determine the ideal BBQ time for tender yet crispy asparagus.
Factors Affecting Cook Time
Several factors impact how long asparagus needs to grill:
- Thickness – Thinner spears will be done faster than fatter ones. Aim for spears around 1/2 inch thick.
- Amount – Grilling a larger quantity will increase overall cooking time. Don’t overcrowd.
- Heat level – Hotter heat will grill faster while lower heat needs more time.Aim for medium-high.
- Cut or whole – Cut spears will grill more quickly than whole.
- Method – Direct grilling is faster than indirect.
Grill Temp
Aim to grill the asparagus over a medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. This gives you a hot enough fire to caramelize and char while still cooking gently.
Direct vs. Indirect Heat
You can grill asparagus over direct or indirect heat. Direct heat involves cooking the spears directly over the heat source while indirect heat has the heat on just one side and the asparagus on the cooler side. Direct heat will cook the asparagus faster. Indirect, slower grilling can help keep the spears from getting overly charred.
Average Grill Times
As a general guideline for 1/2 inch thick spears over medium high direct heat, average BBQ times are:
- Whole spears – 8 to 12 minutes
- Cut spears – 6 to 10 minutes
However, to ensure perfect doneness, always rely on a thermometer or the poke test method.
Poke Test Method
An easy way to test for doneness is the poke test. Use tongs to grab a spear and gently prod it with your finger. When done, the asparagus should feel tender but still have a bit of crispness. If it feels mushy, it is overcooked. If it is still stiff, let it grill longer.
Using a Thermometer
An instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Insert the probe into the thickest part of a spear at the base. When the temperature reaches:
- 175°F the asparagus will be lightly charred and crisp-tender
- 185°F for tender spears with more softness
- 195°F for very soft, fully cooked spears
The exact target temperature depends on your texture preference. As a general rule, asparagus should never go above 200°F on the grill.
Grilling Methods for Asparagus
You can choose from direct or indirect grilling when BBQ’ing asparagus. Here are some tips for each method:
Direct Grilling
This involves cooking the asparagus directly over the heat source. Use tongs to flip the spears occasionally for even exposure. Direct grilling is faster and gives the most charring. Be sure not to overcook.
Indirect Grilling
With indirect grilling, the asparagus is placed on the cooler side of the grill away from direct heat. This gentle cooking method can help reduce charring. It typically takes 10-15 minutes longer than direct grilling. Rotate the spears for even cooking.
Grilling in Foil Packets
Another option is to wrap the oiled, seasoned spears in foil packets and grill them over direct medium heat. This steams the asparagus so spears can go from raw to tender without charring or drying out. Cook for 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally with the poke test or thermometer for doneness.
Grilling in a Basket
Grilling baskets are perforated metal containers that make it easy to grill vegetables over direct heat while allowing more air circulation. Follow general cook times for grilling in a basket, checking frequently for doneness.
Doneness and Serving Suggestions
Grilled asparagus is delicious on its own but also pairs well with many foods. Here are serving ideas for perfectly grilled asparagus spears:
Identifying Doneness
- Perfectly grilled asparagus is vibrant green with visible grill marks but still bright green and not olive green.
- It should have a lightly charred exterior but still be crisp-tender, not limp.
- Overcooked spears will be very soft and muted green in color. Undercooked asparagus will be crunchy.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle grilled asparagus with olive oil, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
- Toss grilled asparagus into pasta dishes, frittatas, omelets, and stir fries.
- Layer grilled asparagus onto pizza and flatbreads just before serving.
- Chop grilled asparagus and add to grain bowls and salads.
- Serve grilled asparagus warm in sandwiches, wraps, pitas, and tacos.
- Enjoy as a delicious side dish with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, salmon, or shrimp.
- Garnish plates with grilled asparagus alongside potatoes or grains.
- Purée grilled asparagus into a soup or fold into risotto for extra flavor.
So for perfect grilled asparagus, allow 8-12 minutes over direct medium-high heat for whole spears or 6-10 minutes for cut asparagus. Rely on the poke test or a thermometer for guaranteed doneness. Then serve your flawlessly grilled asparagus spears in any number of tasty ways.
Common Questions about BBQ Asparagus
Grilling asparagus may seem tricky at first. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is It Better to Grill Asparagus Whole or Cut Up?
This depends on personal preference. Whole spears look lovely on the plate while cut up pieces grill a bit more evenly. For easier turning on the grill, cut spears can work better.
Should You Soak Asparagus Before Grilling?
It is not necessary to soak the asparagus, but you can gently rinse or soak the spears for a few minutes to remove any grit or dirt. Be sure to dry the asparagus thoroughly before grilling.
How Do You Keep Asparagus From Drying Out on the Grill?
Brush spears lightly with oil before grilling to help prevent drying out. Also avoid overcooking and charring. Grilling over indirect heat rather than direct can help keep moisture in.
What if my Asparagus Gets Overcooked?
Unfortunately, once asparagus is overcooked there is no way to reverse it. Your best bet is to remove it from the grill immediately before the texture becomes too soft. Slightly charred spears can still be tasty.
Should You Wrap Asparagus in Foil on the Grill?
Yes, wrapping seasoned asparagus spears in foil packets can steam them gently to perfect doneness. This prevents burning or excessive charring. Cook for 15-20 minutes based on thickness.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Frozen Asparagus?
Thawed frozen asparagus takes about the same time to grill as fresh. But grilling still-frozen asparagus requires more time, about 14-18 minutes for direct heat to allow the inside to thaw and cook through.
What Temperature Should Asparagus Be When Removed from the Grill?
For tender, grill-marked asparagus aim for an internal temperature of 175°F-185°F when checked with an instant read thermometer. Asparagus should not exceed 200°F on the grill.
Conclusion
Mastering the perfect BBQ time for tender yet crisp asparagus just takes a little practice. For the best results, opt for thicker spears around 1/2 inch, grill over direct medium-high heat, and rely on the poke test or a thermometer to determine doneness. In about 8-12 minutes, you will have beautifully caramelized asparagus ready to serve alongside your favorite grilled meats, fold into pastas and eggs, or enjoy on its own. With the right techniques, you can become a true backyard asparagus grilling pro.