Grilling asparagus on a BBQ is a delicious way to enjoy this spring vegetable. When done right, grilled asparagus turns out tender on the inside with a nice char on the outside. Grilling brings out the natural sweet, nutty flavor of fresh asparagus.
With just a little preparation and by following some simple techniques, you can learn how to grill asparagus to perfection. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about buying, prepping, and grilling asparagus on a BBQ. We’ll also provide tips for the best seasonings and sauce pairings.
Selecting and Prepping the Asparagus
Choosing fresh, in-season asparagus is key for the best results. Here are some tips for selecting and prepping asparagus for the grill:
Look for Fresh, Firm Spears
Look for bright green spears with tight tips. Avoid spears that look dry, limp or are flowering. Thicker spears will hold up better on the grill. The stalks should be firm and snap easily when bent.
Store Properly Until Ready to Grill
Store asparagus wrapped in a damp paper towel in an open zip top bag in the refrigerator. Don’t wash until ready to grill. Asparagus will keep for 2-3 days stored this way.
Wash and Dry Thoroughly
Rinse under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Dry the spears very well with paper towels – any moisture will cause steaming versus grilling.
Trim the Ends
Snap off the woody ends where they naturally break. The end piece will come off easily where the stalk becomes too fibrous to eat.
Leave Whole or Cut into Sections
Smaller spears can be grilled whole. For larger spears, cut into sections about 4-5 inches long. Center sections tend to be the most tender.
Consider Soaking in Ice Water
For extra tender asparagus, try soaking in ice water for 30 minutes which helps remove any bitterness. Pat dry thoroughly before grilling.
Oil and Season Before Grilling
Toss spears with olive oil or vegetable oil then season as desired. See seasoning suggestions below.
How to Grill Asparagus on a BBQ
Grilling over direct high heat is the classic technique for bringing out the best flavor in asparagus. Here are tips on how to grill asparagus perfectly:
Use Direct High Heat
Grill the asparagus over direct high heat, around 400°F to 500°F. This allows the spears to char while cooking quickly before drying out.
Place Spears Perpendicular to Grates
Position spears perpendicular to the grill grates. This prevents them from falling between the grates.
Grill Quickly and Watch Closely
Asparagus cooks very quickly on the grill, usually in 6 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Spears that are thicker or were soaked may take a little longer.
Sear Both Sides
Char each side of the asparagus. Use tongs to flip spears a couple times for an even char.
Move to Cooler Side to Finish
After searing both sides, move asparagus to a cooler part of grill to finish cooking through without burning.
Check for Tenderness
The spears are done when still bright green and tender but with a bit of crunch in the middle when pierced with a fork.
Avoid Overcooking
Be careful not to overcook or the spears will be limp. They should still have some snap when bitten into.
Best Ways to Season Grilled Asparagus
Experiment with different seasonings and flavors on your grilled asparagus. Here are some tasty ways to season asparagus before or after grilling:
Olive Oil and Salt
A simple drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt is all you need to bring out the flavor of grilled asparagus. Add some fresh cracked black pepper too.
Lemon Juice and Parmesan
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over grilled spears and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. The tangy, salty flavors pair deliciously.
Cajun or Creole Seasoning
Spice it up with Cajun seasoning like cayenne, paprika, garlic powder and oregano for a kick of flavor.
Compound Butter
Brushed on right after grilling, flavors like lemon-parsley, garlic herb or chili lime butter add a tasty complement.
Teriyaki or Soy Sauce
For an Asian flair, toss spears in teriyaki, soy sauce or sesame oil before grilling. Sprinkle with sesame seeds after.
Pesto Drizzle
A spoonful of pesto, especially basil or sun-dried tomato, adds instant fresh flavor once spears come off the grill.
Best Sauces and Condiments for Grilled Asparagus
Serve grilled asparagus spears with a flavorful sauce or condiment for even more flavor impact. Here are some tasty pairing ideas:
Hollandaise Sauce
The rich, lemony hollandaise is a classic complement to enhance grilled asparagus without overpowering it.
Tangy Salad Dressing
Vinaigrettes with ingredients like balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard or lemon make bright, tangy toppers.
Creamy Aioli
Whipped garlic aioli or herbed aioli adds cool creaminess to balance the charred spears.
Spicy Mayo
For a spicy kick, mix sriracha or other hot sauce into mayonnaise and drizzle over the top.
Marinara Sauce
Ladle warm marinara sauce over grilled asparagus for an easy veggie side dish.
Fresh Salsa
The bright acidity and flavor from homemade tomato salsa or mango salsa cuts through the rich grilled taste.
Grilled Asparagus Recipe Ideas
Here are some full recipe ideas for putting all the tips together into delicious grilled asparagus meals:
Lemon-Garlic Grilled Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cleaned
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk together oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Toss asparagus spears with 3/4 of the oil mixture.
- Grill over direct high heat 3-5 minutes per side until lightly charred and tender.
- Transfer to a platter and drizzle with remaining oil mixture.
Cajun Grilled Asparagus Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups mixed baby greens
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 Tbsp lemon vinaigrette dressing
Instructions:
- Toss asparagus with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Grill 4-5 minutes per side.
- Toss greens, tomatoes and feta in a bowl with dressing.
- Top salad with warm grilled asparagus and serve immediately.
Teriyaki Grilled Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3” pieces
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 4 cups cooked rice
Instructions:
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil for teriyaki marinade.
- Toss asparagus pieces with 3/4 of the marinade. Grill 3-4 minutes per side.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Stir fry peppers, garlic and ginger 1 minute.
- Add grilled asparagus and remaining marinade and stir fry 1-2 minutes more.
- Serve veggie stir fry over cooked rice.
Grilled Asparagus FAQs
Still have some questions about how to grill asparagus? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should I Peel Asparagus Before Grilling?
Mostly no – the thin skin helps the stalks hold their shape on the grill. Larger, tougher spears can be peeled starting about halfway down for more tenderness.
Does Asparagus Need to Be Blanch Before Grilling?
Blanching in boiling water before grilling can help intensify color and flavor but isn’t a necessary step. Simply drizzling spears with oil works well.
Is It Better to Grill Asparagus Whole or In Sections?
Either way works fine. If concerned about spears falling between grates, cut larger spears in half or into 4-5 inch sections.
Should Asparagus Be Grilled Dry or Marinated?
Dry grilling tends to get better charring. Marinating adds more flavor but may cause excess moisture. Use oil-based marinades lightly.
How Do You Prevent Asparagus From Drying Out on The Grill?
Grill over direct high heat quickly, under 10 minutes. Move to a cooler part of the grill if they aren’t charring fast enough.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Asparagus?
4 to 8 minutes total – grill 2 to 3 minutes per side over direct high heat. Spears thicker than 1/2 inch may take a few minutes longer.
How Do You Know When Asparagus Is Done Grilling?
It will be lightly charred and tender but still crisp, not limp. The tip should remain bright green. Use a fork to test for tenderness.
Can You Grill Asparagus Ahead of Time?
Partially. Grill until almost done then shock in ice water to stop cooking. Reheat quickly on the grill before serving.
Is Grilled Asparagus Good Cold?
Absolutely! The charred flavor comes through even when chilled. Toss in a vinaigrette and serve over salad.
Conclusion
Learning how to grill asparagus opens up so many possibilities for enjoying this nutritious vegetable all spring and summer long. With fresh, in-season asparagus, the quick hot grill technique and a few flavorful ingredients, you can add tasty grilled asparagus to meat dishes, salads, rice bowls and more. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find new favorite flavor combinations. Get ready to impress everyone with your skill at grilling asparagus to smoky, charred perfection.