Name: Best Way To Grill Asparagus
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-488202H16M19S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb medium-thick asparagus, woody ends trimmed; 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tsp balsamic vinegar; ½ tsp freshly cracked sea salt (or garlic sea salt with parsley); 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (or ¼ tsp cracked black pepper + lemon zest); Lemon wedges for serving; Optional garnishes: balsamic reduction, crumbled goat cheese or feta, pine nuts or walnut slivers, freshly grated Parmesan, fresh herbs (parsley or chives)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

Grilled asparagus is a quick and flavorful side dish with a smoky char, bright citrus notes, and a hint of tang from balsamic vinegar. Finished with your favorite garnishes, it’s an irresistible addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cooks in just minutes on the grill
Perfectly crisp-tender with beautiful grill marks
Versatile with toppings like cheese, nuts, or balsamic glaze
Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Great for barbecues, weeknight meals, or elegant dinners

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound medium-thick asparagus, woody ends trimmed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon freshly cracked sea salt (garlic sea salt with parsley recommended)
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (or ¼ tsp cracked black pepper + lemon zest)
Lemon wedges for juicing

Optional Garnishes:

Balsamic reduction
Crumbled goat cheese or feta
Pine nuts
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
Season Asparagus
Place trimmed asparagus in a 9×13 baking dish. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and lemon pepper seasoning. Roll the asparagus to coat evenly.
Prepare Grill
Clean the grill grates and brush lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange the asparagus perpendicular to the grill grates to avoid slipping through. Position thicker ends toward the hotter part of the grill.
Grill Asparagus
Grill for 3 to 5 minutes, turning often until evenly charred and crisp-tender to your liking.
Finish and Serve
Return grilled asparagus to the baking dish and roll in leftover seasoning. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Serve directly from the dish or arrange on a platter with optional garnishes.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Swap balsamic vinegar with lemon juice or white wine vinegar for brightness
Try different cheeses—blue cheese or shaved pecorino are excellent
Use almond slivers or walnuts in place of pine nuts for a nutty crunch
Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days
To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes
To Use Cold: Chop and add to salads, pasta, or grain bowls

FAQs

Should I Peel Asparagus Before Grilling?
Not necessary for medium-thick spears. Just trim the woody ends.

Can I Use Thin Asparagus?
Yes—but reduce grill time to 2–3 minutes to prevent overcooking.

What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
Use a stovetop grill pan or roast in the oven at 425°F for 10–12 minutes.

How Do I Know When Asparagus Is Done?
It should be tender when pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite.

Can I Grill Asparagus in Advance?
Yes—grill ahead and reheat briefly or serve at room temperature.

What Type of Balsamic Vinegar Should I Use?
Use a good-quality, slightly syrupy vinegar or reduce regular balsamic into a glaze.

Do I Have to Use Cheese?
No—cheese is optional and can be omitted or replaced with vegan alternatives.

Can I Marinate the Asparagus First?
Yes—marinate for 15–30 minutes before grilling for extra flavor.

What Main Dishes Go With Grilled Asparagus?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, steak, or pasta dishes.

Can I Cook This on a Gas or Charcoal Grill?
Yes—either grill type works well. Just monitor heat and turn often.

Conclusion

Grilled asparagus is a fast, flavorful side that brings smoky depth and bright accents to your table. Easily adaptable and endlessly pairable, this method ensures perfect asparagus every time. Add your favorite garnishes and enjoy warm or cold.