Perfectly Grilled Asparagus

A quick and easy side dish, grilled asparagus complements almost any meal.

Grilling season is the best season, and one of our favourite things to grill in the spring and early summer is locally grown asparagus. It makes a vibrant addition to spring pastas, brunch and egg dishes, pizzas and antipasto platters or served alongside chicken, fish or tossed in a grain bowl for a tasty vegetarian option.

Here’s everything you’ll need to make perfectly grilled asparagus

• 1 lb asparagus
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher or fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon to finish (optional)

That’s it! The secret is to keep it simple to let the natural colour and flavour shine through.

How to choose asparagus

When harvesting or purchasing asparagus, you’ll want to look for stalks that are plump and firm (not limp or wilted) with tips that are tightly closed. Ideally you will find them stored in bunches standing upright in cold water. They should be richly green in colour with stalk bottoms fading to white. To trim, cut the tougher part of the stalk just where it turns from white to green.  

Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, this simple recipe will result in perfectly grilled asparagus Every. Single. Time. A hands-down favourite summer side!

5 more delicious sides to make

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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

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Perfectly Grilled Asparagus

A quick and easy side dish that complements almost any meal. Plus, what to do if you don't have a grill!

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Prep Time:20 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Keyword: asparagus, grilled

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb asparagus
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• kosher or fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon to finish optional

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Wash and trim asparagus then toss in olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Heat grill to 400°F (200ºC) and cook for ~10 minutes, turning with grill-safe tongs until evenly charred and bright green.
• Transfer to serving plates, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and finish with a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.

Notes

Alternatives to grilling: If you don’t have a grill, you can easily sauté asparagus in a cast iron pan or roast it on a baking sheet at 400ºF (200ºC) for 10-12 minutes turning halfway through.

More asparagus topping ideas: Sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olives, lemon zest, feta cheese and fresh spring herbs like basil or oregano. Try sprinkling it with smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat!