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Flavorful grilled asparagus is deliciously seasoned with lemon and garlic, then cooked to tender perfection on an outside grill or inside a grill pan. This recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes for the best healthy side dish!
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the tastiest! For example, this grilled asparagus recipe only requires about 10 minutes of hands-on time and just 3 key ingredients, and the finished product is full of fresh, delicious flavor. Spears of asparagus are drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and then seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. Grill for about 5 minutes and you have yourself a wonderful side dish.
Why you should make this recipe
- Easy to make: This is a simple recipe that takes very little time to prep and cook. The ingredients are also ones that you most likely have available.
- Healthy: Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable that makes a great addition to a healthy diet. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients while being a good source of fiber and is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K.
- Versatile side: Once you learn how to grill asparagus, you can customize this recipe with your favorite seasonings and spices. Plus, this side dish is great and served alongside so many different main dishes. We love it with everything from grilled chicken to spaghetti casserole!
Ingredients needed
This easy grilled lemon garlic asparagus recipe uses super simple ingredients. Combine them together for a fabulous side dish! You’ll need:
- Asparagus: Choose asparagus that is vibrant in color and nice and firm. This indicates a fresh and flavorful veggie.
- Olive oil: You need about 1 tbsp of olive oil to coat the spears so that it doesn’t stick to the grill and cooks perfectly. Avocado oil would also work.
- Seasonings: Just kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic cloves will add plenty of flavor to this dish.
- Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness. You can sub with fresh basil, oregano, or any other herbs you like.
How to make this grilled asparagus recipe
This is one of the easiest most delicious side dish recipes that goes with almost anything! Here’s the simple method:
- Heat grill: Heat an outdoor grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
- Prep asparagus: Place the asparagus on a rimmed sheet pan and drizzle with the oil and lemon juice.
- Toss with seasonings: Add the lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix until each piece is coated.
- Grill: Place on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until grill marks appear but the asparagus is still crunchy to the bite.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Buy fresh asparagus! We do not recommend using frozen vegetables for this recipe. During the grilling process, everything will become mushy and lack flavor.
- The best way to store fresh asparagus is to place the spears in a jar with a few inches of water like they are a bunch of flowers. Place them in the jar stem-side down, and store the jar in the refrigerator. For maximum freshness, we also recommend covering the tops of the spears with a bag.
- You’ll want to trim off the “stem” of the asparagus stalks, as it tends to be tough and hard to chew. Bend the stalk and wherever it snaps (usually about 1 inch from the bottom) is where the tender part starts and the tough part ends. From there, you can continue snapping or line up the stalks and use a knife to cut off the bottom from about the same place as where the first piece of asparagus snapped.
- Be sure that your asparagus is dry before grilling. If it is wet, it will steam, and you won’t get the same depth of flavor as grilled asparagus.
Frequently asked questions
No, there is no need to soak asparagus before cooking it. Simply, trim off the ends and give it a quick rinse under running water. Then, pat them completely dry with paper towels.
The vegetable should be perfectly cooked after three to five minutes on a grill heated to medium heat. You can tell that it is done when the spears are lightly charred and tender when pierced with a fork.
Typically, fresh asparagus will keep in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. However, if stored in a glass jar with a little bit of water, it can stay fresh for up to ten days. When the ends of the spears become dark green and mushy, it’s time to throw them away.
Serving suggestions
Lemon garlic grilled asparagus is perfect as a side for an easy weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to serve for the holidays. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas:
- Easy Chicken Milanese
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Skillet
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Adobo Recipe
- Mediterranean Baked Salmon
- Lemon Chicken Breast
Storage recommendations
To store grilled asparagus, simply transfer it to an airtight container and it will keep in your fridge for up to 4 days. It can be reheated on the grill, stovetop or oven. As a last resort, you can also heat it up in the microwave.
More asparagus recipes
- Baked Balsamic Asparagus
- Crispy Baked Asparagus
- Parmesan Baked Asparagus
- Asparagus Soup
- Asparagus Chicken Pasta
- Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
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Grilled Lemon Garlic Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb asparagus, ends trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lemon, juice and zest of
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat an outdoor grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
- Place the asparagus on a rimmed sheet pan and drizzle with the oil and lemon juice.
- Add the lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix until each piece is coated.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until grill marks appear but the asparagus is still crunchy to the bite.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
