How to Grill Beautiful, Delicious Asparagus

Asparagus is a staple side dish in upscale restaurants—but surprisingly, it’s also one of the easiest vegetables to make at home. While you can steam, sauté, or roast asparagus, grilling it is hands-down the best option during outdoor dining season. Once grilled, you can enjoy it hot off the grill, toss it with a simple dressing for a summer salad, stir it into soups, or even serve it as a main dish with a couple of fried eggs on top.

Here’s everything you need to know to grill asparagus like a pro.

How to Prep Asparagus for Grilling

Before you start, make sure to wash and trim your asparagus thoroughly. The bottom ends of the stalks are usually tough and fibrous. The easiest way to trim them is to hold each stalk near the base and bend it gently—it’ll naturally snap off where the tender part begins. If you’re in a hurry, just cut off the bottom third with a knife.

Once trimmed, you’re ready to grill using any of the methods below.

How Long to Grill Asparagus

Grilling time can vary depending on your heat level. Here’s a general guide for grilling asparagus directly on the grates:

• High heat: 3 to 5 minutes

• Medium-high heat: 4 to 6 minutes

• Medium heat: 5 to 7 minutes

If you’re using a grill basket or wrapping the asparagus in foil, cook over medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Brush the asparagus generously with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Grill directly:

   • Charcoal grill: Place the asparagus directly across the grates over medium coals.

   • Gas grill: Preheat the grill, then turn the heat to medium. Place the asparagus perpendicular to the grates so it doesn’t fall through.

3. Grill for 4 to 7 minutes, rolling the stalks occasionally for even cooking. They should be crisp-tender with some nice char marks.

How to Grill Asparagus in Foil

Grilling asparagus in foil makes cleanup a breeze. Here’s how:

• Rinse, trim, and pat dry the asparagus.

• Place it on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and add herbs if you like (dill or mint are great choices).

• Fold the foil to make a sealed packet.

• Place the packet on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes with long-handled tongs.

• Caution: Be careful when opening the foil—hot steam will escape!