Savory grilled asparagus is a delectable side dish that suits almost any main course. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the fresh, earthy taste of asparagus with the richness of olive oil, the punchy aroma of garlic, and the salty tang of parmesan cheese. Finished with a spritz of fresh lemon juice, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
All ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. Asparagus is usually found in the fresh produce section. Fresh is best, but canned asparagus can also be used if fresh isn't available. Olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese are pantry staples. The lemon juice is used to add a fresh, citrus touch, so fresh lemons would be ideal, although bottled juice could be a substitute.
Ingredients for Savory Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus: This is the star of the dish. Fresh asparagus has a unique, earthy flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
Olive oil: Used to coat the asparagus before grilling, it enhances the flavor and helps to achieve a nice char.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor that complements the asparagus perfectly.
Salt: This seasoning helps to bring out the natural flavors of the asparagus.
Black pepper: Gives the asparagus a hint of heat.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a delicious salty tang and a nice finish to the grilled asparagus.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of this just before serving gives the dish a fresh, citrusy edge.
One reader, Arly Whitworth says:
This savory grilled asparagus recipe is a game-changer! The asparagus turned out perfectly tender and flavorful, and the addition of parmesan cheese and lemon juice took it to the next level. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game with a healthy and delicious side dish.
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Asparagus
How to grill asparagus: Grilling asparagus involves cooking it over direct heat until it's nicely marked and fork-tender, typically for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
How to season asparagus: Toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to ensure it's evenly seasoned before grilling.
How to finish the dish: Sprinkle the grilled asparagus with parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice to add a savory and tangy flavor to the dish.
How To Make Grilled Asparagus
This simple dish is the perfect appetizer when you are running out of time in preparing for dinner parties. It’s smoky flavor and crunchy texture is superb!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbasparaguswood ends removed
- 3tbspolive oil
- 1tbspgarlicminced
- ¾tspSalt
- ¼tspblack pepperfresh cracked
- 4tbspparmesan cheesefresh grated
- lemon juice
Instructions
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Brush grill grates with a light coating of canola oil. Preheat grill on high heat.
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Wash and pat dry trimmed asparagus. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
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Arrange asparagus spears on the grill over direct heat.
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Grill for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely marked. Flip and grill for a further 3 to 4 minutes until fork-tender.
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Sprinkle over Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 159.06kcal
- Fat: 12.77g
- Saturated Fat: 3.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.21g
- Carbohydrates: 7.26g
- Fiber: 3.16g
- Sugar: 2.25g
- Protein: 6.25g
- Cholesterol: 6.32mg
- Sodium: 320.55mg
- Calcium: 154.17mg
- Potassium: 284.82mg
- Iron: 2.88mg
- Vitamin A: 63.11µg
- Vitamin C: 7.01mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Perfectly Grilled Asparagus
When grilling asparagus, it's important to place them perpendicular to the grill grates. This prevents the spears from falling through the gaps. Also, remember to not overcook them. Asparagus should retain a bit of crunch to provide a nice contrast to the charred exterior.
Time-Saving Tips for Grilling Asparagus
Prep ahead: Chop and season the asparagus the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of grilling.
Use a grill basket: Consider using a grill basket to prevent the asparagus from falling through the grates and to make flipping easier.
Multi-task: While the asparagus is grilling, you can prepare other parts of your meal to save time and be more efficient in the kitchen.
Invest in a good grill: A high-quality grill can heat up faster and cook the asparagus more evenly, saving you time and effort.
Keep it simple: Stick to simple seasonings and toppings to save time and let the natural flavors of the asparagus shine through.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Asparagus Recipe
- asparagus – Substitute with broccolini: Broccolini has a similar texture and flavor to asparagus, making it a great substitute for this recipe.
- olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this grilled asparagus recipe.
- garlic – Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements the asparagus well in this recipe.
- parmesan cheese – Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan, making it a great substitute for this recipe.
Presentation Ideas for Grilled Asparagus
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Elevate the asparagus spears: Arrange the grilled asparagus in a crisscross pattern on the plate to create a visually appealing presentation. This will showcase the vibrant green color and the grill marks on the asparagus, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish.
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Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a handful of delicate microgreens over the grilled asparagus. This not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the savory asparagus.
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Drizzle with aged balsamic reduction: Create an artistic drizzle of aged balsamic reduction on the plate. The rich, dark syrup will add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful sheen to the dish, enhancing its overall visual appeal.
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Use a minimalist plating approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style by placing the grilled asparagus with precise spacing on the plate, allowing each spear to stand out as a star ingredient. This approach emphasizes the natural beauty of the dish.
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Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a few carefully placed edible flowers to the plate for a stunning and elegant touch. The vibrant colors and delicate petals will elevate the presentation, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
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Add a dusting of truffle salt: Sprinkle a light dusting of truffle salt around the asparagus for a touch of luxury and depth of flavor. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of decadence to the dish.
Essential Tools for Grilling Asparagus
- Grill: A cooking appliance used for grilling the asparagus over direct heat.
- Tongs: Used for flipping the asparagus while grilling.
- Brush: For brushing the grill grates with canola oil before preheating.
- Knife: For trimming the asparagus spears.
- Bowl: To toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before grilling.
- Grater: For grating the parmesan cheese to sprinkle over the grilled asparagus.
- Squeezer: To squeeze fresh lemon juice over the grilled asparagus before serving.
Storing and Freezing Grilled Asparagus
- To store leftover grilled asparagus, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, place the asparagus on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the asparagus in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed.
- If you want to freeze the grilled asparagus for later use, follow these steps:
- Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the asparagus well and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don't touch each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the asparagus is frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen asparagus to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store in the freezer for up to 8 months.
- To use frozen grilled asparagus, remove the desired amount from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the asparagus in the oven or skillet as described above, keeping in mind that it may have a slightly softer texture compared to freshly grilled asparagus.
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Asparagus
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To reheat leftover grilled asparagus, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the spears and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the asparagus is heated through and the cheese is melted.
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Another option is to reheat the asparagus in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus spears and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
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For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the asparagus in the microwave. Place the spears on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the asparagus is heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly become mushy in the microwave.
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If you have a grill fired up, you can also reheat the asparagus directly on the grates. Brush the spears with a little olive oil and place them on the grill over medium heat. Grill for 1-2 minutes on each side, just until they are heated through and slightly charred.
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For a flavorful twist, try reheating the asparagus in a garlic and lemon butter sauce. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the asparagus spears and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss the asparagus in the sauce until it is heated through and well-coated.
Interesting Fact About Grilled Asparagus
The savory grilled asparagus recipe is a delightful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. Asparagus is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. When grilled, it takes on a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the zesty combination of garlic, parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon juice. This dish is not only delicious but also a healthy addition to any meal. Asparagus is known for its versatility and can be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into various recipes, making it a popular choice for many vegetarian and Mediterranean diets.
Is Grilling Asparagus at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this grilled asparagus recipe is quite high. Asparagus is a budget-friendly vegetable, and the additional ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese are commonly found in most households. The recipe is simple, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it an economical choice. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $8-$10, making it a pocket-friendly and nutritious option.
Is Grilled Asparagus Healthy?
This savory grilled asparagus recipe is a healthy and delicious side dish. Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable, low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. Grilling the asparagus helps retain its nutritional value while adding a smoky flavor. The olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, and the garlic offers potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. The parmesan cheese adds a savory touch but also contributes to the overall sodium and saturated fat content of the dish.
To further enhance the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a light hand when brushing the asparagus with olive oil to reduce the overall calorie and fat content
- Opt for a low-sodium parmesan cheese or reduce the amount used to minimize the sodium content
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor and potential metabolism-boosting benefits
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or thyme, to add variety and additional antioxidants to the dish
- Serve the grilled asparagus alongside lean proteins, such as grilled chicken or fish, and other colorful vegetables to create a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal
Editor's Take on This Savory Grilled Asparagus Recipe
This savory grilled asparagus recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The asparagus is perfectly grilled to bring out its natural sweetness, while the garlic and parmesan add a savory depth. The touch of lemon juice brightens the dish, creating a well-balanced and refreshing flavor. The simple yet elegant preparation allows the asparagus to shine as the star of the dish. It's a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and is sure to impress your guests.
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Why trust this Grilled Asparagus Recipe:
This savory grilled asparagus recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors. The asparagus is grilled to perfection, enhancing its natural sweetness and tenderness. The addition of garlic and parmesan cheese elevates the dish, providing a rich and savory depth of flavor. The use of olive oil and a touch of lemon juice adds a refreshing and zesty element. With careful attention to detail and a balance of complementary ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience, earning the trust of discerning home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
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