Grilled Asparagus is one of my favorite go-to vegetable side dishes, especially during grilling season. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty, low-carb, keto-friendly option that's also gluten-free and vegetarian. It’s simple to make, with just a handful of ingredients that come together quickly to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether you're grilling for a crowd or just whipping up a quick dinner, this grilled asparagus will be a hit every time. Let’s get started on making this easy and delicious side dish!
This recipe is:
-
- Low Carb
-
- Gluten Free
-
- Keto
-
- Vegetarian
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to love this recipe
Here are 5 reasons why you’ll absolutely love this simple asparagus recipe:
- Packed with flavor and perfect for grilling season.
- Simple steps make it easy to prepare.
- Crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
- Consistently delicious and foolproof.
- Perfect summer side dish.
Is Grilled Asparagus Low-Carb?
Yes, grilled asparagus is low-carb. This particular recipe has a good serving under 3 g net carbs, making it perfect for a low-carb or keto diet. With simple seasoning and ingredients, it will become your favorite dish to enjoy with any main course!
If you're still confused about the carbs in asparagus, check out my detailed article on "Is Asparagus Low Carb?"
Inspiration Behind This Easy Grilled Asparagus Recipe
A friend of mine, Erin, showed me how to make grilled asparagus about 15 years ago in New Jersey. Up to that point, I was boiling or steaming asparagus. She showed me how to wrap the asparagus in a foil packet and add in some balsamic for a wonderful acidity that doesn't overpower the asparagus flavor at all. I had never seen asparagus cooked like this before and I fell in love with my first bite.
All these years later, the grilled asparagus recipe is just about unchanged. When you find a simple recipe that works, there is no need to change it. All I have done is add on some grated parmesan and asiago cheese as a finishing touch. It's really good. Give this one a try.
Grilled Asparagus Ingredients List
You'll need the following ingredients for this grilled asparagus recipe:
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears (I use medium size asparagus for this recipe)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan (more or less according to how much you like cheese)
- ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or 2 good pinches)
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're missing any ingredients for this grilled asparagus recipe, here are some handy substitutions you can use:
- Olive oil: Coconut oil might burn on the grill, so clarified butter is a great alternative.
- Balsamic vinegar: A fresh squeeze of lemon juice from lemon wedges can add a nice tangy flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Both pecorino romano and asiago cheese are delicious substitutes for parmesan.
Additional Ingredients
For a tasty twist on this grilled asparagus recipe, add these simple ingredients that pair wonderfully with the main ingredients:
- Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder both add a pop of flavor, but be careful they don’t burn.
- Lemon zest: Brings a bright and fresh flavor profile.
- Pine nuts: Toast ¼ cup pine nuts while the asparagus is cooking. They will add a nice, nutty flavor.
- Prosciutto: Chop some fresh prosciutto into small squares and sprinkle over the top. It adds a savory touch to the cooked asparagus.
Note: These are optional ingredients and are not included in the original recipe.
Cooking Tools
You'll need the following cooking tools for the grilled asparagus recipe:
- Gas grill
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
- Platter
How to Make Grilled Asparagus: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Grilling
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Pick up each of the asparagus spears and bend it. Where it breaks is the end of the woody section. We don’t want to eat this woody part. Normally it is about 2 inches from the base of the asparagus. For thin and medium-sized asparagus, you can do this for each spear individually, but I usually estimate for the bunch and cut off the bottom part to save time.
- Line up the tips of the asparagus and cut off the bottom part where the woody section ends.
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel the bottom 3 inches toward the base for large, thick, or white asparagus. This is more labor-intensive and typically only necessary for really thick asparagus.
Cooking Instructions
- Start your gas grill heating on high.
- Take out some aluminum foil. Make it 2 times as long as the asparagus plus about an inch. Lay the asparagus on top of the foil lengthwise in a single layer.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Seal the foil as shown in the photographs.
- Take the asparagus packet out to the grill and lay it on the grate with the asparagus perpendicular to the grill grates. Close the lid and allow to cook for 3 minutes on high. Reduce the heat to medium and keep cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil pouch—steam will have built up inside, making it hot. The asparagus should be emerald green. If it looks good, open the pouch completely.
- Using tongs, you can pull the foil out from under the asparagus or grab the asparagus in bunches and lay it right on the grill grate. Once all the asparagus is out of the foil, discard the foil and close the lid. Cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 more.
- Grab all the asparagus and place on a platter. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Make Grilled Asparagus in Foil?
Asparagus in a foil recipe is super simple and produces crispy, tender, and flavorful results. Here are some reasons why you should try this:
- Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and spices are added to the asparagus. The foil keeps everything contained.
- The asparagus will cook in the oil and quickly develop incredible flavor.
- The flare-ups on the gas grill are eliminated, allowing the asparagus to cook without being burned to a crisp or completely dried out.
- The foil packet also builds some steam that will tenderize the asparagus while cooking.
If you have heavy-duty foil and prefer to use it, go ahead. I used regular foil for this recipe but typically use the heavy-duty stuff. One thing to keep in mind is that the heavy-duty foil retains heat longer than the thinner foil, so if you use your fingers to open the foil pouch on the grill, just be careful.
How to Grill Asparagus on a Gas Grill?
Are you curious about learning how to grill asparagus in foil? I have seen people skewer the asparagus into asparagus "rafts" grilled directly on the grill grates. But honestly, it looks like a lot of work to skewer all those asparagus. Making grilled asparagus in foil is just easier.
If you have a grill basket, you can use that as well. My suggestion is NOT to add the balsamic onto the asparagus in that case. There isn't any moisture in a grill basket, and the sugar in the balsamic will caramelize and burn before the asparagus is cooked.
With the foil method, I always suggest that you add the packet with all the asparagus spears pointing perpendicular to the gas grill grates. This will provide enough support for the asparagus while it is cooking and prevent any "valleys" from forming in the foil. Asparagus that gets stuck in a valley between the grill grates will typically burn.
We want the spears to be perpendicular as well for when we open the foil pouch. Once you open the pouch (carefully to let the steam escape), I just grab the foil in one hand and push the asparagus off the foil with the other. If you are uncomfortable doing this, use tongs for the same effect. You won't lose any asparagus to the grill gods either way!
Lastly, with all the asparagus spears facing the same direction on the foil grill, when you flip them, it is easy to see which have not been flipped yet. Sometimes it's the simple things that make cooking easy!
Step 1: Line up all the asparagus on the cutting board.
Step 2: Find where the woody part of the asparagus is at and cut it off.
Step 3: Lay the asparagus in the center of the foil and add the seasonings, but not the cheese!
Step 4: Wrap the foil around the asparagus and crease the center line together.
Step 5: Now wrap the loose ends by simply rolling them up. We now have asparagus in foil ready to grill.
Step 6: Place the asparagus on the grill so the asparagus spears are perpendicular to the grates.
Step 7: Open the asparagus foil package carefully and check for doneness. If they look good, it is time to place them on the grill.
Step 8: Place the asparagus on the grill and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 more.
💡 My Pro Tip
Size of the Asparagus
This recipe has some variables, especially with the size of the asparagus affecting cooking time. Thinner asparagus cooks faster than thicker ones. The grill's heat and potential hot spots can also change the cooking time, leading to uneven cooking.
To make this recipe easier, opening the foil pouch with grill tongs and checking inside is perfectly fine. Look for any dark spots indicating a hot spot and see if the oil is bubbling nicely. If there's a lot of steam, the asparagus might become limp. This recipe is forgiving, so you can check the progress and adjust by clamping the foil with the tongs.
Grill temperature
My grill gets exceptionally hot, so my temperature settings will differ. The key to this grilled asparagus recipe is listening and looking at the asparagus. It should be bubbling in the foil for the entire cooking time. The goal is to avoid scorching, which is why we cook it in foil to begin with.
Moisture while cooking
If you are going to make more than 1 bunch of grilled asparagus, it is best to make each bunch in its own foil pack. Adding more than 1 bunch in a single package adds too much moisture in the foil pack and makes the asparagus limp in the process.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Prepare the foil pack of asparagus with olive oil in advance and leave it ready to cook.
- Make multiple foil packs if cooking more than one bunch to save time and ensure even cooking.
- Place the foil pack on the cold grill while it preheats, as the asparagus will finish directly on the grill surface.
- Prep the asparagus by trimming and seasoning it earlier in the day.
What to Serve With Grilled Asparagus?
Grilled asparagus pairs wonderfully with these tasty and easy dishes:
- Pan-Seared Pork Chops: Tender and juicy pork chops complement the smoky flavors of grilled asparagus. Serve with a side of cauliflower mash or a crisp green salad.
- Lemon Artichoke Chicken: The tangy lemon and savory artichoke flavors enhance the freshness of grilled asparagus. Pair with a quinoa pilaf or roasted vegetables.
- Porterhouse Steak or Pan-Seared Steak: Rich and flavorful steak balances the earthy tones of grilled asparagus. Enjoy with garlic butter mushrooms or a spinach salad with bacon.
- Tandoori Grilled Chicken: Spiced grilled chicken adds a zesty kick to the mild sweetness of asparagus. Serve alongside a cucumber raita or a tomato cucumber salad.
- BBQ Lamb Chops: Smoky BBQ lamb chops complement the charred notes of grilled asparagus. Pair with grilled eggplant slices or a Greek salad with feta cheese.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- Cooked, grilled asparagus stores well for 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. After that, the texture may slightly change, and the asparagus heads can become slimy.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat in a pan with a tablespoon of water, covered, over medium heat until heated through. Avoid the microwave to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing Tips
I’m never a fan of freezing this dish, as it defrosts poorly. But if you are planning on freezing grilled asparagus, here are a few tips:
- Cook al dente and dunk in a cold water bath to stop cooking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Defrost in the fridge overnight and heat directly on the grill surface.
Recipe Conclusion
Here's a delightful dish of Grilled Asparagus that’s easy to make and delicious to eat! Whether you're grilling asparagus for a quick weeknight side or impressing guests at a weekend BBQ, this recipe promises smoky flavor and tender texture. It's perfect for low-carb and keto-friendly diets, seamlessly fitting into your healthy eating plan.
I'd like to thank Erin for introducing me to this recipe many years ago. Since then, it's become a favorite with lemon chicken and other meals. Now, fire up your grill, grab some fresh asparagus, and savor this flavorful side dish. Treat your taste buds—and your guests—to something truly special!
More Grilled Recipes
Craving for more grilled recipes? Check out these:
FAQs
You can use kosher salt or sea salt to season asparagus for grilling.
No, it's not necessary to boil asparagus before grilling. Grilling it directly enhances its flavor and texture.
Season with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and optionally garlic or lemon zest before grilling to enhance its natural flavors.
Grilling or roasting asparagus is generally considered the best method as it caramelizes the sugars and enhances its natural sweetness and texture.
THE BEST GRILLED ASPARAGUS RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears I use medium size asparagus for this recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan more or less according to how much you like cheese
- ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or 2 good pinches
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Pick up each of the asparagus spears and bend it. Where it breaks is the end of the woody section. We don’t want to eat this woody part. Normally it is about 2 inches from the base of the asparagus. For thin and medium-sized asparagus, you can do this for each spear individually, but I usually estimate for the bunch and cut off the bottom part to save time.
- Line up the tips of the asparagus and cut off the bottom part where the woody section ends.
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel the bottom 3 inches toward the base for large, thick, or white asparagus. This is more labor-intensive and typically only necessary for really thick asparagus.
Cooking Instructions
- Start your gas grill heating on high.
- Take out some aluminum foil. Make it 2 times as long as the asparagus plus about an inch. Lay the asparagus on top of the foil lengthwise in a single layer.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Seal the foil as shown in the photographs.
- Take the asparagus packet out to the grill and lay it on the grate with the asparagus perpendicular to the grill grates. Close the lid and allow to cook for 3 minutes on high. Reduce the heat to medium and keep cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil pouch—steam will have built up inside, making it hot. The asparagus should be emerald green. If it looks good, open the pouch completely.
- Using tongs, you can pull the foil out from under the asparagus or grab the asparagus in bunches and lay it right on the grill grate. Once all the asparagus is out of the foil, discard the foil and close the lid. Cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 more.
- Grab all the asparagus and place on a platter. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
Recent Low Carb Recipes:
Is it low carb? Learn more about it:
Ella Havermore says
Easy and I love the foil trick to keep the asparagus from falling through the grill grates while it is cooking. Super delicious.
Scott Groth says
Hey Ella:
Thank you. I've lost too many while grilling them until I discovered this simple trick.
Take care,
Scott
Susan says
Too die for. Loved these asparagus!
Scott Groth says
Hi Susan:
One of my favorite recipes- light, fresh and crunchy. Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts.
Have an excellent day!
Scott