The Simple Trick for Perfectly Grilled Asparagus Every Time (2024)

Grilling is perhaps the best way to cook asparagus. The intense heat from the flames, coupled with the hint of smoke and char infuses the petite green stalks with more flavor than searing or roasting ever could. But unlike squash halves or grilled potatoes, you’ll need to prep the asparagus just a bit to make grilling easier, quicker, and safer. Ahead, we share our best tips on how to select, prep, and grill asparagus so it turns out flawless every single time.

How to Buy Quality Asparagus

Whether served as a side or mixed into a salad, there are so many ways to use up asparagus. When grilled, asparagus becomes tender while still keeping its crunch. However, one bundle of asparagus is not equal to all others. Asparagus spears come in many sizes, and you need to buy the right asparagus for the best grilling results. When shopping, look at the length, width, and color of the asparagus before deciding on one:

• Look for medium- to large-sized spears. Smaller ones will cook too quickly on the grill, which will leave you with limp, lifeless vegetables. But you don’t want asparagus that’s too large, either. As asparagus grows, the ends turn harder and woodier.
• Select spears about the width of your pointer finger. Don’t buy anything smaller than your pinky finger. This just-right size will cook beautifully on the grill and offer the best texture. Save smaller spears for quick stir-fries, risotto, or salads.
• Choose firm, bright green asparagus stalks with plump, tightly closed tips. Fading color is a sign of deterioration. Check the stem ends to make sure they look freshly cut, not shriveled or dried out.
  

How to Prep and Cut Asparagus Before Grilling

The ends of asparagus spears are often woody and tough compared to the middle and tips. When cooked, these ends can be quite chewy. That’s not too appealing, so most cooks cut off the asparagus ends before cooking. Before you plop your bunch of asparagus spears onto the grill, take a few minutes to prep them. Here's how:

1. Clip any ties or bands holding them together and rinse the stalks. If the spears were purchased in a bundle, hold the whole bundle under running water.
2. Spread the rinsed spears out across a towel and pat dry. Line up several cleaned spears side by side on a cutting board.
3. Take a large chef’s knife and trim a half-inch to one inch from the bottom. Start with five spears, then add a few more when you’re comfortable. Cutting the asparagus in groups speeds up prep time. Discard the ends.

How to Grill Asparagus With Skewers

Because the asparagus stems are quite thin, you could lose a few in between grill grates if you don’t handle them properly. That could lead to flare-ups and fires, and you’ll also have fewer pieces for your dinner side dish. Both are bad.

Instead, to make grilling asparagus easier and safer, try this simple trick: Skewer several pieces of asparagus together to make it easier to turn over without falling through the grate. It’s that simple. Here’s how to do it.

What You Need

• Asparagus
• Grill
• Metal or wooden skewers
• Oil, kosher salt, and black pepper
• Tongs or a fork

Step 1: Soak Wooden Skewers

Be sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 12 hours before using them to keep them from catching fire. If you use metal skewers, you don’t need to prep them first.

Step 2: Pierce Asparagus With Skewers

Pierce a skewer through the asparagus about one inch up from the end of the spear. Pierce the asparagus with a second skewer in the upper third of the piece. Don’t get too close to the tip; the skewer might break it and cause it to fall off.

Step 3: Slide Asparagus Down Skewer

Slide the spear to the end of the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece. Depending on the skewer length, you may be able to fit six to eight pieces on each skewer set.

Step 4: Brush on Oil

With the skewered asparagus sets secured, lightly brush each side with oil. Then, place the vegetables directly onto the preheated grill, above the flames, and direct heat.

Step 5: Grill for a Few Minutes Then Season

Grill for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip. Grill another 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and your preferred seasoning. Use tongs or a fork to gently remove the pieces from the skewers and serve your dinner guests.

How to Grill Asparagus in Foil

Another easy way to grill asparagus is by placing it in a foil packet. This method ensures no asparagus falls through the grates while grilling. Here's how to grill asparagus in foil:

1. Start by tearing off a large piece of aluminum foil. Place the trimmed asparagus on the foil sheet. The asparagus can be stacked a little, just not too high.
2. Brush the stalks lightly with olive oil and season with kosher salt and pepper.
3. Fold in the bottom and top of the foil sheet toward the center. Then, fold the sides in, making sure they overlap until the pack is enclosed.
4. Place the foil packet on the preheated grill and grill for 4 minutes. Flip the packet. Grill for 4 more minutes, then remove from the heat.
5. Store asparagus leftovers in a new sheet of aluminum foil for up to two days in the fridge.