This easy Grilled Asparagus recipe is so simple to make and the perfect side dish. With just salt as the seasoning, it’s a great way to eat this healthy green veggie.
When asparagus season comes around one of the best ways to cook it is to grill it up. It’s super fast, really easy, and tastes delicious.
I like to cook mine right on the grill grates – no aluminum foil, baking sheet, or grill basket required.
You can top your asparagus with a number of different things (see below for ideas), but I prefer to keep it simple and use just salt – kosher salt to season and large flaky salt to serve.
Be sure and read all the way through the post to see ideas for what to serve with asparagus, some answers to commonly asked questions, and additional recipe tips.
How to make grilled asparagus
Step 1: prep the asparagus
Start by prepping the asparagus. The bottom end of the asparagus spear needs to be removed. Typically it is only 1.5-2 inches that need to be removed, but it varies depending on how thick the asparagus is.
The easiest way to see how much needs to be taken off is to hold the top of the stalk in one hand and the bottom in the other. Bend the asparagus gently until a piece of the bottom snaps off. This piece will be too tough and woody to eat, so just throw it away.
If the other asparagus spears in the bunch are of the same size and shape, then there’s an easy way to trim the rest of the asparagus.
Get a cutting board out and a large sharp knife. Set the asparagus stalks on the cutting board, all lined the same way at the tip (where it’s pointy).
Cut the bottoms of the remaining stalks off at the same place that the first stalk was snapped, and throw away the end pieces.
Now you’re ready to oil and season the asparagus.
Step 2: season the asparagus
Place the asparagus in a medium bowl or dish. Measure out the olive oil with a measuring spoon and pour it on top of the asparagus.
Do the same with the Diamond Crystal kosher salt then use your hands to rub both the oil and the salt all over the asparagus until all spears are covered.
Step 3: grill the asparagus
Turn on your grill on and set it to medium heat. You want it to heat to about 350 degrees F.
Once it come to the desired heat, use a set of tongs to place the fresh asparagus directly on the grill grates. You want to place them perpendicular (at a 90 degree angle) to the direction of the grates so they don’t slip through.
Close the lid and cook the asparagus for about 4 minutes.
When the 4 minutes are up, use the tongs to turn the asparagus so the side that was on the grill grate is now facing up.
Check to see if you have any asparagus that are cooked more than the others – this indicates you have a hot spot on your grill. You may want to move the asparagus around if others aren’t as browned.
Shut the lid again and cook another 2-3 minutes. Your asparagus is done when it is slightly browned and is soft and somewhat bendy but not limp.
Remove the asparagus from the grill with the tongs and top with large flaky salt if desired. Serve immediately.
What goes best with grilled asparagus?
This is a pretty common question with some really good answers! See the list below for some (gluten free) suggestions.
- grilled veggies (like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini)
- rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- chicken (some grilled dijon chicken thighs or teriyaki chicken kabobs)
- shrimp (like these easy grilled shrimp)
- flank steak (try this paleo carne asada)
- or serve it up as a grilled appetizer!
You might have some other questions about grilled asparagus – other than what to serve with it. Let’s get to those now.
Do you eat the tips of asparagus?
Yes! The tips of the asparagus are tender and taste delicious.
Do you have to peel asparagus?
No, you don’t have to peel asparagus when cooking it.
Do you steam asparagus before grilling?
No, you don’t steam asparagus before grilling. If you did, the asparagus would likely overcook.
Do you wash asparagus before grilling?
Yes, you should wash your asparagus before cooking it any way!
Should I cut or snap asparagus?
You can do either. I prefer to snap one of the asparagus stalks to see where the others should be cut.
Can you grill asparagus in foil?
You can, but you don’t need to. I prefer not to as it lets the asparagus get a little crispy.
Topping ideas for grilled asparagus
This recipe uses just salt to season the asparagus, but if you want additional flavor you can top the asparagus with any of the following!
- lemon juice
- lemon zest
- grated parmesan cheese
- melted butter or ghee
- ground black pepper
- balsamic vinegar
- minced garlic or garlic powder
Recipe tips
- Wear an oven mitt while you’re moving the asparagus around on the grill! Things get hot and you don’t want to get burned.
- Set a timer when you’re grilling – don’t just expect to remember! Asparagus grills up really fast and you don’t want to overcook it.
- You can easily double this recipe if you’re feeding more people. Just be sure and watch the asparagus that are in the front versus the back of the grill. The front of a grill is usually not as hot as the back and anything cooked up front is likely to take slightly longer.
Ready to develop your grilling skills?
Tune in and listen to the newly launched Grill Like a Mother podcast from Hot Pan Kitchen author Taryn Solie.
Pin this easy grilled asparagus recipe for later!
If you’re looking for more grilling recipes, check these out:
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
- Greek Lamb Skewers (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
- Dry Rubbed Flank Steak (GF, DF)
- Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
If you want some side dishes for when you’re grilling, try one of these:
- Corn, Avocado, Tomato Salad (GF, DF)
- Apple Broccoli Slaw (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
- Pineapple Coleslaw (GF, DF, Paleo, Whole30)
- Greek Rice Salad (GF, DF)
- Instant Pot Potato Salad (GF, DF, Whole30)
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Easy Grilled Asparagus Recipe (GF, Paleo, Whole30)
Equipment
- A medium dish or bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus
- ½ tbsp oil
- ⅛ tsp kosher salt
- flaky salt for serving
Instructions
- Start by prepping the asparagus. The bottom end of the asparagus spear needs to be removed. Typically it is only 1.5-2 inches that need to be removed, but it varies depending on how thick the asparagus is. The easiest way to see how much needs to be taken off is to hold the top of the stalk in one hand and the bottom in the other. Bend the asparagus gently until a piece of the bottom snaps off. This piece will be too tough and woody to eat, so just throw it away.
- If the other asparagus spears in the bunch are of the same size and shape, then there’s an easy way to trim the rest of the asparagus. Get a cutting board out and a large sharp knife. Set the asparagus stalks on the cutting board, all lined the same way at the tip (where it’s pointy). Cut the bottoms of the remaining stalks off at the same place that the first stalk was snapped, and throw away the end pieces. Now you’re ready to oil and season the asparagus.
- Place the asparagus in a medium bowl or dish. Measure out the olive oil with a measuring spoon and pour it on top of the asparagus. Do the same with the Diamond Crystal kosher salt then use your hands to rub both the oil and the salt all over the asparagus until all spears are covered.
- Turn on your grill on and set it to medium heat. You want it to heat to about 350 degrees F. Once it come to the desired heat, use a set of tongs to place the fresh asparagus directly on the grill grates. You want to place them perpendicular (at a 90 degree angle) to the direction of the grates so they don't slip through.
- Close the lid and cook the asparagus for about 4 minutes. When the 4 minutes are up, use the tongs to turn the asparagus so the side that was on the grill grate is now facing up. Check to see if you have any asparagus that are cooked more than the others – this indicates you have a hot spot on your grill. You may want to move the asparagus around if others aren't as browned. Shut the lid again and cook another 2-3 minutes.
- Your asparagus is done when it is slightly browned and is soft and somewhat bendy but not limp. Remove the asparagus from the grill with the tongs and top with large flaky salt if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Wear an oven mitt while you’re moving the asparagus around on the grill! Things get hot and you don’t want to get burned.
- Set a timer when you’re grilling – don’t just expect to remember! Asparagus grills up really fast and you don’t want to overcook it.
- You can easily double this recipe if you’re feeding more people. Just be sure and watch the asparagus that are in the front versus the back of the grill. The front of a grill is usually not as hot as the back and anything cooked up front is likely to take slightly longer.
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