In the realm of culinary excellence, grilling asparagus is a simple yet delightful endeavour that can elevate your outdoor dining experience. Just as with spinach, the versatile asparagus, with its earthy flavour and tender texture, deserves your attention regarding the grill. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll share tips and techniques to master the art of grilling asparagus creating mouthwatering dishes that will leave your taste buds tingling with satisfaction.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting your journey into the world of outdoor cooking, these instructions will empower you to make the most of this green superstar. From preparing the asparagus to adding delightful toppings, you’ll find all you need to make your grilled asparagus truly delectable. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to perfecting your grilled asparagus with style and flavour.
Preparing asparagus for the grill:
- Remove the tough ends. Asparagus often has woody and inedible ends. Say goodbye to those woody bits!
- Trim asparagus with a snap. To prep your asparagus, gently bend each stalk until it naturally breaks about ⅔ of the way down. This is where the tough part starts, leaving you with tender, delectable asparagus.
- Alternatively, cut them all at once. If you’re not in the mood for snapping or just want to save time, line up a bunch of asparagus in a row and use a sharp knife to trim them about ⅔ down the stalk. You can also tidy up the ends with the knife if you like.
- Keep it simple with the seasoning. Grilling imparts plenty of flavour to your asparagus, so all you need are some olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for mouthwatering grilled asparagus.
Grilling asparagus: a step-by-step guide:
Keep it Simple: Grilling asparagus couldn’t be easier. Begin by drizzling olive oil over the asparagus and giving it a toss to coat. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then give them another toss. You can do this right before grilling or in advance; asparagus is robust and won’t wilt or soften.
Ditch the Foil: Preheat your grill to medium heat, ideally between 177°C- 200°C, and make sure the grill grates are clean. Place the asparagus on the grill grates, positioning them perpendicular to the bars to prevent them from falling through. No need for foil! Grill with the lid closed until the spears are tender and crisp.
Even Grill Marks: For those perfect grill marks, use tongs to roll the spears. Tongs provide better control than a flipper or fork, making it easier to achieve those attractive grill marks.
What’s the ideal grilling time for asparagus?
To create a delectable dish, grill robust asparagus spears over medium heat for approximately 6 to 10 minutes.
Topping ideas for grilled asparagus:
- Enhance your asparagus with a range of delightful flavours and toppings:
- Elevate it with browned butter and a generous sprinkle of toasted nuts.
- Opt for a touch of sophistication by drizzling grilled asparagus with balsamic vinegar, then adorning it with creamy goat cheese and the delightful crunch of toasted pine nuts.
- Indulge in a smoky twist by topping your asparagus with crispy cooked bacon and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese.
- Embark on a Mediterranean culinary journey by crowning your asparagus with crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkling of chopped kalamata olives.
- Embrace an Asian-inspired variation by drizzling it with ponzu sauce and adding a finishing touch of toasted sesame seeds.
ALSO SEE: Tips for cooking cabbage
Written by Tia Sauls
Feature Image: Unsplash
