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I remember the first time I tried grilling asparagus. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical. Would it turn out mushy? Would it even taste good? Turns out, grilling asparagus is not only incredibly simple, but it transforms the vegetable into something truly special. That slight char, that hint of smokiness – it’s chef’s kiss! Plus, it's quick, which, let’s be honest, is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights. This recipe, though? It’s next level. It takes the grilled asparagus and elevates it with a bright, zesty lemon-herb drizzle that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Don't tell anyone, but I think its the best side dish ever. Okay... maybe ever is a little much. But its up there!
The key to perfect grilled asparagus lies in a few simple tricks. First, selecting the right asparagus spears is important. You want them to be firm, not limp, and about the thickness of a pencil. Thicker spears are great too! Second, don't overcook them! Nobody likes mushy asparagus. You want them to be tender-crisp, with a slight bite. And that lemon-herb drizzle? Oh, that's the magic. Fresh herbs, lemon juice, a touch of garlic, and a good glug of olive oil – it’s the perfect complement to the smoky, slightly bitter asparagus. I think that its better with fresh herbs than dried herbs, but that's just my two cents. And don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs! Parsley, thyme, oregano – they all work beautifully. This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste. For me, its dill and parsley that work the best. Its kind of like a pesto but, you know, liquid-y.
Required Equipments
Grill
Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Serving Platter
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Herb Drizzle: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Herb Drizzle
Elevate your side dish game with this quick and easy grilled asparagus recipe, featuring a bright and flavorful lemon-herb drizzle. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a sophisticated addition to your next barbecue!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Asparagus: Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water. Snap off the tough ends of the spears. They usually break at the natural point where the stalk becomes tender. Don't be wasteful; save those ends for soup!
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking. A quick scrub with a wire brush does the trick.
Season the Asparagus: Place the asparagus in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Grill the Asparagus: Arrange the asparagus spears perpendicular to the grill grates to prevent them from falling through. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp and lightly charred. Keep a close eye on them – they can go from perfectly grilled to burnt very quickly. No one likes burned asparagus!
Prepare the Lemon-Herb Drizzle: While the asparagus is grilling, prepare the lemon-herb drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and chives), salt, and pepper. Adjust the amounts to your liking. If you want a bit of sweetness, add a tiny touch of honey.
Drizzle and Serve: Once the asparagus is grilled, transfer it to a serving platter. Immediately drizzle the lemon-herb sauce generously over the warm asparagus. Serve immediately and enjoy! Consider sprinkling with some parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts for an extra touch of elegance.
📝 Notes
For extra flavor, try grilling a lemon half alongside the asparagus and squeezing the juice over the top before serving.
If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.