You deserve great grilled asparagus. Learn how to grill asparagus so it’s just the way you like it – tender and flavorful! Preparation is the key to tenderness, and proper grilling methods enhance flavor.
About Asparagus Spears
When asparagus is planted it requires 2 to 3 years to mature before it provides a harvest. The shoots of the young plants are not cut and allowed to grow. This strengthens the roots and makes the plant more productive in future years.
When the season strikes, asparagus has to be picked every one to three days, depending on the temperature. The spears can grow quickly, up to several inches per day. When harvested at the right time asparagus spears are tender almost down to the base of the stalk. If left growing in the field one or two days too long, the skin on the spear becomes tough and stringy.
Preparation is the key for tender asparagus. Remove the tough ends, then wash thoroughly in cold water. After drying with a towel, coat the spears with oil, or marinade them before grilling.
How to Grill Asparagus
Asparagus can be grilled to tenderness over medium high heat in just a few minutes. Two minutes per side is usually enough to make it tender, but with a slight crispiness remaining. If you prefer it more “done”, try grilling your asparagus 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’ll know when it’s done like you like it.
Indoor grills are great asparagus cookers too. Open, or flat electric grills work well, and electric closed (or clamshell) grills cook asparagus even quicker. I sometimes use my ribbed cast iron grill, which sits right on top of the electric burners on my kitchen stove.
Asparagus tastes especially good if the grill has caused some browning. The browned asparagus takes on a nutty flavor that’s just plain delicious!
Most asparagus recipes are fairly simple to prepare, and quick cooking. Knowing how to grill asparagus will give your asparagus dishes a whole new dimension of flavor!