Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for grilled asparagus seasoned with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and lemon pepper, grilled to crisp-tender perfection and garnished with optional toppings like balsamic reduction, goat cheese, pine nuts, or Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
Asparagus
- 1 pound medium-thick asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked sea salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- Lemon wedges for juicing
For serving (optional)
- Balsamic reduction
- Goat cheese or feta
- Pine nuts
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, to prepare for cooking the asparagus evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus in a 9×13 baking dish, then drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and lemon pepper seasoning. Roll the asparagus to coat all spears evenly with the seasoning.
- Oil the grill: Clean the grill grates and brush them with olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, use a grill pan heated over high heat on your stovetop.
- Grill the asparagus: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer perpendicular to the grill grates so they don’t fall through, placing the thickest ends toward the hottest part of the grill. Grill for 5 minutes, turning often to cook all sides evenly until asparagus is crisp-tender.
- Season and serve: Transfer the grilled asparagus back to the baking dish and toss them again with any remaining balsamic vinegar and spices. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired. Serve directly from the dish or transfer to a platter and garnish with your choice of toppings like balsamic reduction, goat cheese, pine nuts, or Parmesan cheese. Add lemon wedges for juicing.
Notes
- Use medium-thick asparagus for best grilling results; thinner spears may burn too quickly.
- Grilling asparagus perpendicular to grates prevents them from falling through the grill.
- Adjust grilling time based on desired tenderness; thicker spears may require a bit longer.
- Substitute lemon pepper seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and lemon zest if preferred.
- For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill instead of gas.
- Optional toppings like goat cheese or Parmesan add creamy, savory layers to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
