It’s a sunny day, perfect for a backyard cookout. You’ve got the grill fired up, ready to churn out culinary magic. But something is missing, a certain zing, a pop of flavor. Enter the star of the show: Our mouth-watering, lemony grilled asparagus. It’s time to elevate your grilling game!
The Essentials of a Perfect Lemony Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that will wow your guests and satisfy your taste buds. The key ingredient in our recipe is, of course, asparagus. This vegetable is not just tasty, but also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber.
Asparagus needs a little bit of prep before it hits the grill. Start by rinsing it under cold water to remove any dirt. Then, snap off the tough, woody ends. You’ll know you’ve got the right spot when the asparagus naturally breaks.
Tip: Choose thick asparagus spears for grilling. They’re easier to manage on the grill and have a robust flavor.
Adding the Lemony Zing
Now, let’s talk about the lemony zing. We use a simple marinade made from freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The acidity of the lemon adds a wonderful brightness to the asparagus, while the garlic adds a depth of flavor.
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, add the asparagus, and toss until they’re well-coated. Let the asparagus marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Tip: For a more intense flavor, let the asparagus marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Remember to bring it to room temperature before grilling.
Grilling to Perfection
Grilling asparagus is a breeze. Set your grill to medium heat. Once it’s hot, lay the asparagus perpendicular to the grill grates to prevent them from falling through. Grill the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re tender and slightly charred.
Remove the asparagus from the grill and sprinkle them with lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Your mouth-watering, lemony grilled asparagus is now ready to be served!
Tip: Use a grill basket for smaller asparagus spears. It will prevent them from falling into the grill.
It’s time to wave goodbye to mundane grilling routines. This lemony grilled asparagus recipe is easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress. In the realm of grilling, it’s the simple touches that elevate a dish from good to spectacular.
Mouth-Watering Lemony Grilled Asparagus
Course: Side DishCuisine: American4
servings15
minutes7
minutes90
kcalA quick and easy grilled asparagus recipe with a zesty lemon marinade.
Ingredients
1 bunch of asparagus
2 lemons, juiced and zested
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of olive oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Directions
- Rinse the asparagus under cold water and snap off the tough ends.
- Combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the asparagus to the bowl and toss until well-coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Grill the asparagus on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill, sprinkle with lemon zest, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose thick asparagus spears for grilling. They’re easier to manage on the grill and have a robust flavor.
- For a more intense flavor, let the asparagus marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Remember to bring it to room temperature before grilling.
- Use a grill basket for smaller asparagus spears. It will prevent them from falling into the grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other healthy oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil. However, olive oil adds a distinct flavor that pairs well with asparagus.
Q: How do I store leftover grilled asparagus?
A: Leftover grilled asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a grill?
A: Absolutely! You can roast the asparagus in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe as it has a brighter, more natural flavor. However, you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are not available.
