Grilled Asparagus with Lemon

Perfectly grilled asparagus spears arranged on a white serving platter, showing beautiful char marks and bright green color, garnished with lemon zest, fresh parsley, and optional Parmesan cheese, with lemon wedges on the side

15 minutes
4 servings
Easy
VegetarianVeganGluten-FreeKetoLow CarbPaleo
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh asparagus spears
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Nutrition Facts

Per 4 servings
Calories95 kcal
Protein4 g
Carbohydrates6 g
Fat7 g
Fiber3 g

* Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

Instructions

1

Prepare the Asparagus

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Wash asparagus spears thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the woody ends by snapping off the bottom inch or cutting where the spear naturally breaks. Pat asparagus completely dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl and set aside.

Pro Tip:

Choose asparagus spears of similar thickness so they cook evenly - medium thickness works best for grilling

2

Season and Oil the Asparagus

Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus in the bowl. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together with your hands to ensure each spear is evenly coated with oil and seasonings. Let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Pro Tip:

Don't over-oil the asparagus or it will cause flare-ups on the grill - just enough to coat lightly

3

Grill the Asparagus

Place asparagus spears perpendicular to grill grates to prevent them from falling through. Grill for 8-10 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes with tongs to ensure even cooking and attractive grill marks. Cook until tender-crisp and lightly charred but still bright green. Thicker spears may need an extra 1-2 minutes.

Pro Tip:

Use a grill basket if you're worried about spears falling through, or place them perpendicular to the grates

4

Finish and Serve

Transfer grilled asparagus to a serving platter immediately. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot asparagus and sprinkle with lemon zest for bright citrus flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot with additional lemon wedges on the side.

Pro Tip:

Serve immediately for best texture - grilled asparagus is best when hot and the contrast between the smoky char and fresh lemon is most pronounced