Grilled Asparagus is the best simple and healthy side dish! It’s covered in lemon butter and grilled to perfection. Lemon Asparagus is my favorite summer vegetable recipe, made in minutes. Best side dish ever!
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What’s in this Grilled Asparagus Recipe?
Sometimes simple is best, and this perfect-for-summer lemon asparagus recipe is no exception. Just three ingredients stand between you and my very very favorite side dish of all time. The perfect pairing for everything from burgers to steak to salad.
- Asparagus: I like nice, thick asparagus stalks for grilling, as they hold up better than thin ones.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and great flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds acidity to cut the richness of the butter and bring out the vegetal flavor of the asparagus.
- Salt + Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor do the asparagus.
Pro Tip: Brush a little bit of canola oil on the grill grates to keep the asparagus from sticking.
Variations on Asparagus on the Grill
For this asparagus, simple is better! Think of subtle ways to change the flavor, like swapping the butter for olive oil or the lemon juice for orange juice. Add a few pinches of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese would be the perfect garnish for serving!
Cooking asparagus on the grill is such a quick and simple way to make it. It only takes about 7-10 minutes to make it tender and delicious!
There’s no need to soak your asparagus in water before grilling, but I do recommend letting it marinate in the butter/lemon juice mixture for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor!
While you certainly could par boil your asparagus to cut down on the cooking time, it’s really not necessary. The marinade penetrates the raw asparagus better than it would if it was par boiled.
To check for doneness, use a fork to pierce the thickest part of the asparagus. If it pierces easily, it’s done cooking!
Soggy asparagus is usually the result of overcooking. You want to remove the asparagus from the grill as soon as it is fork-tender, as it will continue to cook a bit from the residual heat as it cools.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
How to Freeze
Freeze asparagus in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon asparagus truly goes with everything. That’s why it’s one of my favorite sides, because I know I can make it any time. If I’m in a pinch and need something to go with grilled chicken or any other main dish, I know this will work perfectly!
I love serving this with juicy grilled burgers, St. Louis grilled ribs, grilled flank steak, or any time we grill. It goes with the heavier meals just as well as the healthier ones!
Grilled Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus washed with the ends cut off
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (¼ stick)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix together the melted butter and lemon juice. Pour into a large ziplock bag and add in the asparagus. Make sure all of the asparagus is coated in the butter mixture.1 pound fresh asparagus, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes before grilling.
- When ready to grill, heat grill to medium high (about 400-450°F) and brush with canola oil.
- Add the asparagus directly to the grill and grill for 7-10 minutes, flipping once.
- When fully cooked, remove from the grill and season with salt and pepper to taste.Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Video
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
I love lemon on my veggies! These look crazy good–love that they’re grilled!
This is so up my alley! I love asparagus with lemon…I make it that way all the time. Usually I roast it though, rather than grilling. But now that the grill is out again, I think we’ll have to start grilling it more. Why heat up the kitchen?!
We love grilled asparagus in my house! In fact, we eat it so often it’s a little crazy. Your platter of asparagus looks scrumptious!
I love pretty much any veggie on the grill, and this asparagus doesn’t look like it would be an exception. Love how the simle preparation would let the flavor shine through!
Asparagus sounds delicious. I do a version in the oven. Got to have that recipe for ?Chicken pockets, shown in the picture with the asparagus! Looks like fresh mozz, fresh basil and tomato slice. Also looks delicioius and and elegant dinner party item!
I can see why this is your favorite side dish: simple but with interesting flavor that would go nicely with the asparagus. Hopefully I can get my husband to grill it when I got to make it… (he’s the griller in the family)
Asparagus is my favorite! Love that lemon butter!
Asparagus is my favorite spring vegetable too! And this looks great. I need to get myself one of those green eggs!
So do you absolutely love your big green egg!? I don’t think we have stopped grilling since we got one! Anyway, I’m obsessed with this asparagus, but that lemon butter is the icing on top! Love it!
I love having go to dishes like this! Especially in the summer or when you don’t feel like planning out a menu they are so handy! And how could you not love veggies coated in lemon and butter goodness?!